Student Voices

Conditional admission gives students a chance to improve their English

Many of you may feel defeated when you read a school's English language requirements. You have the grades and the means to study in the U.S.A. but your English just isn't at a high enough level yet. This may cause you to delay your plans or give up, well don't. There's another way...

Many schools now offer conditional admission for international students who need to improve their English proficiency. Students are admitted under the condition that they complete English language courses either at the university or an approved school. This gives students the chance to improve their English and score higher on the English proficiency test in order to meet university requirements. Once the student successfully completes the required courses and meets the language requirements, they are permitted to enroll in university classes. In her article, Colleges Extend Conditional Admissions to Pull More International Students for the Chronicle of Higher Education, Karin Fischer writes:

"Standing in the way of the Saudi Arabian student's dream was the reality that his English skills weren't strong enough to allow him to keep pace in an American college classroom. In fact, Mr. Alanazi, 21, had had just two months of English instruction before he came to the United States, in February.

But he was able to win admission to Plymouth State University, in New Hampshire—with the stipulation that he raise his language proficiency before starting classes. Already, Mr. Alanazi, who has a scholarship from the Saudi government, has moved from a beginner to an intermediate level of English-language instruction and hopes to begin studying for a business degree next year."

The U.S. university admission process can be daunting and complicated. One feature that I want all of you to know and keep in mind, is that every school has different admission requirements. Remember this always in your planning!

Click here and here for examples. Research schools and programs at StudyUSA.com

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