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Second Language Proficiency Requirement

So you want to fulfill your foreign language requirement…


Feeling lost about how to complete your foreign language requirement? Ready to jump into advanced coursework with a prior language?

For language-learners of all levels, we’re here to help you understand what fulfills the requirement and choose the right course for you. Below are the languages Macalester offers: click on each block to learn more about its course sequencing and departmental registration requirements.

Languages Offered @ Mac

For course-specific questions, contact the registrar at [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I am already fluent in a language other than English, do I already meet the requirement?

    Potentially! If you are fluent in a language other than English above the Intermediate Level, fill out this form to discuss how your proficiency may meet your requirement. If you have AP and/or IB scores, you do not need to fill out the form; the requirement will be complete as soon as the Registrar receives your scores.

    Proficiency Applications are reviewed twice per year: June 15-September 15 and December-January.

    Instances which could facilitate a waived requirement include:
    • living in another country and attending school in a language other than English (transcript required)
    • All new international students are automatically reviewed prior to first year registration– review your DegreeWorks and if you meet the requirements, there will be a note about your proficiency. 
    • being a heritage speaker (must have Intermediate Level reading and writing skills)
    • earning Gold or Platinum Bilingual Seal through state program (transcript / certificate required) AAPPL Assessment Scoring should be in the range of I4-A1 to equate the high Intermediate level.
    • obtaining a score of 5 on the AP Language exam (Chinese, German, or Japanese)
    • obtaining a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Language exam (French or Spanish)
    • obtaining a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Literature exam (Spanish)
    • obtaining a score of 7 on the IB HL Language exam (Chinese or Japanese)
  • What if I want to study a language not offered at Macalester?

    As part of the ACTC Consortium, Macalester students are able to enroll in courses at participating institutions (Macalester College, University of St. Thomas, St. Catherine University, Hamline University, and Augsburg University). For more information, click here. Macalester also partners with the University of Minnesota to allow students to take many of their language courses. You will need to work with The Registrar to gain prior approval before registering.
  • If I take an accelerated language course, will I complete the requirement in two semesters instead of four?

    Yes, if you begin with an accelerated language course (FREN 111, GERM 110, PORT 111, or SPAN 110), you will be able to complete the Intermediate Level requirement in two semesters by taking two consecutive accelerated courses. Note: this is only available for French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish.
  • How do I take the placement test?

    Placement tests are linked below. Your Macalester Login is required to view the pages. If you are still unable to view the pages, please reach out to [email protected] for the direct link. 
    We recommend incoming first-year students take the exam in June or July in order to be able to register for their proper course level. For current students, you can review our How-To Guide for the link and instructions to take the placement test. 

    *Placement tests are accurate assessments of your current level and should not be taken more than once in your time at Macalester.

LINKS