Evidence of English Language Competency for Students Abroad Requesting an I-20

Students who are requesting an I-20 (for an F-1 student visa) from abroad, must provide proof of English language competency. Students must meet the minimum TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or iTEP requirement (as stated below) as a part of the admissions steps to be eligible for an I-20. Score results are only valid for two years.

Minimum Scores to Meet Evidence of English Competency

Upon arrival in the US, students will be required to take the Accuplacer ESL test and meet with an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) advisor for an interview and possible writing sample. From these results, students will be placed into the appropriate Academic English as a Foreign Language (EFL) course level for reading, writing and listening/speaking. Students will also receive recommendations to take the elective courses of grammar and listening/speaking based on their placement tests.

If students place higher than Level 4, then they will be referred to the general college testing, called RISE, to test in reading, writing, and math. The information about RISE reading, writing, and math testing is found in the Course Placement Guide. Test preparation materials can be found on the Preparing for Placement Tests web page.

Students who place in Levels 1 or 2 will take the RISE math placement test after completing Level 2.
Students who place in Levels 3 or 4 can take the RISE math placement test when they are ready.
Students placing directly into ENG 111 (College English I), can take the RISE test for math.

If you have taken the SAT or ACT, see the Course Placement Guide for information on acceptable scores to place you into ENG 111.