Progressing through ESL

INFORMATION FOR ESL PLACEMENT AND PROGRESS THROUGH LEVELS

 

  1. Official test scores (iBT TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) submitted directly to USF Admissions by the testing service company, will determine tentative placement in the ESL Program.
  2. During Orientation Week, students will take the English Placement Test (EPT) to determine final placement in ESL classes in order to best support individual academic needs at USF.
  3. Courses in ESL are structured within a four level sequence: Introductory, Intermediate, Low Advanced, and High Advanced. After placement in the correct level, students move sequentially through the levels with a “C” grade or higher. (Standardized test scores cannot be used to progress through or exit ESL).
  4. Based upon the original EPT score and subsequent grades, students will take 8 to 16 units of ESL per semester. Especially strong students may follow a procedure to skip levels.