E-mail this pageE.S.L. (English as a Second Language) Program for International Students
Academic Admission Requirements
Plattsburgh accepts students based upon their academic achievements, English language proficiency, and financial documentation. Students must provide academic records from their previous school(s). A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 540 paper-based (207 computer-based) will allow you to enroll in academic courses. Those with a lower score may enroll in the English Bridge Program (1/2 E.S.L. (English as a Second Language) and 1/2 academic course load). TOEFL scores must not be more than 2 years old.
If your native language is not English, we require the TOEFL or any of the standards outlined below to measure your English proficiency. A TOEFL score between 450 and 539 paper-based (or between 133 and 206 computer-based) would enable you to enroll in our E.S.L. Bridge Program. Achieving a score of 540 paper-based or above (207 computer-based) would allow you to go directly into full-time study without any additional E.S.L. courses.
E.S.L. Bridge Program
You may gain concurrent admission to the E.S.L. Bridge and Academic programs where you will study English and possibly additional entry-level academic courses, if approved by the director of International Student Services. The E.S.L. Bridge Program thus allows you to satisfy the English language requirement for regular admission by successfully completing 1 or 2 semesters of the undergraduate E.S.L. Bridge Program, as specified by the director of the International Student Services.
Plattsburgh sponsors the English Bridge Program to help students improve their English language skills. Students take noncredit E.S.L. courses during the academic year while also taking some academic, credit-bearing courses to fulfill degree requirements.
The E.S.L. courses develop students' speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills to a level commensurate with university academic studies. These classes will help students improve their grammatical accuracy, essay-writing skills, and research skills. They will also enhance their TOEFL test results. Students will learn how to speak American English with confidence. We are fully dedicated to helping you achieve your academic goals at SUNY Plattsburgh. We will monitor your progress on a regular basis to ensure your successful achievement. For further information contact:
Dr. Steve Gras
Coordinator, E.S.L. English Bridge Program
Office: Learning Center, Feinberg 103
Phone: (518) 564-2262
E-mail: steven.gras@plattsburgh.edu
Learning Center, Feinberg 103
101 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, New York 12901
Programs of Study
English Language Proficiency Requirements
(Our TOEFL Institutional code is 2544)
You may satisfy the English language proficiency by meeting any of the following standards:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
- ACT
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Ordinary-level examination results
- West African Education Council examination results
- Caribbean Examination Council examination results
- Certificate of completion of ELS Language Center program with a level of 112
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?
If you have any questions about international admission or financial aid at SUNY-Plattsburgh, please contact:
International Student Services
State University of New York at Plattsburgh
Kehoe Administration Building, Room 209
101 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, New York 12901 USA
Phone: (518) 564-3287
Fax: (518) 564-3292
E-mail: iss@plattsburgh.edu