Undergraduates at the University of Chicago are required to possess competence in a language and culture other than English by demonstrating reading, writing, listening, and, where appropriate, speaking skills equivalent to one year of college-level study. There are a number of ways to fulfill this requirement:

  • Completing a first-year language sequence at the University of Chicago with a quality grade
  • Placing into the third quarter of a first-year language sequence (usually but not always 10300), taking the course and completing it with a quality grade
  • Placing into the second-year level or higher in a foreign language, taking the course and completing it with a quality grade
  • Possessing a qualifying score on Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) language examinations (see link for more details)
  • Achieving a high level of proficiency recognized by a national or other agency; use the Language Petition and provide a documentation
  • Being a foreign national able to demonstrate previous formal schooling in a language and culture other than English; use the Language Petition and provide documentation
  • Placing into 10300 or higher in a foreign language and taking a language course numbered 15003 or higher when participating in a Civilization Study Abroad program
  • Being administered a placement exam with a speaking component in person and placing high enough to complete the College Language Competency Requirement (NB: this must be indicated in the Language Placement Report)
  • Passing the College Language Competency Assessment (CLCA)
  • Passing the Advanced Language Proficiency Assessment

The Office of Language Assessment at the University of Chicago Language Center administers the College Language Competency Assessment (CLCA).