English as a Second Language

All new international students for whom English is not the first language are required to pass an English language proficiency test administered by the ESL department or meet one of the conditions listed below before enrolling for their first academic quarter at the college. Students who do not meet the requirements for an ESL waiver must take the proficiency test, regardless of other test scores.

The ESL proficiency test consists of two sections as follows:

I. Writing: 60 minutes
Students will write a timed essay on a familiar topic, which is provided. Essays will be evaluated based on organization, coherence, vocabulary use, topic development, punctuation and grammar.

II. Listening, Reading, Structure: 60 minutes
Students will take a standardized, 100-question, multiple-choice test.

A short break is allowed between each section. All materials are provided. No dictionaries or notes are allowed. The best way to prepare for the placement test is to relax, be alert and rested. There is no need to study for the test. Students' results will determine the appropriate level of ESL required before enrolling in regular academic courses of the college. ESL courses will lengthen the amount of time required to complete a degree at SCAD.

ESL Waiver

ESL courses may be waived upon successful performance on the ESL proficiency test. The ESL proficiency test and ESL courses may be waived if one of the following conditions is met and supporting documentation is provided:

 

• The student's first language is English.
• The undergraduate student has received a final credential diploma or degree from another college or university where English is the official language of instruction. Documentation of the official language of instruction is required.
• The graduate student has earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from a college or university where English is the official language of instruction. Documentation of the official language of instruction is required.
• Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) score of at least 5 on English Language.
  
• The undergraduate student has passed the equivalent of English 123/193 at an accredited/recognized college or university with a "C" (2.0/4.0 scale) or better; or qualifies for the equivalent transfer credit for English 123/193 through accepted IB, AP, CAPE, A-Level or CLEP test scores.  Please refer to policies on transfer credit for required scores on the appropriate test.
• The student is a Fulbright/Humphrey exchange scholar or is a participant in the Ministry of Education Scholarship Program for overseas study in art and design.
• The undergraduate student has completed first grade through high school graduation (1 to 12/13 years) at a recognized international school or other academic institution in which English is the language of instruction. Documentation of all 12/13 academic years is required.
• Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score of at least 500 on the critical reading portion, or 22 on both the reading and writing sections of the ACT.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) verbal section score of at least 500 (for tests taken before Aug. 1, 2011) or 153 (for tests taken after Aug. 1, 2011).
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum scores (SCAD code 5631):

1. 550 on the paper-based test
2. 85 on the Internet-based test with minimum score of 20 on each section.

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) composite score of at least 6.5 with a score of at least 6.5 in both speaking and writing.
• American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) score of at least "advanced high" on the writing proficiency portion of the test.

Students who meet the minimum required composite score on the TOEFL or IELTS but do not meet the minimum section scores are evaluated on a case-by-case basis for possible exemption. No exception is made if the minimum composite score is not met.  All decisions are final.

Documentation for ESL waiver consideration must be received by the admission office no later than two weeks prior to the beginning of the term in which the student wishes to enroll.

 

Any student who is provided a waiver (exemption) of ESL and fails any single course due to language deficiencies (as determined by the director of ESL and the academic department chair), may be required to submit to an English language placement test. Results of the English language placement test may be used to determine what level(s) of ESL instruction, if any, is required.