Placement Tests
Language Placement Tests: The distinct language departments at Bates have different approaches to language placement given a student’s previous experience with the language. For more information regarding language instruction and at what level a student might begin their language study at Bates, please click on the relevant links listed below:
- Chinese: https://www.bates.edu/asian/chinese-placement/
- French: https://www.bates.edu/french-francophone-studies/academics/placement-form/
- German: https://www.bates.edu/german-russian/academics/german/language-placement/
- Japanese: https://www.bates.edu/asian/academics/japanese/japanese-placement/
- Russian: https://www.bates.edu/german-russian/russian-language-placement/
- Spanish: https://www.bates.edu/hispanic-studies/placement-exam/
- Latin and ancient Greek (through Classical and Medieval Studies): There are no placement tests for Latin or ancient Greek. Students with backgrounds in ancient Greek and Latin may consult with faculty to determine their course level for enrollment. Those who have taken only one year of College-level ancient Greek or Latin courses at Bates or another institution should register for 200-level courses. All other students may register for 300-level courses. Advanced Placement examination scores of four or five in Latin may be used toward the College’s graduation requirements and to help place students in Latin courses, but may not count toward the major,minor, or General Education Concentration requirements.
Math Placement Tests: The first math course a student takes depends on their background. In most cases, it will be MATH 105 (Calculus I), 106 (Calculus II), 205 (Linear Algebra), or 206 (Multivariable Calculus). If a student has AP, IB, or A-level credit for just MATH 105 (Calculus I), sign up for MATH 106 (Calculus II) or beyond. If a student also has AP, IB, or A-level credit for MATH 106 (Calculus II), sign up for MATH 205 (Linear Algebra) or MATH 206 (Multivariable Calculus). Even if a student does not have official credit, if they have a strong background in Calculus, we urge them to sign up for the next level after what they have completed. Successful completion of MATH 106 (Calculus II) fulfills any Bates requirements for MATH 105 (Calculus I). Successful completion of MATH 206 fulfills any Bates requirements for both MATH 105 (Calculus I) and MATH 106 (Calculus II). This includes the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Please take the non-binding, anonymous math placement exam to further assess which course best suits you. If you have further questions and would like to contact someone, please consult Mathematics Department Contacts.
Chemistry Placement: First-year students who want to take chemistry in their first semester should register for Chem 107 (any section.) Those students with AP/IB/A-level credit in Chemistry that might be equivalent to Chem 107 or Chem 108 should consult Selecting Your First Chemistry Course.