Language Placement
Inquiries about French and Francophone Studies
For inquiries about our French and Francophone Studies program, please feel free to email Prof. Juliette Rogers at [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Which French Class should I enroll in?
If you have never taken a French class, you should enroll in French 101. If you have taken French classes in High School or elsewhere you need to take the online placement (WebCape) exam.
How do I take the online (WebCape) placement exam?
WE REQUIRE THAT YOU TAKE THIS TEST CLOSED-BOOK, WITH NO ASSISTANCE FROM OTHERS.
To take the online test follow these steps:
- On the web, go to https://app.emmersion.ai/link/474805022c. (Chrome works best for the browser.) Enter your name, email address, ID# and create a password. Then click “Create Account”.
- Once you create an account, you will be re-directed to a screen asking you to sign in. Enter your email address and the password you just created. Then click “Sign In”.
- Select the appropriate language.
- Follow the instructions on screen.
The test takes approximately 15-20 minutes. At the end of the test you will be shown your score and the appropriate course placement. Or refer to the tables below to determine which language course to register for.
Find the range of scores that contains the score you received in the left-hand column. Go across the row to the right hand column that lists the appropriate course to register for.
What do I do with the online (WebCape) score?
See table below for course placement.
Placement test scores are as follows:
| WebCape Score | Course # |
| 0-300 | 101 |
| 301-369 | 102 |
| 370-459 | 203 |
| 460-550 | 204 |
| Over 550 | Consult department |
Can my previous course work fulfill the language requirement?
Yes, if you completed the AP exam in French with a score of 4 or 5. Students with IB credit or diploma from a lycée français should contact the department chair.
I am interested in taking the French Proficiency Exam to test out of the language requirement. What should I do?
In order to test out of Macalester’s foreign language requirement you must take the AP French exam and score a 4 or 5. You cannot “test out” of the school’s language requirement with the online (WebCape) placement exam. The online (WebCape) exam is only to help you figure out which class would best suit your ability.
I am interested in study abroad programs to immerse myself in the culture(s) of the French and Francophone speaking world. What programs does Macalester offer? Which ones does the Department of French and Francophone Studies recommend?
Please see our study abroad programs.