The Department of Modern and Classical Languages offers language placement tests in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Russian, and Spanish. The department administers tests to determine placement into the most appropriate course. Students who have prior experience with a foreign language and plan to take further courses in that language at George Mason need to take the test before registering.

Tests are free, they do not require advance registration, and are administered in the Modern and Classical Languages Lab in Aquia 336. If you wish to take the Japanese test, Italian test or Latin Test, please call the department at (703)993-1220 to get more information.

Important Message

It is very important that you take the placement exam PRIOR to the first day of classes in a new semester! 

 

Placement exam hours for Summer Semester 2013:

Wednesdays 12:15pm - 1:30pm (Come in between those times)

 

About the Placement Test

Most of the tests are multiple-choice tests covering listening comprehension and reading. Students can only take the test once per language.

• The test determines readiness for 110, 115, 210, 250 or 300-level in any of the languages offered. The test in Latin determines placement in the sequence 101, 102, 201, 202.
• Students who place into 110, 115, or 210 (or 202 for Latin) do not receive credit.
• Students who place into 250 or 300-level in any of the languages receive a waiver of the foreign language requirement.
• Students who place out of 250 (and into the 300-level) are awarded 3 credits for 250.

Using SAT, AP, or IB Scores to Determine Placement

Students who submit scores on the College Board Achievement (SAT II), Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaurate (IB) with their application to George Mason may use those scores to determine placement. See Academic Credit by Exam (below) for details. Students may not take tests and use them for placement or credit after matriculation at George Mason.

The Foreign Language Requirement

Students pursuing a BA degree in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Science must demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency in one foreign language. (Details below.) Students who have prior experience with a foreign language and seek a waiver of the foreign language requirement should take the placement test to demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency. They will be granted a waiver of the foreign language requirement if their test score places them beyond a course numbered 210 (202 for Latin). Students who are granted a waiver for proficiency at this level do not receive credit.

Other Ways to Get a Waiver of the Foreign Language Requirement

Students may be eligible for a waiver of the foreign language requirement if they can demonstrate language proficiency through documentation of previous language experience, including a qualifying TOEFL score with their application to George Mason. See Waiver of the Foreign Language Requirement (below) for more information. Students who are granted a waiver do not receive credit. Students should address questions about waivers of the foreign language requirement to the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs.