Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take the placement tests?
While certain SAT II scores may exempt you from some placement tests, all incoming students must complete the writing self-placement inventory. For specifics on other placement tests, view the Placement Testing information on the New Students site and Carleton’s Prior Credits Policy on the Registrar's web site.
Other FAQs
- When do Carleton students declare a major? If I already know what I want to major in, can I declare a major early?Carleton students declare majors spring term of their sophomore year. Students cannot declare earlier. Why...
- Are courses at St. Olaf available to me?Yes. By special arrangement and if space is available, students may take courses at St....
- Do I have to take the placement tests?While certain SAT II scores may exempt you from some placement tests, all incoming students...
- O.K. So I'll take three courses my first term. How do I know which ones to take?Most students will pre-register for one of the special courses for first-year students. In order...
- What do I need to know about the 3-3 calendar?You may have already noticed unusual features of Carleton's calendar. In some ways, it resembles...
- Will I have an adviser to help me register?You will be assigned an academic adviser after summer registration, but before you arrive on...
- What has to be done to fulfill the writing requirement?Based on how you scored on the self-placement writing placement exam you will be directed...
- What are the departmental policies on AP scores and placement?See the Prior Credits Policy on the Registrar’s web site....
- Where do I get my books?You will be able to purchase textbooks, manuals, and all necessary materials at The Carleton...
- How do I know what courses are available?Consult the paper schedule on course information sent to you in summer mailing # 3...
- What do "Distros" and "RAD" mean?"Distros" are distribution requirements, which require you to take a variety of courses in four...
- What do HU, AL, SS, MS, and ND stand for?About one-third of the courses you take at Carleton will fulfill distribution requirements in our...
- What is a concentration?Students may elect to complete one of Carleton’s 16 concentrations in addition to a major....
- What is "scrunch"?"Scrunch" refers to Carleton's Satisfactory/ Credit/No Credit (S/Cr/NC) grading option. For this option, S=A to...
- What should I do to prepare for placement tests?The purpose of the placement tests is to make sure you get into the right...
- What is the purpose of academic advising?Academic advising is an educational process intended to aid students in making decisions about their...
- What do I need to know about Priority Registration?Carleton students register in priority order. That means that for most courses, seniors register first...