Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the
UW-Platteville Foreign Language Policy
1. Are the tests required?
No. Students are encouraged to take the placement test before registering for their first semester at UW-Platteville, but the tests are not a requirement for enrolling in language courses at this campus.
2. Are the placement decisions binding?
No. The placement scores are only advisory. Students are encouraged to contact the appropriate foreign language faculty member if they have any questions about their placement decision.
3. Do students receive credit for taking the test?
No. The tests are for placement only. Students may receive retroactive college credit for their high school foreign language studies. In order to earn retroactive credit, a student must enroll in a second-semester course or higher, and must earn a grade of "A" or "B" in that course. A student will then receive, in addition to credit for the course completed, retroactive credits for the course or courses skipped at the 1000 or 2000 levels. Students ordinarily earn a maximum of eight retroactive credits. However, students with high proficiency may earn more retroactive credit as determined by the department.
4. What is the policy on AP scores?
A score of 3, 4 or 5 on an AP test gives a students 8, 12 or 16 credits respectively.
5. If a student took an AP test in French, German or Spanish, should s/he still take the placement test?
Yes. Typically, AP scores do not come to UW-Platteville until the middle of the summer. Students should take the placement test and be prepared to register for the course indicated by their final score on the exam. If the AP score is 3 or better and indicates a higher placement, the AP score takes precedence. If the AP score is 1 or 2, the placement test score determines placement.
6. How do I get additional information about placement testing at UW-Platteville?
Contact: Helen Reynolds
Advising and Career Exploration Services
136 Warner Hall
Platteville, WI 53818-3099
(608) 342-1906
reynoldsh@uwplatt.eduor
Sue Vavricka
Department of Humanities/Foreign Languages
228 Warner
UW-Platteville
Platteville WI 53818
(608) 342-1171
vavricka@uwplatt.edu