Language Admission Requirements
For International Graduate Students
Graduate Program Language Admission Requirements
SCSU requires a student to meet one of the following language admission requirements:
- A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 paper-based, or 213 computer-based.
- A score of 80 on the Michigan Placement Test with a cover letter from the testing institution.
- A score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
- GRE verbal 350 or GMAT verbal 17.
- Graduation from an English-medium college with a 2.75 (cumulative) GPA or higher.
- Successful completion of the Intensive English Center Level 5 program at St. Cloud State University with a letter from the IEC director confirming that the student is ready to do graduate-level academic work. Access the Intensive English Center on the web at www.stcloudstate.edu/iec/.
Completing intensive English courses at other American universities does not constitute proof of English proficiency.
Graduate Language Exceptions at SCSU
International applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL test, or submit one of the above test scores, with the following exceptions:
- Those who hold a baccalaureate degree from an English speaking university will be exempt from having to submit a TOEFL score. Those students will still have to take the SCSU English Placement Test upon arrival.
- International students who have completed SCSU’s Intensive English Center Level 5 program with a GPA of 3.5 will be exempt.
English Requirements Upon Admission at SCSU
All new international graduate students are required to take an English Placement Test upon arrival at SCSU. Exceptions to the SCSU assessment are limited to:
- Those receiving a TOEFL paper-based score over 600 or a computer-based score over 250.
- International students who have successfully completed SCSU’s Intensive English Center Level 5 program.
SCSU’s English Placement Test results are shared with the faculty adviser so that the student’s language ability can be considered in forming an academic schedule. Admission to the university does not preclude SCSU from requiring non-native speakers of English to complete more course work in English.
TOEFL
The majority of international students seeking admission to SCSU will take the TOEFL examination.
What is the TOEFL?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language is an English proficiency testing service for international students planning to study in the United States, Canada, or other countries where English is the language of instruction.
| Section | Time Limit | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Tutorials | no time limit | |
| Listening | 40-60 minutes | 30-50 |
| Structure | 15-20 minues | 20-25 |
| Break | 5 minutes | |
| Reading | 70-90 minutes | 44-55 |
| Writing | 30 minutes | 1 topic |
What Skills Does the TOEFL Measure?
- Listening: measures ability to comprehend spoken North American English.
- Structure: measures ability to recognize language appropriate for standard written English.
- Reading: measures ability to read and understand short passages.
- Writing: measures ability to write in English. You are given 30 minutes to compose one required essay on an assigned topic. Writing focuses on the command of English vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and syntax, all fundamental writing skills.
Most of the questions are multiple-choice. However, there are questions that require selecting a visual (or part of a visual), answering questions with more than one response, ordering items, and matching objects or text to categories.
How is the TOEFL Scored?
For the computer-based test, you will receive three section scaled scores:
- Listening (0 to 30)
- Structure/Writing (0 to 30)
- Reading (0 to 30)
- Total score (0 to 300).
The highest possible total score (300) is ten times the highest possible score for each of the test's three section scores (30).
- Composition (0 to 6): this is a separate score.
How Can I Prepare?
Visit: www.scoreitnow.org
ScoreItNow! – Online writing practice
Visit: www.toefl.org/testprep/cbtutprq.html
Free! View tutorials and questions.
- Respond to authentic retired essay topics.
- Get immediate score feedback within seconds from e-rater™, ETS's patented automated scoring technology.
- Receive general suggestions for improving essay writing skills.
Schedule an Appointment
The computer-based TOEFL test is offered at test centers and institutional testing sites throughout the world. For a site near you, visit www.toefl.org. Appointments are available throughout the year but centers fill quickly, so it is best to schedule your appointment early. You may take the TOEFL test more than once per calendar month.
Cost: $130 U.S. dollars
For testing in the United States, Canada, and U.S. territories
- Call 1.800.468.6335 and use a credit card for payment.
- SCSU hosts a test center on our campus. Call 320.308.5456, or email cbttesting@stcloudstate.edu
- Mail a Voucher Request Form from the TOEFL Bulletin to Educational Testing Service.
For testing elsewhere
- Call the Regional Registration Center (RRC) for your area or country.
- Mail or fax a request for an appointment to the RRC for your area by using the International Test Scheduling Form from the TOEFL Bulletin.
- Mail a Voucher Request Form from the TOEFL Bulletin to Educational Testing Service.
What Identification Do I Need When I Take the Test?
Bring a photo ID (one of the following)
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- National identification card
- Military identification card
To assure your TOEFL scores are sent to SCSU, list the SCSU university code: 6679.
As an alternative to the TOEFL, students have the option of taking the IELTS or Michigan Placement Test to fulfill the University’s language admission requirements. The SCSU Testing Center does not offer either of these tests. Please visit the Web links associated with each test for more information.
IELTS
Visit www.ielts.org
General information, practice questions, and testing site information
will provide preparation for the test.
Michigan Placement Test
Visit www.lsa.umich.edu/eli/melab.htm
This test is an objective, multiple-choice examination that tests listening
comprehension, grammar, and reading/vocabulary.
For additional information please contact:
School of Graduate Studies
121 Administrative Services Building
St. Cloud State University
720 Fourth Avenue South
St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498
Office: 320.308.2113
Toll free: 1.800.369.4260
Fax: 320.308.5371
grads@stcloudstate.edu
www.stcloudstate.edu/~grads
Center for International Studies
Lawrence Hall
St. Cloud State University
720 Fourth Avenue South
St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498
320.308.4287
intstudy@stcloudstate.edu
www.stcloudstate.edu/internationalstudies
