French A: Language and Literature HL

Expert's Insight: McGill grants 6 generic credits (FREN 1XX) for French A: Language and Literature HL, but this credit carries a hidden 'native speaker' classification that affects your options. THE TRAP: French A is classified as native/near-native fluency. McGill's system assumes you are a Francophone or heritage speaker. This blocks you from the 'easy' French as a Second Language (FRSL) electives that many students use as GPA boosters. WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS: If you want to take more French, you WON'T be in the French Language Centre (FRSL 211, 321). You will likely be directed to the Département des littératures de langue française (DLLF) to take native-level courses like FREN 201 (Composition) or FREN literature seminars. THE DANGER ZONE: DLLF courses are taught entirely in French and graded on the same standard as native Francophone students. If you're an immersion student who took French A but struggle with perfect academic French, these courses can devastate your GPA. THE REALITY CHECK: While IB French A focuses on literature, DLLF courses expect native cultural fluency. You might be able to analyze Camus, but if your grammar isn't perfect, you will lose marks on every assignment against native speakers. YOUR MOVE: If you are NOT a native speaker but took French A, you MUST petition the French Language Centre (FLC) for a placement test BEFORE registering for courses. Do NOT assume the system correctly classified you. Many immersion students successfully argue their way into FRSL courses where they can earn better grades and actually build proficiency. BEST CASE: You get FLC placement → Take FRSL 321 → Reasonable GPA + actual fluency gain. WORST CASE: You're locked into DLLF → Compete with native speakers → GPA takes a hit.

Expert's Insight: A VALUABLE CREDIT – BUT THE PLACEMENT TEST RULES ALL The Good News: Queen's typically grants FREN 150 (6.0 units) for French A HL (Score 5+). This is a massive win that clears 6.0 units of degree requirements instantly. The Reality Check (Course Codes): The Split: FREN 150 is the administrative equivalent of FREN 151 + FREN 152. The Level: This is "Intermediate French." Since you took French A (Native/Near-Native), you are likely overqualified for this content. The "Placement Test" Trap: Even though you have the credit, if you want to take more French courses (e.g., for a Minor), you generally MUST take the Queen's Placement Test. The Scenario: The test will likely identify you as "Advanced" and may bar you from taking FREN 151/152 (because they are too easy for you). The Result: You keep the FREN 150 transfer credit on your transcript (as elective credit), but you will likely start your actual university studies at the 200-level gateway (FREN 230/231). Strategic Advice: For Non-Majors (General Arts/Science): TAKE THE CREDIT. It is 6.0 units of "free" electives. You never have to step foot in a French classroom again, and you've saved ~$1,200+ in tuition (provided this reduces your total unit load). For French Majors/Minors: TAKE THE CREDIT, but expect a jump. Your IB credit gives you the units, but the Placement Test will likely skip you ahead to FREN 230/231. Do not plan to retake FREN 150/151/152. It will be boring for a French A student, and the department may not permit enrollment based on your placement results. Bottom Line: You have the units in the bag. The only question is which course the department will let you take next.