Language Placement Exams

Important Information & Hints For Language Placement in RLL

 

  • To place out of the Harvard Language Requirement with a Romance language, you must take a follow-up test, the Harvard Verification Exam.  Keep an eye out for a follow-up email after you take the initial placement exam.
  • If you are even considering taking courses at Harvard in French, Italian, Portuguese, or Spanishdo take the placement exam.  It will be crucial in assessing what level course you should take and will save a lot of time when you choose your courses.
  • Register for the highest level course recommended for you.  Note that the 70s-100s may be taken in any order, and that 70s and 80s are reserved for undergraduates.
  • Do not register for a course lower than the level suggested for you, even you feel unprepared or rusty.  (Many, many students feel this way.)  Attend the recommended level for a week.  If you really think you need to after that, talk with your instructor.

The General Placement Exams website has helpful information on all placement exams.

Email the placement exams help desk for any questions concerning winter placement testing.

The student handbook has information on the Harvard College Language Requirement.

See the Placement Guidelines for Romance Languages PDF.