English Language Proficiency Policy

*The exemptions above may be reviewed by the admissions staff on a case-by-case basis, if the counselor deems a proficiency score necessary to make a final admissions decision. 

Waivers:

The English language proficiency exam may be waived if the following conditions are met:

• An applicant receives an admissible score on the SAT (960 combined with at least a 480 in Reading), ACT (19 combined with at least a 19 in Reading) or CLT (62 combined with at least a 21 in Grammar/Writing)

• An applicant completes at least two years of high school in an English-speaking setting, including two years of high school English courses (non-ESL) with satisfactory grades (Undergraduate Students)

   

• An applicant has earned at least 24 credits -- 1 full academic year – at a regionally accredited US college or university (or an institution abroad where the sole language of instruction is English, and in a country where English is the primary spoken language)

  The student must also meet the following conditions:

  • A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above
  • Earned a “C” or higher in a college level English course
  • The academic record has been reviewed by college personnel and determined eligible for the waiver

   

• An applicant participates in a faculty member conducted interview to determine an equivalent English language proficiency. The faculty member conducting the interview will have knowledge of English language learners and will document their findings to determine if sufficient English language proficiency exists to meet an equivalent exam standard. Results will be documented

   

• An applicant provides proof of citizenship and residency from an English country not included in the exemptions

• An applicant has earned a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at a regionally accredited US college or university (or an institution abroad where the sole language of instruction is English, and in a country where English is the primary spoken language), and the student meets the specific GPA requirements for the LBC|Capital seminary, graduate, or doctoral programs. See the college catalog for program specific GPA/program requirements

Revised: 04/2017 (Include Caribbean countries)

Revised: 02/2018 (IELTS, TOEFL waivers)

Revised: 07/2019 (SAT/ACT/CLT waiver, High School, Faculty interview)

Revised: 08/2021 (Duolingo, Clarify waivers)

Previous policy allowed for an Admissions Committee decision to accept student with lower exam scores, who would be given additional English language assistance at the institution, but with the implementation of the SEVP Policy Guidance S13.1 this policy has been revised, and no I-20 will be issued for a student who doesnot meet the above English language proficiency requirements.