Exams
English Proficiency Requirements
The University of Michigan requires a high level of proficiency in English, so that all students are able to participate fully in University life, both in and out of class. The University accepts the results of the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the International English Testing System (IELTS). We do not offer intensive English or conditional admission.
Exceptions to the English proficiency tests include only lifetime residents of Australia, Canada (other than Quebec), New Zealand, United Kingdom, or the United States (other than Puerto Rico). Students who have recently and successfully completed at least four years of rigorous academic studies in one of the countries listed might also be exempted if SAT critical reading scores are in the mid-600 range. An admissions counselor will make that decision based on the level of academic achievement.
Scores
In general, minimum acceptable scores are in the 80-85 range on the MELAB, with section scores of at least 80; in the 570-610 range on the paper-Based TOEFL (PBT), with section scores of at least 57; in the 230-250 range on the computer-Based TOEFL (CBT), with section scores of at least 23; or in the 88-106 range on the new internet-based TOEFL (iBT), with section scores of at least 23 in listening, speaking, and reading, and at least 21 in writing. The IELTS is also acceptable with scores in the 6.5-7.0 range, with section scores of at least 6.5. Some programs require scores in the higher portions of these ranges (College of Pharmacy minimum scores: MELAB-85; PBT-600; CBT-253; iBT-100-106; IELTS-7.0). In addition, the “Oral Interview” with the MELAB (minimum score 4), or the Test of Spoken English (TSE) with the PBT or CBT is required (minimum score 55) for applicants to the College of Pharmacy. The speaking section score of the internet-based TOEFL should be at least 27.
The MELAB is administered by the English Language Institute (ELI) of the University of Michigan. This test is available on an individual or group basis throughout the U.S. and Canada. To register, contact the English Language Institute at the address below. Be sure to specify the preferred location. Scores are available about four weeks after the testing date. The test can also be taken in Ann Arbor with scores available within a few days. For more information, contact: University of Michigan, English Language Institute Testing and Certification Division, 500 East Washington St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2028, USA. Phone: 734.764.2416 or 866.696.3522 (toll-free); fax: 734.763.0369.
web: www.lsa.umich.edu/eli/testing;
email: melabelium@umich.edu
The TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service several times each year throughout the world. The TOEFL Bulletin, which includes a registration form, is available at U.S. Embassies or Consulates or from the Educational Testing Service. Contact: Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151, USA. Phone: 609.771.7100; fax: 609.771.7500.
web: www.toefl.org; email: toefl@ets.org
IELTS is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge ESOL exams. It is offered several times each year throughout the world. Registration information is available from any British Council Office or directly from IELTS. Contact: IELTS Inc., 100 E. Corson St., Suite 200, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA. Phone: 626.564.2954; fax: 626.564.2981.
web: www.ielts.org; email: ielts@ieltsintl.org
Generally, admitted non-native speakers of English are required to take the Academic English Evaluation (AEE) during the orientation program. Students who show weaknesses on the AEE in any of five language skills areas will be required to register for single skill mini-courses in the areas of deficiencies during their initial term or year of enrollment. At the undergraduate level, most students may earn one hour of credit for each course, and have a maximum of four credits count toward a degree. Students who have been admitted to fall term are eligible to enroll in the summer term English for Academic Purposes Program mentioned below. This option is especially recommended for those students who scored in the lower range of acceptable scores for either the MELAB, TOEFL, or IELTS tests.
English Language Institute (ELI)
The English Language Institute offers the English for Academic Purposes Program each July and August to prepare advanced students of English for University enrollment. Students who have been admitted to the fall term are eligible to take this summer course. The Program is offered five hours each day, five days a week, for seven weeks. The 2005 total cost for seven weeks was approximately $4,760 (tuition $2,900). Direct inquiries to: University of Michigan English for Academic Purposes, English Language Institute, 500 East Washington St., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104-2028, USA. Phone: 734.764.2413; fax: 734.763.0369.
web: www.lsa.umich.edu/eli; email: eliinfo@umich.edu
Entrance Examinations
Undergraduate freshman applicants are required to take either the SAT: Reasoning Tests or the ACT (American College Test) with the new writing component (which we require). Official score reports sent directly by the testing agency must be received in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions before the application deadline. Most transfer applicants are not required to take either of these tests, but are encouraged to submit scores if they have taken one of these tests previously. These test scores are used to predict success in university studies. Acceptable score ranges are set by each school and college at the University.
The SAT is administered by the College Board. It is given seven times each year throughout the world. For information and to register, contact: College Board ATP, Rosedale Rd., Princeton, NJ 08541, USA. Phone: 609.921.9000.
web: www.collegeboard.com; email: sat@ets.org
The ACT plus Writing is administered by the American College Testing Program. For information or to register, contact: ACT Registration, P.O. Box 414, Iowa City, IA 52243, USA. Phone: 319.337.1270.
web: www.act.org
Applicants from outside of the U.S. are strongly encouraged to take the SAT because the new writing component of the ACT may not always be offered outside of the U.S. You can also contact the U.S. Embassy in your country for further information. If neither the SAT nor the ACT is available in your country, a request for a waiver of this requirement must be submitted in writing with your application.
