<p>Does anyone know what's exactly on the Chinese placement test? Is it similar to what's on the AP Chinese?</p>
<p>I heard they make you write an essay and evaluate your level that way.</p>
<p>It's one essay. I think you're given 2 hours. Or you can have a conversation with one of the chinese teachers.</p>
<p>What about the Japanese placement?</p>
<p>Is there also placement by your SAT II score?</p>
<p>I can speak fine but my reading is a bit less than satisfactory but my writing is horrible since I never have to use it. So I was hoping into placing into something where I wouldn't have to struggle too much but also not have to start over completely.</p>
<p>No, start over. I placed into the 2nd year level of Chinese writing and that class kicked my ass.</p>
<p>Wow is it really that bad?</p>
<p>Has anyone taken the Japanese placement test?</p>
<p>^ I'd like to know as well. So bump it up!</p>
<p>If I know nothing about Chinese but I wanna learn, how hard is the 1st course, should I do some self-study first?</p>
<p>I'd say ~60% of the students in Chinese 101-102 don't know any Chinese going in. Since the median grade is like an A- or B+, I wouldn't worry about trying to get ahead. Be prepared for like 2-3hr/night of work/study, however (at least if you want to actually learn the language instead of just cramming for all the quizzes).</p>