Who Should Take this Test?
At Anderson University, most students want to continue to study a foreign language. Therefore, the department of Modern Languages & Cultures uses a placement exam to determine the initial language course for students. Current students, transfer students and incoming freshmen who have previously studied French or Spanish must take our online placement test in that language. Placement tests are mandatory for any student who intends to continue in a language previously studied. Placement exams for other languages, such as Portuguese, may be completed in consultation with the Department of Modern Languages & Cultures if needed. There is no need to take a placement test in a language you have not studied before or do not speak at home.
Native speakers of a language other than English are not normally allowed to earn credit for the first two years of college credits in their native language. They may be allowed to earn credit at the third year and beyond; ultimately, however, the language department has the right to place the student at the appropriate level.
How to Receive a Placement Test Link
For instructions and your individual test link, please e-mail Professor Ruiz Martin (sruizmartin@andersonuniversity.edu). In your e-mail, specify whether you’ll take the Spanish or French placement exam.
Understanding What a Language Placement Test Does
The purpose of Anderson University’s computer adaptive language placement exam is to provide individualized testing, identifying the student’s ability level with combinations of grammar, reading, and vocabulary questions. In order to achieve the most appropriate placement consistent with the student’s language level, students are expected to complete the placement examination to the best of their ability, without the use of textbooks, dictionaries, or any other type of assistance.
The placement exam should only be taken once, though you may be asked to repeat the exam if the results are inconclusive.
Understanding Test Scores
Placement into foreign language classes is based upon Anderson University’s placement exam test scores, previous experience with the language and, in some cases, individual consultation with foreign language faculty.
The Department of Modern Languages & Cultures will review the results of the placement examination in conjunction with other information, such as number of years that the language was studied, heritage, grades earned, etc. The department reserves the right to change the student’s placement in a course if it believes the student has not been placed at the appropriate level, or in the most appropriate course based on the student’s exposure to the language.
Students who believe the’ve been misplaced on the basis of the placement test should contact Liz Butler in Watkins 121 (rbutler@andersonuniversity.edu). Such a determination will be made after a more detailed evaluation of speaking, listening, reading and writing proficiency, which will be conducted by a foreign language faculty member.
Important Note: You may not place yourself into a course lower than where you tested without permission of the Department of Modern Languages & Cultures. If you do and attend the incorrect class, you may not receive credit for the course.
It can take up to 48 hours for your name to be added to Self Service at the appropriate language level, so make sure you take the test in plenty of time before you are scheduled to register. You will be notified of your placement by e-mail.
If you have technical difficulties please contact: