Students take placement exams to get access to higher-level courses, or to receive the transcript notation and language waivers they need for degree requirements or PBK nomination. Specific instructions for placement exams are below.
Placement Exam Instructions
Math
The Department of Mathematics requires every every incoming student to complete the math placement process. Learn more about the math placement process on the Department of Mathematics website.
Music
Private instruction in voice, piano, and orchestral instruments is offered on a space-available basis at the Peabody Conservatory and Preparatory. For additional information about these options and to register for an audition, please visit the Peabody at Homewood Music Minor website.
Languages
Check the transcript notation section for language waiver information.
| Language | Placement Exam |
|---|---|
| Arabic | Contact Sana Jafire |
| Chinese | Chinese Exam instructions |
| French | French Exam instructions |
| German | German Exam instructions |
| Biblical Hebrew | If you have had previous work in Biblical Hebrew, contact Dr. Ted Lewis or Dr. Alice Mandell |
| Hindi | Contact Sonja Wandelt |
| Italian | Italian Exam instructions |
| Japanese | Contact Makiko Nakao |
| Korean | Contact Dr. Soo Yun Kim |
| Latin | Register for the course you think is most appropriate. Go to class on the first day for more placement information. Contact Professor Joshua Smith with questions. |
| Modern Hebrew | Modern Hebrew Exam Instructions |
| Portuguese | Portuguese Program website |
| Russian | Contact Victoria Juharyan |
| Spanish | Spanish Exam Instructions |
Chemistry
For many science, engineering, and pre-med students, selecting a chemistry course in the fall semester can be a difficult decision. These flow charts may be helpful in selecting the appropriate course for your first year. If you do not yet have your AP/IB test score, make your best guess.
Additional chemistry information:
- Students who received a score of 4 and who accept their AP credits may not take AS.030.102 and AS.030.106. No exceptions.
- Students who received a score of 5 and who accept all or half of their AP credits (or IB credits) may not take AS.030.102 and AS.030.106. No exceptions.
- AS.030.101 and AS.030.105 are only offered in the fall semester, they are NOT offered in spring.
- AS.030.102, and AS.030.106 are only offered in the spring semester, they are NOT offered in the fall.
- AS.030.103 is offered in the fall semester only.
- Students who take Organic Chemistry in their freshmen year may take AS.030.227 as a freshman in fall or spring semester, but they may not take AS.030.225 in their freshmen year (though they can take it sophomore year). Freshmen strongly considering the Chemistry major and taking Organic Chemistry their first year are encouraged to take AS.030.227 in fall semester so they can take AS.030.228 in spring semester.
Foreign Language Transcript Notations
Following completion of a foreign language placement exam, students who wish to have their official foreign language waiver noted on their transcript and on their degree audit should follow the steps listed below, especially if they have no intention of pursuing further study in that language at JHU. Language waivers do not qualify for course credit.
For Arabic, Biblical Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Latin, or Russian
- First, follow the instructions on the Languages section above.
- Second, you must ask the language program director to send a request to the Registrar’s Office to have the waiver noted on your transcript. This step is required if you plan to use this exam result to satisfy a major or minor requirement for foreign language. Keep in mind that language waivers do not qualify for course credit.
For Chinese, French, German, Italian, Modern Hebrew, or Portuguese
- First, take the online placement exam. Links to the online exams are available on the Languages section above.
- Second, contact the language program director to have your exam results evaluated. Language program directors are generally listed on the languages tab.
- Third, you must ask the language program director to send a request to the Registrar’s Office to have the waiver noted on your transcript. This step is required if you plan to use this exam result to satisfy a major or minor requirement for foreign language. Keep in mind that language waivers do not qualify for course credit.
For Spanish
- First, request an appointment with the Spanish Language Program Director Loreto Sanchez to take an exam proctored for the purpose of waiving requirements only.
- Second, take the online exam, the link for which is available under the Languages section above.
- Third, the proctor will contact the language Program Director to have your exam results evaluated.
- Fourth, the Spanish Language Program Director will send a request to the Registrar’s Office to have the waiver noted on your transcript. This step is required if you plan to use the exam results to satisfy a major or minor requirement for a foreign language. Keep in mind that language waivers do not qualify for course credit.
Placement exam scores do not qualify for course credit.