Placement Examinations
Foreign Languages
Students who have studied a foreign language in high school are encouraged to use that knowledge at Augustana. They may apply it toward meeting the graduation requirement in foreign language and may qualify for enrollment in advanced courses. Foreign students for whom English is not the native language satisfy the requirement by successfully completing one 3-credit course in American or British literature.
Students with any previous experience in a language offered at Augustana (Chinese, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Latin, Spanish, Swedish) — whether in high school or in a non-academic context — must take a placement test before registering. The foreign language departments conduct online placement tests prior to registration. These departments and the students’ faculty advisors then continue to provide academic advising in language study as needed.
Chemistry
First-year students who have had two years of chemistry in high school may be advised — based on a placement test — to enroll in chemistry 122, bypassing chemistry 121. The online chemistry placement test must be taken prior to registration during Summer Connection; results are used to determine appropriate course placement. For more information, contact the chair of the chemistry department.
Mathematics
Students who will be enrolling in a college mathematics course take a placement test to aid in selecting the appropriate first course. Students with fewer than four years of high school math are directed to pre-calculus mathematics. Students with four or more years of high school math are directed to pre-calculus mathematics or calculus I. Students with four years of high school math, including a full year of calculus with a B average or better, are strongly encouraged to enroll in calculus II or discrete mathematics.
