Preparing for the proficiency test
We often have applicants ask the admissions team how they can prepare for the Chinese proficiency test. The truth is, there is no formal study guide or textbook to help you prepare. The proficiency test covers diverse topics and subject matter. It tests your ability to understand main ideas from written Chinese passages and audio recordings. Note that there is no writing or speaking component to the STAMP. This test is reflective of the Hopkins-Nanjing Center’s classroom experience, in that you are tested on your comprehension rather than your ability to identify specific vocabulary words or grammar points.
The test questions are multiple-choice for both the listening and reading sections. There is a sample test available, but it is designed more for you to get a feel for the test structure. The actual test will be more challenging. For example, you might read a section of a Chinese contract or listen to a segment of a real Chinese radio broadcast or interview. The proficiency test is designed to challenge you and push you to the limit of your language ability. It is an adaptive test, which means as you answer questions correctly, the questions increase in difficulty. Even if you do not know the answer to a particular question, try your best to answer each question to the best of your ability. Applicants typically spend about 2 hours on this test.
There are, of course, still things you can do in preparation to take the test. Regularly reading Chinese news articles can be a great way to practice your reading comprehension skills. To improve your listening skills, tuning in to Chinese news broadcasts and podcasts, or even watching Chinese TV shows, can help you get used to hearing native speakers talk at a natural pace. Another tip is to listen to something in Chinese right before the test, so you are already in "Chinese mode" before you begin.
How to take the proficiency test
To request the STAMP test, you will first need to start an application to the Hopkins-Nanjing Center and complete the personal background and program details. You will then be prompted to choose from two proctoring options: in person for $15 or virtual proctoring for $40. Once you complete this section of the application, you will receive an email from nanjing@jhu.edu with testing instructions and a link to pay your testing fee.
When to take the test
You can take the test any time before our February 1 regular decisions admissions deadline (or November 1 for early notification), but we generally recommend taking the test when you first begin your application. Keep in mind that you can only take the test once every three months, so it is a good idea to get a head start on the test to allow room for retaking, if necessary. It is also important to note that retaking the test does not negatively impact your application, particularly if there are signs of improvement.
As you prepare to take the STAMP Chinese proficiency test, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Hopkins-Nanjing Center admissions office at nanjing@jhu.edu for assistance.
Getting your results
Once you have completed the test, you will need to notify the HNC Washington Office by emailing nanjing@jhu.edu, after which you will be emailed your test results. For those applying to the Certificate program (including the Certificate + MAIR and Certificate + MAIA), the recommended score is 1200. For those applying to the Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS), the recommended score is 1300. If you score lower than these recommended scores, do not be discouraged—we will let you know of your various options for strengthening your language skills and retaking the exam, such as continued study or a summer language program. So start your application and request the STAMP Chinese language proficiency test today!
Once you have completed the test, you will need to notify the HNC Washington Office by emailing nanjing@jhu.edu, after which you will be emailed your test results. For those applying to the Certificate program (including the Certificate + MAIR and Certificate + MAIA), the recommended score is 1200. For those applying to the Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS), the recommended score is 1300. If you score lower than these recommended scores, do not be discouraged—we will let you know of your various options for strengthening your language skills and retaking the exam, such as continued study or a summer language program. So start your application and request the STAMP Chinese language proficiency test today!
As you prepare to take the STAMP Chinese proficiency test, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Hopkins-Nanjing Center admissions office at nanjing@jhu.edu for assistance.
