Students With French SAT II, AP, or IB Exam Scores

Many students enter Penn having already satisfied the language requirement, either via the SAT II or with an appropriate score on the AP or IB Higher Level examinations. It is important to make sure that an official record of your scores has been sent to Penn and that they are posted to your record. Nonetheless, it is a good idea to bring an official copy of your scores to Penn.

Placement via the SAT II

• If your SAT II score is 650 or above, you have fulfilled your language requirement in French and may enroll in FREN 1000.

• If your score is between 600 and 640, you qualify to take an oral exam to be exempt from the language requirement. The oral exam is offered during the first week of a semester only. Please sign up for the exam with the Undergraduate Coordinator.

• If your score is less than 600, you may use your SAT II score for placement at the 0100-0400 level. Consult the SAT II Placement Scale. 

Placement via the AP examinations

• Students who have received a score of 3 or below on the AP French language examination will need to complete the online (computerized) placement exam to determine the appropriate course level.

• Students who have received a score of 4 on the AP French examination and who wish to continue in French should enroll in FREN 1000. They receive no credit, but have satisfied the language requirement.

• Students who have received a score of 5 on the AP French language examination will receive credit for FREN 1000. If they wish to continue in French, they may enroll in FREN 1212 or FREN 1214. If they are interested in other 1000-level courses, they should consult with the Undergraduate Chair.

Placement via the IB examinations

• Students who have taken the Standard Level IB examinations can not use their score for placement purposes and will need to complete the online (computerized) placement exam to determine the appropriate course level.

• Students who have received a score of 6 or 7 on the IB Higher Level B exam, or 5 on the IB Higher Level A exam will receive credit for FREN 1000. If they wish to continue in French, they may enroll in FREN 1212 or FREN 1214.

• Students who have received a score of 6 or 7 on the IB Higher Level A exam will receive credit for FREN 1212. If they wish to continue in French, they may enroll in FREN 1214 or consult the Undergraduate Chair about other 1000-level courses.

 

Please see the College's policy on External Exam Credit.

Do not hesitate to seek further advice by contacting the Director of the French Language Program or the Undergraduate Chair in French.