At the University of Puget Sound, all students are required before graduation to demonstrate college-level knowledge of a language other than English, either classical or modern. Students can satisfy this requirement in one of the following ways:
- By achieving a score of 4 or 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement examination, or a score of 5, 6, or 7 on an International Baccalaureate Higher Level language exam;
- By completing two semesters of a single language at the 101-102 college level, or one semester at the 200 level or above, with a passing grade;
- By passing a proficiency exam in Chinese, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Latin, or Spanish, or in a language not taught at Puget Sound. This examination does not confer credit. Students who desire such testing can register online. Questions about proficiency tested can be directed to the Center for Writing and Learning.
- Native speakers of a language other than English may fulfill the requirement by providing proof of proficiency in that language, such as graduation from a high school outside of the United States or completion of a proficiency exam;
- Students with a documented learning disability which affects the ability to process language may petition the Academic Standards Committee for alternative arrangements for Foreign Language Substitution courses which meet the Puget Sound language requirement. Your petition must include recent documentation from a qualified learning disabilities specialist showing evidence of this language-specific disability.
These tests are not for placement purposes nor do they fulfill departmental language requirements. If you are unsure which language class you should take, please contact your advisor.
The proficiency tests are intended for students with three years or more of high-school language instruction.
Students will be informed of test results via email, as will their advisor and the Registrar's Office. One complete retake of all language assessments is permitted.