English for Speakers of Other Languages

Taking college courses is a big academic challenge. Obviously, it is an even bigger challenge if you have a hard time understanding the instruction. That is why we have ESOL – a program that prepares you for taking our regular college academic programs. Your scores on approved English proficiency tests will determine if you need to enroll in ESOL, or if you are ready for our academic programs.

You can enter our ESOL program if you take any of the following tests and achieve these scores:

TOEFL: 330 paper-based, 53 computer-based, or 16 on Internet COMPASS ESL: 35 Reading, 42 Listening, 36 Grammar / Writing

You can make the transition from ESOL into our academic programs if you prove that you have met our English proficiency requirements by taking any of the following tests and achieving these scores:

TOEFL: 525 paper-based, 193 computer-based, or 69 on Internet
COMPASS ESL: 92 Reading, 92 Listening, 94 Grammar / Writing

Who is admitted?

You can get into our ESOL program as long as you achieve the minimum scores on the TOEFL or COMPASS ESL shown above. If you score below the minimum requirements you may take non-credit ESL courses through our Continuing and Professional Development division. These requirements apply whether you hold a high school diploma or GED from your home country, or you are transferring to San Jac from a non-English-speaking college or university. Even if you do not have a high school diploma or GED, you can get into ESOL on an Ability-to-Benefit basis as long as you are at least 18 years old and have the minimum test scores.

Are you exempt?

We only require ESOL for those who really need it. This may not be you. In fact, you will be exempt from ESOL and can enroll straight into our academic programs if you can show proof that you have met the English proficiency requirement by submitting any of the following:

• A TOEFL score of at least 525 on the paper test, a 193 on the computer test, or a 69 on the Internet test.
• A COMPASS ESL score of at least 92 in Reading, 92 in Listening, and 94 in Grammar / Writing.
• An official transcript documenting at least two years attendance and graduation from an accredited high school in the U.S. It is recommended that the student takes the COMPASS ESL first and based on the scores a decision will be made as if the student is exempt or not from the ESOL program.
• Passing scores on all parts of the English version of the GED exam. It is recommended that the student takes the COMPASS ESL first and based on the scores a decision will be made as if the student is exempt or not from the ESOL program.
• An official transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S. showing that a college-level English course has been passed.
• Any other documentation that proves to the admissions director that the English language requirement has been met.

You are automatically exempt from meeting the English proficiency requirement if you come from one of the following countries: Australia, The Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Cameroon, Cayman Islands, English speaking Canadian provinces, Fiji Islands, Gambia, Ghana, Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Malta, Nauru, Nigeria, New Zealand, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Tobago Trinidad, United Kingdom, Virgin islands, West Indies, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.