How does training in an Intensive English Program (IEP) compare to the ESL curriculum here at UAH?
Classes in IEPs are designed to address the needs of students at language levels below those of students matriculating in a university as regular, full-time students. Although levels in IEPs are often designated from beginning to advanced, the terms are relative. Typically, a student exiting an IEP may have a TOEFL score in the range of the lower 500s (paper-based TOEFL) or 170s (computer-based TOEFL). These are the minimum scores for admission as a student to UAH. In addition, these scores typically reflect language skills that require additional support via ESL classes, in order to ensure a student’s full access to the discourse of the academic community in which they are studying. Therefore, a student who has had training in an IEP will have improved their language skills. However, there should be no expectation that their skills will be sufficiently high to merit waiver from courses in UAH’s regular ESL program. If you have a student who is interested in attending UAH but does not
