• If I am enrolled in a U.S. language program do I need a TOEFL or IELTS score?

All non-native English speakers must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score for full admission to the university OR complete the Intensive English language programs on our campus.

• Is it possible to receive a letter of conditional admission?
  

Students that meet all of the academic requirements of BSU, undergraduate and graduate, may request that their documents be reviewed for admission without proof of English proficiency.  PLEASE NOTE:  Not all graduate programs will allow a student to be conditionally admitted without proof of English proficiency.  Decisions are made on a department by department basis.  Please contact intadmit@bsu.edu if you have a question about whether the graduate department to which you want to apply allows conditional admission.  Successful candidates will receive notice that they have been deemed academically admissible by the university and may begin their academic studies one they fulfill one of the following requirements: 

1. Submit a minimum official TOEFL of 79 internet based test/213 computer based test/550 paper-based test or higher or minimum official IELTS score of 6.5; or

2. Submit an official TOEFL score between 61/173/500 and 79/213/550 and sit for an English proficiency test upon arrival to determine what remedial English courses must be completed before beginning full academic courses.

• May I submit a copy of my TOEFL or IELTS score?

Photocopies of test scores are not considered to be official and, cannot be accepted. You must contact ETS to have your official TOEFL scores sent directly from ETS to BSU. Our institution code is 1051.

For IELTS, official test scores must be sent to our office directly.

• How long is my TOEFL/IELTS score valid?

BSU will not accept score reports more than two years old.

• My entire education was taken in English. Must I take the TOEFL or IELTS examination?

Unless you are from the following countries you will be required to take the TOEFL/IELTS.

Undergraduate applicants on a case by case basis may submit either the SAT or ACT in lieu of a TOEFL. Please contact the Rinker Center for International Programs for more information.

• Do you offer an English program for me if I do not have a TOEFL or IELTS score?

Yes. BSU can accommodate students who have not had an opportunity to sit for the TOEFL or IELTS examination.  If conditionally admitted, you would be required to take the English proficiency exam during orientation to determine which English as a Second Language courses would be needed in your first semester.  If you are applying for graduate study please be aware that not all graduate programs offer conditional admission.

• What if my TOEFL score between 61-79 (internet-based), 173-213 (computer-based), 500-550 (paper-based) or my IELTS score is between 6-6.5?
  

If your TOEFL score falls between 61 IBT/173 CBT/500PBT and 79 IBT/213CBT/550 PBT or between 6-6.5 IELTS, you will be required to attend BSU's  Intensive English Institute (IEI). This is an English language "Bridge Program." IEI students are given an examination at orientation and placed in remedial English courses as necessary. The Director of the Intensive English Program will determine the number of English courses you will be required to take and will assist you in simultaneously enrolling in academic courses as appropriate.. This is an English language "Bridge Program." IEI students are given an examination at orientation and placed in remedial English courses as necessary. The Director of the Intensive English Program will determine the number of English courses you will be required to take and will assist you in simultaneously enrolling in academic courses as appropriate.