French Placement Test
Upon arrival at William & Mary most students should take a placement test to assess their French language skills. This placement test does not count for a grade and no academic credits are awarded, but it ensures that everyone enrolls in a course appropriate to their level (regardless of the number of years of language study in high school). For important information, as well as a link to the test itself, click on "Where do I start?" Note: the link to the test appears about half way down this page.
Who does not need to take the test?
Absolute beginners are not required to take the test. They may simply enroll in FREN 101.
The test is similarly unnecessary for anyone who has fulfilled the Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement and who does not plan on continuing their study of this language and culture.
Students arriving with transfer credits for FREN 206 or higher (often thanks to high AP/ IB scores).
Recommendations for students arriving with transfer credits for FREN 206 or higher:
Students who have received transfer credit for FREN 206 may enroll directly in FREN 210 or FREN 212.
Students who have received transfer credit for FREN 210 may enroll in FREN 212 or FREN 305. They might also consider FREN 100 (a COLL 100 course) and/or FREN 150 (a COLL 150 course). Both of these COLL courses are often offered in French.
Questions about placement?
This video has more information.
For questions about placement, or if you wish to appeal your French placement test result, contact the French Placement Coordinator Prof. Magali Compan.
