Department of Foreign Languages
Department of Foreign Languages
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Placement in Foreign Languages at WMU
All students who wish to continue at Western Michigan University the study of a foreign language they began in high school or that they learned some other way need to take the WebCape Online Placement Exam. This online exam is available in French, German and Spanish. You should take the online placement exam before coming to Orientation so that you will know the foreign language class in which to register.
The WebCape Online Placement Exam cannot be used to satisfy any foreign language requirement nor are any credits awarded on the basis of the online exam. Thus, accepting help of any kind, for instance consulting a dictionary or another person, would not prove helpful in the end. Instead, such assistance could result in a course placement beyond your level of readiness.
Students with previous experience in French, German, Latin or Spanish may choose to take another examination also, the Monitored Test-out Exam, a qualifying exam to exempt students from the specific language requirements of many WMU programs. This monitored test-out exam can be taken only once and can only be taken before beginning your first class in that language at WMU. Although some requirements may be fulfilled with the monitored test-out exam, no credit is awarded. See below for the dates and times of upcoming test-out exams in French, German, Latin, and Spanish.
- Description of the Online Placement Exam
- How to Access and Take the Online Placement Exam
- Testing in Other Languages
- Better Now Than Later
- Retroactive Credits
Description of the Online Placement Exam
The Online Placement Exam is designed to help you determine the first course you should take, based on your ability. This multiple-choice exam presents questions of different ability levels, adapting the next question's level according to your answers. The number of questions you will be required to complete depends upon your ability to use the language. The duration of the test varies, but it usually takes 15-20 minutes to finish.
How to Access and Take the Online Placement Exam
First, go to the Western Michigan University homepage http://www.wmich.edu. Click on the GoWMU icon, then enter your Bronco ID and password. If you do not know your ID and password, a help link is available. Once inside the GoWMU portal select the Student Services tab found on the top of your screen and locate the "Steps to Registration" box. Click on the placement examination link to open the online exam. Your WIN (Western Identification Number) will be needed to begin the test.
When the online placement exam is complete, it indicates to you an overall score and the corresponding WMU course in which you should register. Print out or make note of your exam results for use in registering later. If you have questions about your placement, contact the appropriate department:
| Department of Foreign Languages | 410 Sprau | 269 387-3001 | tammy.betz@wmich.edu |
| Department of Spanish | 420 Sprau | 269 387-3023 | spanish@wmich.edu |
Testing in Other Languages
For placement tests in languages other than German, French and Spanish, and for monitored test-out exams in languages other than German, French, Latin, and Spanish, students should contact the Department of Foreign Languages (269 387-3001).
Better Now Than Later
Now is the best time to take the online placement exam and to enroll in a foreign language class. If you postpone your language studies, even for one semester, you may find the recommended class to be difficult.
Retroactive Credits
Some students may be eligible to receive retroactive credits for language skills acquired before entering WMU. For information please consult the appropriate department office.
