Academic Components

Placement Tests

Placement tests are important tools that help faculty advisors and the Registrar schedule appropriate courses for you. The tests are administered to place you in the appropriate course level. These tests do not exempt you from taking certain classes, and you do not receive college credit based on your test scores.

You will take placement tests based on questions you answer in your registration form. You do not need to prepare in advance for the foreign language or calculus readiness placement tests. You will be notified in advance of all placement tests that you are required to take.

Calvin gives placement tests in:

• Foreign Language (French, German, Spanish)
  • Take the test online before you attend your PASSPORT session. Please follow this link, log in and follow the instructions on the page: http://www.calvin.edu/academic/services/advising/wlassessment.html
  • You are exempt if:
    • English is your second language.
    • You have completed 4 years of one foreign language in high school, with a grade of C or better each semester.
  • Students who pursue a pre-professional degree (accounting, engineering, visual arts-BFA, nursing, or recreation) will have a modified core curriculum. This modified core requires 2 years of one high school foreign language (C or better each semester) or one year at the college level.
• Calculus (Calculus is a core course, but it is only required for certain majors)
  Students whose program requires calculus will take this test to place them in the appropriate level. If you have taken AP Calculus, see AP credit information below.
• Student Academic Services - Pre-college Math and English
  Required for some students according to their type of admission.  Students will be notified if they are required to participate in these placement tests.
• Music Theory Placement Test
  Required for those who will be majoring or minoring in music. For more information please see the Music Department's Web site.

AP Credit Information: See the Academic Services web site.

Honors Program

Students who are eligible for Calvin’s Honors Program (ACT score 29+ / SAT 1290+) will be scheduled to meet with the Honors Program leaders on the first day of Passport to receive information about the program in general as well as the fall honors courses which they may request when they meet with their advisor on day two. For more information see the Honors Program web site.

Advising and Class Registration

During PASSPORT you will have a group advising meeting with students in similar areas of study where you will learn about Calvin's core curriculum requirements.

You will also have an individual advising appointment with a faculty member who will assist you in reviewing a list of classes for the fall semester. After this meeting, the Registrar will create your fall semester schedule. This is the only time in your Calvin career that you will not need to register for your classes—we do it for you!!

Attending an earlier PASSPORT session will not increase your chances of being registered for a desired course. Spots are held for those students who attend later sessions so that all students are able to get the classes they need.

Music Auditions

Calvin's Music Department offers many instrumental and vocal opportunities. If you are interested in auditioning, complete the music auditions portion of the registration form. We will schedule an audition for you during your PASSPORT session. If you have specific questions about the auditions, contact 616-526-6253 or go to the audition Web page.