Applicants for whom English is not a first/native language must demonstrate English Proficiency regardless of English language studies, academic history, residence in the United States or other English-speaking countries, or immigration status.
Seattle University maintains the right to require English Proficiency testing when deemed necessary. The most recent demonstration of English Proficiency (i.e. test scores or course work, as per the policies described below) will be counted toward the English Proficiency requirement, regardless of whether previous scores are higher. Following the submission of English Proficiency score reports, requests for testing waivers will not be considered.
English proficiency may be met with the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo (DET).
The chart below outlines the English proficiency requirements for general admission as well as admission to the ECLB program. The TOEFL exam has two different grading scales. For more information on what the TOEFL consists of and a list of official testing centers visit the ETS web site. Both score requirements are listed below.
Required to Participate in ELCB |
Exempt from English Language and Culture Bridge |
|
---|---|---|
TOEFL | 68 - 85 iBT | 86 iBT |
IELTS | minimum 6.0 | 6.5 |
ELS | Not applicable | Complete Level 112 with 3.0 GPA |
PTE | 48 - 62 | 63 |
Duolingo | 105-115 | 120 |
SAT (2016+) | 500 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | |
ACT | Not applicable | 20+ in both reading and English |
College of Nursing and Business and Law applicants for whom English is not their first language must demonstrate English proficiency at non-ELCB level (meaning 86 on the iBT or 6.5 on the IELTS). Exceptions below may apply.
Students with TOEFL scores in the ELCB range will take a placement essay test upon arrival at Seattle University. Some students may have their ELCB requirement waived based on the results of the placement essay test.
Applicants who require a TOEFL should plan to complete the exam at a local testing center.
Seattle University allows students to use college-level English composition I to satisfy English proficiency. To meet this requirement, students must meet the following criteria:
Seattle University reserves the ability to require English proficiency testing should it be deemed necessary.
Seattle University will provide a letter of conditional admission to undergraduate students who apply and are admitted to Seattle University, subject to the student successfully completing Level 6 of Seattle Central College's Bridge program, as well as any other conditions that are required to be met.
Seattle University will also accept and transfer approved college-level courses that are taken as part of the Pathway Program and passed with the requisite GPA.
To learn more about this, send an email to international@seattleu.edu.
ELS Language Center (US centers only) students who have completed level 112 with a 3.0-grade point average are considered to have the equivalent TOEFL score of 86 and will be exempt from the undergraduate English Language Learning Center. For more information on the ELS program, visit els.edu or call 1-866-748-9780.