Spanish Language Placement
Who does NOT need to take the Spanish placement test?- Students with an AP 3, 4 or 5 in either the Language and Culture or the Literature and Culture AP exams.
- Students who attended high school where the primary language of instruction was Spanish. International students from Spanish speaking countries fall under this category. Such students should petition for a review of their educational records to the Weinberg Office of Undergraduate Studies and Advising using this form.
Who DOES need to take the Spanish placement test?
- All students who enter Northwestern without an AP of 3, 4, or 5.
- Students with zero Spanish knowledge.
- Students with any high school Spanish that did not result in an AP of 3, 4, or 5.
- All transfer students without an AP of 3, 4, or 5.
- Heritage students without an AP of 3, 4, or 5 (who have prior exposure to Spanish at home or elsewhere (e.g., living in a Spanish speaking country)).
- Students who have earned any Seals of Biliteracy.
For students who do not complete the online test by July 31, there is no guarantee that they will get the placement result in time for class registration in September.
To place out of the language requirement:
You are required to complete a validation session in addition to the placement test. This session involves a scheduled Zoom meeeting with professors from the Spanish Language Program. Moreover, if cheating is suspected during the Spanish placement test or validation, you will be contacted for an additional interview.
If you have never studied Spanish before or have had two years or less of high school Spanish:
You may take Spanish 101-1 (offered only in Fall Quarter).
Spanish placement test results are valid for 1.5 years.
If you have any questions, please contact Elisa Baena.