Italian Placement Exam

Students hoping to begin their Italian studies at Mount Holyoke College at a level higher than 101/102 should take the Italian placement exam. This test is called the "STAMP" (Standards-Based Measurement of Proficiency) and will be administered in the Language Resource Center during Orientation. (Note: if you plan to begin in 101/102 and have not previously studied Italian, then you do not need to take the placement exam.)

When and where: 8 a.m., Tuesday, September 8, 2009

• The exam will be given in the Language Resource Center, located in Room 6 (lower level) of the Ciruti Center building.
• Testing will start at 8 a.m.; please be prompt.
• Bring your MHC student ID card; you do not need to bring any other materials.

What to expect

• The test has three parts, which must be taken in this order: Reading, Writing, Speaking.
• All parts of the test are taken on the computer. You'll begin with the reading and then writing sections in the LRC Computer Lab. When you finish the writing, you'll be able to move to a private room to record the speaking portion.
• There is no time limit on the test. Previous students have taken anywhere from 45 minutes to over three hours. Plan on three hours, although you may finish more quickly.
• Your score on the first section of the test (reading) will determine which prompts you are given on the second and third parts (writing and speaking), so take your time and do your best.
• If you'd like to use some paper to jot notes during the test, this will be provided by the LRC and collected at the end of your exam.
• If you need any special accommodations for testing, please contact the LRC with as much advance notice as possible.

Before the day of the test

• Read the attached "STAMP: Student Guide," especially noting the typical topics you may encounter on the test.
• Take the practice test online at: stamptest.net (look for the button labeled "Practice Test").

Receiving your scores

• The reading portion of the test is graded automatically, so you will receive that score immediately after you finish.
• The writing and speaking portions are graded anonymously by independent raters outside of the college, so it may take a few days for you to receive these scores.
• However, the Italian faculty will be able to log in to the test system to review your writing/speaking samples even before the official scores are received, so they will be able to help you resolve any questions about which class you should register for.
• The STAMP scores are based on the ACTFL proficiency guidelines (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages). The attached "STAMP Scoring Rubrics" gives an overview of how the tests are scored and what those scores mean in terms of your language proficiency.
• The Italian faculty will help you to interpret what your scores mean in relation to the Italian curriculum at MHC, in other words, which class will be most appropriate for you.

Questions and contact information

• If you have any questions about the testing process, please contact the LRC.
• If you have any questions about Italian classes or the Italian program at MHC, please contact the Chair of Classics and Italian, Ombretta Frau.