French and Francophone StudiesStudents entering Wharton in 2017 or later fulfill the foreign language requirement by completing two semesters of beginning language (FREN 0100 and FREN 0200/0210) or by demonstrating that they have achieved an equivalent level. Wharton's general language requirement policy can be reviewed here.
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 (see below). 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.
Wharton students who have not fulfilled the language requirement with an external exam score must sit for the departmental exam offered during NSO and a few other times throughout the year. Please see the NSO Exam Schedule in late August for dates, times, and registration information. Contact the Undergraduate Coordinator if NSO has finished.
Wharton students can fulfill their language requirement in French in one of the following ways:
Placement via the SAT II
| Score | Placement |
|---|---|
|
below 380 |
|
|
380-440 |
|
|
450-540 |
Fulfills Wharton language requirement and places students into FREN 0300 |
|
550-640 |
Fulfills Wharton language requirement and places students into French 0400- Intermediate French II |
|
650 and above |
Fulfills Wharton language requirement and places students into French 1000 or other 1000 level French course |
Placement via the AP examinations
| Score | Placement |
|---|---|
|
AP score of 1 |
|
|
AP score of 2 |
|
|
AP score of 3 |
|
|
AP score of 4 |
|
|
AP score of 5 |
|
Placement via the IB examinations
| Score | Placement |
|---|---|
|
Standard Level IB examinations |
|
|
6 or 7 on the IB Higher Level B examination |
|
|
5 on the IB Higher Level A examination |
|
|
6 or 7 on the IB Higher Level A examination |
|
Placement via Penn's Written Departmental examination
- Wharton students who do not have qualifying SAT II, AP, and/or IB Higher Level exams in French, but have previous knowledge of French must take the written departmental exam. This is a 60-minute, paper-and-pencil multiple-choice exam taken in-person at Penn during NSO and a few times throughout the year. This is not the online test.
- Please see the most recent schedule for dates, times, and registration information.
- Wharton students who receive a qualifying score of 450 or above on the in person departmental placement exam at the beginning of the semester will fulfill their language requirement.
- If you missed the NSO exam period or are a transfer student, please email the Undergraduate Coordinator to inquire about make-up exams.
The following table shows scores and placement levels for the Wharton departmental placement exam in French.
| Score | Placement |
|---|---|
|
below 380 |
French 0100: Elementary French I |
| 380-440 | French 0200: Elementary French II |
| 450-540 | Fulfills Wharton language requirement and places students into French 0300: Intermediate French I. |
| 550-640 | Fulfills Wharton language requirement and places students into French 0400: Intermediate French II |
| 650 and above | Fulfills Wharton language requirement and places students into French 1000 or other 1000-level French courses |
Continuing with French after Fulfilling the Wharton Language Requirement
After successfully completing the language requirement by either completing or placing out of French 0100 and French 0200, Wharton students are encouraged to continue their study of French. The French & Francophone Studies department offers courses, certifications, and experiences that allow students to gain advanced knowledge of the language that can be beneficial for personal and professional advancement.
- French 0340: Accelerated Intermediate French (2 c.u.)
- Penn Summer in Tours Program
- Study Abroad Options
- French Language Certificate
- French for Business Courses
- FREN 3220 - France & the European Union
- Paris Chamber of Commerce