Admission Requirements

Photo of ELP students on campus

Please read the requirements for the Intensive Program and the University Connection Program below.

Intensive Program requirements

You must turn 18 years old within six months of the first day of the program, and you must have graduated from high school.

You will take an online placement test prior to arrival to determine your level.

Important note: The ELP does not teach beginners (level 100 and level 200). If you speak no English, or speak just basic English, the ELP is not the right program for you right now.

Level 300 pre-intermediate students applying to our program must be able to:

  • Speak and write about familiar topics in English
  • Be able to understand and read simple information in English (CEFR A2-level)

Applicants scoring below level 300 on our pre-arrival placement test will not be admitted and will receive a full refund.

FAQs: Placement in the Intensive Program

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The Duolingo English Test is an online language certification that takes about one hour to complete. The first portion of the test contains a series of speaking, reading, writing, and listening exercises. At the end of the test, there is a 10-minute interview portion that asks you to respond to open-ended prompts to produce a writing and speaking sample.

We use this test as our placement exam. All students entering the Intensive Program at the ELP must take this test before they are sent their I-20s. The test score helps us to place students in the level that is best for them.

The ELP does not teach beginners (level 100 and level 200). If you speak no English, or speak just basic English, the ELP is not the right program for you at the moment.

Level 300 pre-intermediate students applying to our program must be able to speak and write about familiar topics in English and understand and read simple information in English (CEFR A2-level). Applicants scoring below level 300 on our pre-arrival placement test will not be admitted and will receive a full refund.

You may complete the test on any computer that has an internet connection, speakers, a microphone, and a front-facing camera.

The test is free to you. Do NOT enter payment information. Instead, click “Coupon Code” and enter the code we sent you.

It should take about one hour.

When taking the DET with an ELP coupon code, the score result will be for internal purposes only. Duolingo will share your score in a box on your DET homepage as an “Unofficial Result.” This “Unofficial Result” will not generate an official certificate that you can view/download and does not allow you to share their scores with other institutions. You will learn your ELP level placement when we contact you to complete a course interest and availability form.

If you experience any technical difficulties, please contact Duolingo directly: Click the “Support” button on the website or email Duolingo at englishtest-support@duolingo.com.

It takes Duolingo a few days to process your test. Check back later to see if it has changed from “Pending” to “Certified.” If it is still not certified, look for an email from Duolingo with an explanation. If you do not see one, reach out to them by emailing englishtest-support@duolingo.com.