Placement Exams

The Department of Asian Languages and Cultures schedules placement tests each year.

Chinese Placement Exam

All students who have had any previous exposure to Chinese are required to take a placement exam. The exam is a diagnostic exam designed to place students in language classes that are neither too easy nor too hard. The Chinese language placement exam has two parts, both of which are required for accurate placement: The online exam can be taken at any time; it assesses reading comprehension and grammar. The in-person exam, which will take place shortly before the start of the fall semester, assesses speaking and writing.

We understand that students need to create their schedules in the early summer months. To help assess what level class is most appropriate for you, please take the online placement exam and review this information about our curriculum. When you arrive on campus in the fall, you will take the in-person exam to confirm your language level placement.

Japanese Placement Exam

All students who have had any previous exposure to Japanese are required to take a placement exam. The exam is a diagnostic exam designed to place students in language classes that are neither too easy nor too hard. This year’s exam will take place over Zoom on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 4:00pm – 6:00pm CDT. To sign-up, please fill out this Google Form by August 18^th. Those who have signed up will hear back from the department with logistical specifics about the exam. Email alc-chair@macalester.edu with any questions.

We understand, however, that students need to create their schedules in the early summer months. Thus, until a final determination can be made through the placement exam, please use the information in these placement exam guidelines to help predict which Japanese course will be most appropriate for your level of Japanese.