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:

Biology Info Session

August 11
Time: 2:30-4pm
Location: Zoom
ID: 92548411604
passcode: 977823

Meet faculty from the Biology department and learn more about majoring in biology and research opportunities.

STEM Major Info Session

August 13
Time: 3-4pm
Location: Zoom

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.

Neuroscience Info Session

August 15
Time: 1-2pm
Location: Zoom

Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary major that explores the neural basis of behavior through psychology, chemistry, philosophy, molecular biology, cellular biology and many other disciplines. Meet Professor Joe Schroeder and learn about courses, research and other opportunities in Neuroscience.

Available Online Now:

Chinese

Online Oral Proficiency Interview:

Date & Time: Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 1-3 p.m.
Duration: Around 10 minutes.

Zoom: https://conncoll-edu.zoom.us/j/97782258717?pwd=clBjeTJWcE1LbU9WcnFBZ3cxTU1HQT09

Time slot sign-up: Contact Prof. Tek-wah King at tkin@conncoll.edu

French

German Studies

Online placement test (lasting approximately 1 hour) and interview required of students with prior knowledge and/or study of German: Find Out Your German Level By Taking Our Free Test.

Complete the online test prior to Aug. 21 at Find Out Your German Level By Taking Our Free Test and email your results to Professor Karolin Machtans (kmachtan@conncoll.edu). You will also need paper and pencil to write out answers to multi-part questions in the online test. On Aug. 21, you will attend a short in-person interview (10 minutes) with faculty in German Studies in Blaustein 315 (Professor Machtans' office).

  • Email your results to Professor Karolin Machtans, kmachtan@conncoll.edu, prior to Aug. 22.
  • Results: Will be emailed to you after the interviews by Professor Karolin Machtans.
  • Contact: Professor Karolin Machtans

Hispanic Studies (Spanish)

Italian

Students without any prior knowledge of Italian do not need to take a placement test and can register for any sections of ITL 101 in Fall ’25. If you register, please fill out this form. If you have studied Italian in high school or have prior knowledge, please complete the placement test, preferably before arriving on campus. Here are the instructions:

Online placement test for Italian
To begin, click on: https://www.akademijaoxford.com/en/italian-language-placement-test.php Scroll down to see the first page from the link. Click on “Next,” start the survey and then continue with it until you finish. Once you have completed the test, a new window will open and you will see your proficiency level: either A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 or C2, etc. Write down that proficiency level. You will tell me what that is when you come to my office, Fanning 401, on August 22, any time from 1:15pm to 3:15pm, for a short oral interview.
Contact: Professor Paola Sica psica@conncoll.edu
Scheduled during Welcome Weekend (Orientation)

Physics

August 12 & 13

Placement Interview: Students with significant physics experience may place out of PHY 109 by interview. Interviews 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 and formulas will be provided.

You can sign up for an interview via Zoom on 8/12 & 8/13 at http://bit.ly/40C1SnN, or an interview in-person on 8/21 at https://bit.ly/3UuPGSd. If the available times do not work with your schedule, or if you have other questions, contact Prof. Michael Seifert (mseifer1@conncoll.edu).

Results: Will be e-mailed to you on 8/14 (Zoom interviews) or in the evening of 8/21 (in-person.)

Contact: Prof. Michael Seifert mseifer1@conncoll.edu

Russian

August 12, 13, 14

Sign up for an online interview with Laura Little on 8/12, 8/13, and 8/14.
In person interviews will be held during the Academic Fair at the Slavic Studies table.

Scheduled during Welcome Weekend (Orientation)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21

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 Global Engagement and Language Study Advising

Time: 11:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

Location: Walter Commons (Blaustein First Floor)

Meet with staff advisors in the Walter Commons to learn about global engagement opportunities, funded international experiences, and language study at Conn!

 

Hebrew Placement Interviews

Time: 11:30 A.M. - 1 P.M.

Location: Classics, Arabic, and Jewish Studies Table at the Academic Fair, Shain Library

General Placement Interview (lasting 5–10 minutes). During the interview we’ll discuss your background in Hebrew to determine the appropriate course level for you at Conn.
Results: Will be given to you at the interview.
Contact: Professor Liora Zeevi, lzeevi@conncoll.edu

 

Art (Studio)

Information Session about studio art classes and faculty for any interested students.
Time: 11:30 A.M. -1:30 P.M.
Location: Chu Room, Shain Library

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 student's schedule before online registration opens.
Time: 11:30 P.M.. - 1:30 P.M.
Location: Chu Room, Shain Library
Contact: Professor Timothy McDowell, tjmcd@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. It is strongly recommended for all students planning to take either a mathematics or statistics course, particularly those planning to take any course in the calculus sequence or introductory statistics course. (Students who cannot have a placement interview during the Academic Fair have another opportunity from 3:00 – 4:30 PM on the third floor of Fanning Hall.)
Results: Will be given to you at the interview.
Contact: Professor Priya Kohli, pkohli@conncoll.edu

 

Pre-Business

Time: 11:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

Location: Silfen Auditorium, Bill Hall

Meet our pre-business adviser and learn about how to engage with our pre-business programs and related courses.

 

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.

 

Dance

Time: 1:30-3P.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: Classics, Arabic and Jewish Studies Table at the Academic Fair in Shain Library

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 the interview.
Contact: Professor Hazza Abo Rabia, haborabi@conncoll.edu

 

Pre-Law

Time: 12-12:30 P.M.

Location: Silfen Auditorium, Bill Hall

Interested in applying to law school after graduation? Learn about how to become a strong applicant and meet our pre-law advising team.

 

Music

Time: 1:15 P.M.-1:45 P.M.

Location: Oliva Hall (first floor of Cummings Arts Center)

Information Session for students interested in participating in the music department, including ensembles, lessons, and classes. You’ll have an opportunity to meet members of the music faculty and ask questions.

 

Physics

Time: 1:00-5:00 P.M.

Location: Olin 209

Placement Interview: Students with significant physics experience may place out of PHY 109 by interview. Interviews 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 and formulas will be provided.
You can sign up for an in person interview on 8/21 at https://bit.ly/3UuPGSd. If the available times do not work with your schedule, or if you have other questions, contact Prof. Michael Seifert (mseifer1@conncoll.edu).
Results: Will be e-mailed to you in the evening of 8/21
Contact: Prof. Michael Seifert mseifer1@conncoll.edu.

 

Theater

Time: 2 – 2:45 P.M.

Location: Palmer Auditorium, Athey Center

Information Session for students interested in any aspect of Theater (auditions, performance, design & tech, stage management and classes). The Department of Theater’s auditions, classes and performances are open to all majors. We are a vibrant and varied artistic community. Come find out about the many opportunities for participation.
Contact: Professor Sabrina Notarfrancisco, snotar@conncoll.edu

 

Music (Individual Consultations)

Time: 2:00 P.M.-4:00 P.M.

NOTE: 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 available at the information table in the lobby of Cummings Arts Center.
Individual consultations for private instrumental lessons, private vocal lessons (MUS 115/215), and ensembles (MUS 220) (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. Ensembles include CC Singers, Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble.
Locations will be posted at the information table in the lobby of Cummings Arts Center.
Results: Will be given to you immediately following the audition.
Contact: For general questions, please email Professor Dale Wilson, jdwil@conncoll.edu. For questions specific to an ensemble, please direct your questions to the ensemble's director, as follows: CC Singers: Professor Henri Youmans (henriyoumans@gmail.com); Orchestra: Professor Jarek Lis, jlis@conncoll.edu; Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble: Professor Gary Buttery, gabut@conncoll.edu.

 

French

Time: 3-5 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: French Proficiency Test.
For results: Email your score out of 50 points total to Professor James Austin, jfaus@conncoll.edu, prior to Aug. 21.
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

 

Chinese

Time: 3-4 P.M.

Location for In Person 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: New London Hall 214

Placement interview. (A brief informal chat about your prior experiences in CS, if any. Students with little to no prior CS coursework should enroll for COM110.)
Results: Will be given to you at the interview.
Contact: Professor James Lee, slee10@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. It is strongly recommended for all students planning to take either a mathematics or statistics course, particularly those planning to take any course in the calculus sequence or introductory statistics course. (Students who had a placement interview during the Academic Fair do not need a second interview.)
Results: Will be given to you at the interview.
Contact: Professor Priya Kohli, pkohli@conncoll.edu

 

Latin & Ancient Greek

Time: 3-4:30 P.M.

Location: Blaustein 324 (Professor 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: Prof. 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: 11:30-1PM

Location: Academic Fair

Placement Interview (10 minutes each).
Results: Will be given to you at the interview.
Contact: Laura Little, llittle@conncoll.edu

 

Tuesday, August 26

Music

3:30 P.M.-5:30 P.M.
Individual consultations for private instrumental and vocal lessons (MUS 115/215) and ensembles (MUS 220), for first-year students who missed the August 21 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.
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 Dale Wilson, jdwil@conncoll.edu.

7:00 P.M.-8:45 P.M.
Orchestra placement consultations and informative welcome gathering for first-year students who missed the August 21 consultations and for returning students (MUS 220F). Please plan to perform a short piece that demonstrates your background.
Location: Evans Hall, Cummings Arts Center
Results: Will be given to you immediately following the consultation.
Contact: Professor Jarek Lis, jlis@conncoll.edu.

Wednesday, August 27

Music

5:00 P.M.-6:30 P.M.
Short & fun rehearsal for all interested choir members followed by placement consultations for first-year students who missed the August 21 consultations and for returning students (MUS 220B) (all voice parts). Please plan to perform a short piece that demonstrates your background.
Location: Fortune Recital Hall (Cummings)
Results: Will be given to you immediately following the audition.
Contact: Professor Henri Youmans, henriyoumans@gmail.com.

7:00 P.M.-8:15 P.M
Wind Ensemble placement consultations for first-year students who missed the August 21 auditions and for returning students (MUS 220C) (wind instruments -- 5-10 minutes each). Please plan to perform a short piece that demonstrates your background.
Location: Evans Hall, Cummings Arts Center.
Results: Will be given to you immediately following the audition.
Contact: Professor Gary Buttery, gabut@conncoll.edu.

8:30 P.M.-9:45 P.M.
Jazz Ensemble placement consultations for first-year students who missed the August 21 auditions and for returning students (MUS 220D) (wind instruments, rhythm section instruments, and voice -- 5-10 minutes each). Please plan to perform a short piece that demonstrates your background.
Location: Evans Hall, Cummings Arts Center.
Results: Will be given to you immediately following the audition.
Contact: Professor Gary Buttery, gabut@conncoll.edu.