Placement tests and auditions are scheduled over an extended period of time so that you may take more than one. Placement tests are important if you intend to continue in any of these areas at any time over the next four years. They are designed to determine the right course level for you, so that your courses are challenging and engaging for you, but not too easy or too difficult based on your prior experience in the field. You are not expected to study or prepare for placement tests. All levels of ability are encouraged to participate. If you miss a session or have a conflict, please contact the department representative listed (by email). Information sessions are designed so that you can attend to learn more about a given department/program and their course offerings.
Scheduled Prior to Welcome Weekend:
Pre-Health
Wednesday, August 10, at 11am Eastern on Zoom
- Meet the pre-health professions advisors and learn all about what it means to be "pre-health" at Connecticut College. Be ready to ask questions.
- Zoom Link: https://conncoll-edu.zoom.us/j/91217479089?pwd=NXJrZGhVTWtsTm9oOG5ReVczdXJUZz09
- Meeting ID: 912 1747 9089
- Passcode: 825910
- (An in-person session will be held during Welcome Weekend, see below.
Available Online Now:
French
- Online placement test, taken any time: http://www.transparent.com/learn-french/proficiency-test.html
- Results: Email your score out of 50 points total to Professor James Austin, jfaus@conncoll.edu, prior to Aug. 24.
- For students who have taken the SAT exam in French or have a 4 or 5 on the AP test, visit: https://www.conncoll.edu/academics/majors-departments-programs/departments/french/french-placement-exam/ for placement information.
- Contact: Professor James Austin, jfaus@conncoll.edu
German Studies
- Online Placement Test for students with prior knowledge and/or study of German (approximately 1 hour to complete): https://testyourlanguage.com/german-level-test
- Email your results to Professor Karolin Machtans, kmachtan@conncoll.edu, prior to Aug. 24.
- In addition to the online test, you will meet with faculty in the German Studies Department for an in-person interview in German on Aug. 25, to complete the assessment for placement.
- Results: Will be emailed to you after the interviews by Professor Karolin Machtans.
- Contact: Professor Karolin Machtans kmachtan@conncoll.edu
Hispanic Studies
- All incoming first-year students, from beginners to advanced, AP, native and heritage speakers are required to take the online exam prior to orientation. Please note your score and come to a short interview with department faculty during the Academic Fair, 11:30-1:00, Shain Library (no sign-up required). All other students who have not taken the placement exam should take it and consult with the department chair to determine appropriate placement prior to registering for a fall or spring course.
- Online Placement Test:
- https://www.conncoll.edu/academics/majors-departments-programs/departments/hispanic-studies/spanish-placement-exam/
- Contact: Professor Julia Kushigian jakus@conncoll.edu
Italian
- Using your conncoll email, take the Italian online placement test here and notify Professor Frida Morellli (fmorelli@conncoll.edu) prior to your in-person interview.
- In addition to the online test, you will meet with the Italian Department faculty for an in-person interview.
- Results: Will be shared with you at your interview with Professor Morelli.
- Contact: Professor Frida Morelli, fmorelli@conncoll.edu
Scheduled during Welcome Weekend (Orientation)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25
11:30 A.M.-5:30 P.M. | LISTED IN ORDER OF START TIMES
Academic Fair
Time: 11:30am-1pm
Location: Shain Library
Faculty representatives from every department, program and our Connections program will be available to answer your questions about courses, placement tests, registrations, etc. and to share information about how to get involved with their department/programs. Tables will be set up throughout the library. Your student advisers can help you navigate the fair and introduce you to any department.
Drop-In Language Study Advising
Time: 11:30 A.M. - 1 P.M.
Location: Walter Commons (Blaustein First Floor)
Visit the staff at the Walter Commons to discuss your options for studying a language at Conn and learn more about Study Away opportunities, community engagement and more!
Art (Studio)
Information Session about studio art classes and faculty for any students interested in studio art classes.
Time: 11:30 A.M. -12:00 P.M.
Location: Cummings 310
Class placement and Registration for any student planning on taking a Fall semester art course. Students should bring their real or virtual portfolio, if available, to help find the right class. Courses selected during this session will be added to the students roster before online registration opens.
Time: 12:00 P.M.. - 1:30 P.M.
Location: Cummings 310
Results: Will be given to you during portfolio review. Professor Barnard will submit your course registration for you directly to the registrar.
Contact: Professor Chris Barnard, cbarnard@conncoll.edu
Mathematics & Statistics
Time: 11:30 A.M.- 1 P.M.
Location: Mathematics & Statistics table at the Academic Fair
Placement Interviews (lasting 5 minutes) will take place during the Academic Fair at the Mathematics & Statistics Table. Strongly recommended for all students planning to take a mathematics course, particularly those planning to take any course in the calculus sequence, or a statistics course. (Students who are unable to have a placement interview during the Academic Fair have another opportunity from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. on the third floor of Fanning Hall.)
Results: Will be given to you at the interview.
Contact: Professor Christopher Hammond, cnham@conncoll.edu
Pre-Health
Time: 11:30 A.M - 12:00 P.M.
Location: Olin 014
Meet the pre-health professions advisors and learn all about what it means to be "pre-health" at Connecticut College. Be ready to ask questions.
Pre-Business
Time: 11:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Location: Silfen Auditorium
Meet our pre-business adviser and learn about how to engage with our pre-business programs and related courses.
Dance
Time: 12-1:30 P.M.
Location: Myers Studio, 3rd floor, Cro
Introduction to Dance Department: Joyful Class. Come ready to dance and find out what classes you can register for in your first semester at Conn. No experience necessary. Wear any comfortable clothing. Techniques offered may include Modern, Afro Caribbean, Ballet, Improvisation, Jazz and more.
Contact: Rachel Boggia rboggia1@conncoll.edu
Arabic Language
Time: 12-1 P.M.
Location: Blaustein 304 (Prof. Waed Athamneh’s office)
Placement Interview (lasting 5-10 minutes). During the interview we'll discuss your background in Arabic to determine the appropriate course level for you at Conn.
Results: Will be given to you at interview.
Contact: Professor Waed Athamneh, wathamne@conncoll.edu
Pre-Law
Time: 12-12:30 P.M.
Location: Silfen Auditorium
Interested in applying to law school after graduation? Learn about how to become a strong applicant and meet our pre-law adviser.
Environmental Studies & Environmental Engineering
Time: 12-12:30 P.M.
Location: Olin 014
Meet faculty from our Environmental Studies program and learn about our partnership with Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the courses you need to take during your first-year.
Science for Science Majors
Time: 12:30 - 1:15 P.M.
Location: Olin 014
Are you considering a major in Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics or Statistics and Data Science? Attend this session to learn more about how to explore your options and what courses you should take during your first semester and beyond.
Theater
12:30-1:15 P.M.
Location: Tansil Theater
Information Session for students interested in any aspect of Theater (performance, tech, classes).
Contact: Professor Ken Prestinizi, kprestin@conncoll.edu
Music
Information Session for students interested in participating in the music department, including ensembles, lessons, and classes
Time: 1:00-1:30 P.M.
Location: Oliva Hall (first floor of Cummings Arts Center)
Music theory placement. Students should consult this guide to help identify the right music theory course for them. We encourage students with questions to attend our information session and/or to meet with a member of the music faculty during individual consultations to finalize their course selection.
Individual consultations for private instrumental lessons, private vocal lessons (MUS 115/215), and ensembles (MUS 220) (5-10 minutes each).
Time: 1:30 P.M.-3:30 P.M.
Please plan to perform a short piece that demonstrates your background. Students at a beginning level should stop by to discuss options. Ensembles include Camerata, Chorale, Orchestra, New Music & Improvisation, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble.
Locations: Will be posted at the entrance to Cummings Arts Center. Practice rooms will be available to warm up on a first-come, first-serve basis on the first floor of Cummings. Information about using lockers for instruments and practice rooms during the semester will be available in Cummings 216 (Music Department Office).
Results: Will be given to you immediately following the consultation.
Contact: For general questions, please email Professor Midge Thomas, metho@conncoll.edu. For questions specific to an ensemble, please direct your questions to the ensemble's director, as follows: Choirs (Camerata and Chorale): Professor Rachel Feldman, rfeldman@conncoll.edu; Orchestra: Professor Jarek Lis, jlis@conncoll.edu; New Music & Improvisation: Professor Pete Jarvis, pjarvis@conncoll.edu; Wind Ensemble and Concert Band: Professor Gary Buttery, gabut@conncoll.edu
Physics
Time: 1:30–5:30pm
Location: Room 209, Olin Science Center. A sign-up page can be found at https://bit.ly/3QyzCeS.
Placement Interview: Students with significant physics experience may place out of PHY 109 by interview. nterviews will last 30-40 minutes and will consist of qualitative multiple-choice questions on Newtonian mechanics (kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, rotational motion, etc.) The focus of these questions will be on comprehension of important concepts rather than on detailed calculations or memorization; any necessary equations & formulas will be provided.
Results: Will be given to you at the interview.
Contact: Prof. Michael Seifert mseifer1@conncoll.edu.
Theater
Time: 1:45 – 2:30 P.M.
Location: Tansil Theater
Introductory Workshop for all students interested in enrolling in THE 104: Acting I: Preparation in the Fall or Spring semester. Enrollment in this Core Course is limited, and this workshop is highly recommended for students interested in Theater as a major or minor.
Results: You will be notified by email by Sunday evening about enrollment in THE 104.
Contact: Professor Ken Prestinizi, kprestin@conncoll.edu
French
Time: 2-4 P.M.
Location: Shain Library, PC Classroom.
In-person placement test. Faculty from the French and Francophone Department will also be able to discuss your placement during this time.
Results: Will be given to you at the placement test.
Online placement test, taken any time: http://www.transparent.com/learn-french/proficiency-test.html
For results: Email your score out of 50 points total to Professor James Austin, jfaus@conncoll.edu, prior to Aug. 26.
For students who have taken the SAT exam in French or have a 4 or 5 on the AP test, visit: https://www.conncoll.edu/academics/majors-departments-programs/departments/french/french-placement-exam/ for placement information.
Contact: Professor James Austin, jfaus@conncoll.edu
Pre-Health Advising Support (Drop-In)
Time: 2-6pm
Location: Fanning 111/112
Have questions about pre-health courses? Stop by the drop-in hours for Pre-Health Advising support, no appointment is needed.
Chinese
Time: 3-4 P.M.
Location for Placement Exam: Room 203, Woodworth House (Prof. Tek-wah King’s office)
Location for Interview: 3rd floor lounge, Woodworth House
Written placement exam (lasting about 50 minutes)
One-on-one oral interview (ca. 10 min).
Results: Will be emailed to you by Friday morning.
Contact: Professor Tek-wah King, tkin@conncoll.edu
Computer Science
Time: 3-4:30 P.M.
Location: Olin 213 (Prof. Ozgur Izmirli’s Office)
Placement test and interviews.
Results: Will be given to you at the interview.
Contact: Professor Ozgur Izmirli oizm@conncoll.edu
Italian
Time: 3-4 P.M.
Location: Fanning 405 (Professor of Italian Frida Morelli’s Office).
Placement Test and Interviews (10 minutes each). Students enrolling in Elementary Italian (ITL 101) do not need to take a placement test. Students with prior knowledge and study of Italian must take this online placement test and then attend a short in-person interview.
Results: Will be given to you at the interview.
Contact: Professor Frida Morelli, fmorelli@conncoll.edu
Mathematics & Statistics
Time: 3-4:30 P.M.
Location: Fanning Hall, Third Floor (Mathematics & Statistics Department)
Placement interviews (lasting 5 minutes) will take place on the third floor of Fanning Hall. Strongly recommended for all students planning to take a mathematics course, particularly those planning to take any course in the calculus sequence, or a statistics course. (Students who had a placement interview during the Academic Fair do not need to have a second interview.)
Results: Will be given to you at the interview.
Contact: Professor Christopher Hammond, cnham@conncoll.edu
German
Time: 4-5 P.M.
Location: Blaustein 315
Online placement test (lasting 1 hour) and interview required of students with prior knowledge and/or study of German. Complete the online test prior to Aug. 24 at https://testyourlanguage.com/german-level-test and email your results to Professor Karolin Machtans (kmachtan@conncoll.edu). On Aug. 25, you will attend a short in-person interview (10 minutes) with faculty in German Studies in Blaustein 315 (Professor Machtans’s office).
Results: Will be emailed to you by Thursday evening.
Contact: Professor Karolin Machtans kmachtan@conncoll.edu
Latin & Ancient Greek
Time: 4:00 - 5:15
Location: Blaustein 324 (Associate Professor of Classics Darryl Phillips’ Office).
Placement Interview (lasting 5 minutes). During the interview we'll discuss your background in the language and talk about prior classes that you completed to determine the appropriate course level for you at Conn. If you are planning to continue your study of Greek or Latin while at Conn, please stop by.
Results: Will be given to you at the interview.
Contact: Professor Darryl Phillips dphilli2@conncoll.edu
Japanese
Time: 4-5 P.M.
Location for Placement Exam: 1st floor lounge, Woodworth House
Location for Interview: Room 101 Woodworth House (Professor Hisae Kobayashi’s Office)
Written Placement Exam (lasting 30 minutes) and Oral Interview (lasting 10 minutes).
Results: Will be emailed to you by Friday morning.
Contact: Professor Hisae Kobayashi, hkob@conncoll.edu
Russian
Time: 4-5 P.M.
Location: Blaustein 330 (Prof. Ivanov’s Office)
Placement Interview (10 minutes each),
Results: Will be given to you at the interview.
Contact: Professor Petko Ivanov, pivanov@conncoll.edu
Spanish (Hispanic Studies)
Time: 4:30-5:30 P.M.
Location: Winthrop 205
Hispanic Studies faculty will be available by email and in-person to advise students.
Contact: Professor Julia Kushigian jakus@conncoll.edu
Scheduled after Welcome Weekend (Orientation)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26
1:00 P.M.-6:00 P.M. | LISTED IN ORDER OF START TIMES
Pre-Health Advising Support (Drop-In)
Time: 1-6pm
Location: Fanning 111/112
Have questions about pre-health courses? Stop by the drop-in hours for Pre-Health Advising support, no appointment is needed.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 27
2:00 P.M.-3:00 P.M. | LISTED IN ORDER OF START TIMES
Pre-Health Advising Support (Drop-In)
Time: 2-3pm
Location: Fanning 111/112
Have questions about pre-health courses? Stop by the drop-in hours for Pre-Health Advising support, no appointment is needed.
Tuesday, August 30
4:15-7 P.M. | LISTED IN ORDER OF START TIMES
Music
Individual consultations for private instrumental and vocal lessons (MUS 115/215), for first-year students who missed the August 25 consultations and for returning students (5-10 minutes each). Please plan to perform a short piece that demonstrates your background. Students at a beginning level should stop by to discuss options.
Time: 3:30 P.M.-5:30 P.M.
Locations: Will be posted at the entrance to Cummings Arts Center. Practice rooms will be available to warm up on a first-come, first-serve basis on the first floor of Cummings. Information about using lockers for instruments and practice rooms during the semester will be available in Cummings 216 (Music Department Office).
Results: Will be given to you immediately following the consultation.
Contact: Please email Professor Midge Thomas, metho@conncoll.edu.
Choir placement consultations for first-year students who missed the August 25 consultations and for returning students (MUS 220A, 220B) (all voice parts, 5-10 minutes each). Please plan to perform a short piece that demonstrates your background.
Time: 4:15-7:00 P.M.
Location: Cummings Arts Center, room 218
Results: Will be given to you immediately following the audition.
Contact: Professor Rachel Feldman, rfeldman@conncoll.edu
Orchestra placement consultations for first-year students who missed the August 25 consultations and for returning students (MUS 220F) (string and wind instruments, 5-10 minutes each). Please plan to perform a short piece that demonstrates your background.
Time: 4:15-5:30 P.M.
Location: Evans Hall, Cummings Arts Center
Results: Will be given to you immediately following the audition.
Contact: Professor Jarek Lis, jlis@conncoll.edu
Wednesday, August 31
9 A.M.-10 P.M. | LISTED IN ORDER OF START TIMES
Music
New Music & Improvisation placement consultations for first-year students who missed the August 25 consultations and for returning students (MUS 220G) (all instruments and voice welcome, 5-10 minutes each). Please plan to perform a short piece that demonstrates your background.
Time: 9:00-11:00 A.M.
Location: Evans Hall, Cummings Arts Center
Results: Will be given to you immediately following the audition.
Contact: Professor Pete Jarvis, pjarvis@conncoll.edu
Wind Ensemble placement consultations for first-year students who missed the August 25 consultations and for returning students (wind and percussion instruments, 5-10 minutes each). Please plan to perform a short piece that demonstrates your background.
Time: 7:00-8:15 P.M.
Location: Evans Hall, Cummings Arts Center
Results: Will be given to you immediately following the audition.
Contact: Professor Gary Buttery, gabut@conncoll.edu
Jazz Ensemble placement consultations for first-year students who missed the August 25 consultations and for returning students (wind instruments, rhythm section instruments, and voice, 5-10 minutes each). Please plan to perform a short piece that demonstrates your background.
Time: 8:45-10:00 P.M.
Location: Evans Hall, Cummings Arts Center
Results: Will be given to you immediately following the audition.
Contact: Professor Gary Buttery, gabut@conncoll.edu