Placement Exam
Having a language placement score on record will guide you as you design your BGSU academic journey, regardless of your current major. The results will place you in the appropriate level for the best chance of success. There are world language requirements that depend on your college and/or major. If you change your major/college, or declare a minor, you may need a placement score in the future.
In today’s diverse society, bilingual skills are important.
Expand your World, Learn a Language!
Newly admitted students majoring in programs with a foreign language requirement or who plan to study foreign language should complete the foreign language placement exam prior to their initial advising appointment. Returning students who have not taken a language placement test but who wish to study a foreign language should also complete the placement exam. The online foreign language placement test (Emmersion– Chinese, French, German, Italian, Russian or Spanish) can be taken on any mobile device, tablet, laptop, computer, etc. The exam will only take between 5-20 minutes of your time, depending on your skill level. Placement cutoff scores are advisory, as all students should consult with an academic advisor or World Languages and Cultures faculty prior to self-enrolling in their first language course at Bowling Green State University.
Once you click on a Placement Exam link below, you will be taken to the Emmersion Registration Page. You MUST use your @bgsu.edu email address and accurately enter your 10-digit BGSU ID#. All information must be completed and the "agree" checkbox marked before creating your account.
Important: Please make sure you enter your BGSU Student ID Number and your valid @bgsu.edu email address correctly! We may be unable to receive your test score if the entered information is incorrect!
Select a language button below to be taken to the Placement Exam.
Have your BGSU Student ID number and @bgsu.edu email address ready.
| Chinese | French |
German | Italian |
Russian | Spanish | |
| 1010 | 0-130 | 0-159 | 0-120 | 0-199 | 0-149 | 0-130 |
| 1020 | 131-190 | 160-239 | 121-200 | 200-399 | 150-220 | 131-190 |
| 2010 | 191-260 | 240-289 | 201-299 | 400-599 | 221-269 | 191-260 |
| 2020 | 261-399 | 290-399 | 300-399 | 600-800 | 270-399 | 261-399 |
| 2120 | 261-399 |
Finished your College Foreign Language Requirements? Congratulations! You're well on your way to fluency in a foreign language -- a marketable skill that sets you apart in today's global economy. Consider a major, minor, study abroad, or even a double major.
All students will take a placement test that will help determine the appropriate level to begin or continue language study.
For specific questions regarding your placement score, please consult directly with the advisor listed below. For students who place above the 2020 level, or have questions about a language, please contact the advisor listed below. Please note, this exam will not be used to award you credit for courses, but rather is a guiding resource to help you select the class that will best meet your linguistic proficiency needs.
- Chinese: Dr. Min Yang ymin@bgsu.edu
- French: Dr. Deborah Schocket dschock@bgsu.edu
- German: Dr. Kristie Foell foell@bgsu.edu
- Italian: Dr. Carlo Celli celli@bgsu.edu
- Japanese: Dr. Ryoko Okamura oryoko@bgsu.edu
- Russian: Dr. Timothy Pogacar pogocar@bgsu.edu
- Spanish: Dr. Francisco Cabanillas fcabani@bgsu.edu
For those students wishing to enroll in a language not included in the list above, please contact the Department of World Languages and Cultures.
College Requirements
Foreign Language requirements vary among colleges. Please contact your college advisor before enrolling in your first language course at BGSU. All students will take a placement test that will help determine the appropriate level to begin or continue language study.
Completing Your College Foreign Language Requirement
On Campus: You may complete your foreign language requirement on campus through the traditional 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020 sequence.
Study Abroad: Intensive study abroad language immersions options are available for students studying French, Italian, or Spanish. Through these options you may be able to complete your foreign language requirement in as little as one semester while living abroad. Many forms of student financial aid including university scholarships may apply.
The Culture “Capstone”: Students of French or Spanish may choose to complete their foreign language requirement through a cultural readings course, FREN 2120 or SPAN 2120, in place of FREN 2020 or SPAN 2020. The 2120 courses allow students to learn and discuss the history and culture of French or Spanish societies. Readings are in the target language while class discussion, papers, presentations, and exams are in English.
Latin: Students with two years of high school Latin may choose between Latin 2010/2020 and CLCV 2410/2420 to complete their College requirement.
Native or Heritage Speakers: Students with foreign language experience through home life or foreign residence should consult the undergraduate advisors for the language in question for appropriate course selection, including earning Credit by Examination.
FOR MAJORS AND MINORS:
A student who is ready for 3000-level courses normally should begin with a conversation/composition course (preferably SPAN 3510 or FREN 3560, 3570, or 3580), and should consult with the appropriate advisor within the Department.
A student planning to begin any language at the 1000 level should be encouraged to do so at the earliest possible time, in order to be able to complete the major or minor sequences in four years.
Advanced Placement
The Advanced Placement Program is a service that enables qualified entering students to earn credit for college level courses taken in high school, based upon the scores achieved in high school and scored by the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). The results must then be forwarded to BGSU for credit determination.
Depending on credit determination, students may be exempted from certain University courses. Students granted exemption may begin studying at higher levels, pursue a minor or second major or even graduate early. Students earning a total of 30 credits through Advanced Placement are automatically granted sophomore standing.
Advanced Placement in French, Latin or Spanish Language
Score of 5: Advanced Placement in French, Latin or Spanish Language
Three hours of credit for French, Latin or Spanish 2020; possible credit for French 3560, Latin or Spanish 3510 based on essay review and student conference with the departmental undergraduate advisor.
Score of 4:
Three hours of credit for French, Latin or Spanish 2020.
French and Spanish Literature Exam
Score of 5:
Three hours of credit for French or Spanish 2020; possible credit for a 3000 level literature course based on essay review and student conference with the departmental undergraduate advisor.
Updated: 02/20/2024 03:45PM