I am a nonnative speaker of English, but I am a naturalized citizen (or permanent resident) of the U.S. Do I have to take the ELPT or ESL classes?
Yes, unless you qualify for an exemption on the basis of other factors (see below). Citizenship and residency are not relevant in determining who is eligible for the ELPT and/or ESL classes.
I have been placed in an ESL course. How much will it cost?
The cost of ESL courses is the same as the cost of any other course you are taking. The cost will vary, then, depending on whether your status is in-state, out-of-state or international and whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student. Check with your advisor or in Charger Central (UC118) if you aren't sure of your tuition category.
I have taken English courses (Intensive English and/or English as a Second Language) at another institution in the U.S. Do I have to take the ELPT or ESL classes?
Yes. Even if you have taken courses in an ESL program at another university, you will need to take the ELPT. English language requirements vary among institutions in the U.S. Therefore, to ensure that your language skills are sufficiently high to provide you optimum access to your educational experience at UAH, the university requires that all nonnative speakers of English take the placement test. Of course, you may or may not have to take ESL classes. That decision will be made based on the results of your ELPT.
How can I waive the ELPT and/or ESL courses?
For a complete overview of the basis for waivers and exemptions, go to ELPT Exemptions.
I have completed the equivalent of the freshman composition classes at another institution (EH101 and EH102). Do I have to take the ELPT or ESL classes?
Yes. Although you will be waived from essay portion of the ELPT, you will have to complete the interview and standardized sections. You will be waived from the written ESL classes (ESL 103 and 104), but you may have to complete the oral/aural classes (ESL 100, 101 and/or 102).
I have a degree from a U.S. college or university. Do I have to take the ELPT or ESL classes?
If your degree is from an accredited four-year institution in the U.S., you are not required to take the ELPT or ESL classes. However, confirm your status with Enrollment Services (if you are an undergraduate students) or with the Graduate School (if you are a graduate student).
I am an undergraduate student. Do I have to complete all of my ESL courses before registering for the Freshman Composition sequence?
Not necessarily. If you were placed in ESL 103 or 104, you must complete those classes before enrolling in the Freshman Comp courses (EH 003, EH 101 and/or EH 102). Although it is recommended that you also complete ESL 101 and 102 (if placed in those classes), it is not required. Be sure to check with your advisor or with the director of Freshman Composition <eh@uah.edu> to determine whether you should enroll in EH 003, 101 or 102.
I am a graduate student and would prefer to take EH 300 rather than ESL writing courses. Is that an option?
Not at this time. The ESL writing courses are designed to address the challenges and tasks that are typical for nonnative speakers in written academic English at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Therefore, you will have to take the ESL writing courses (103 and/or 104) in order to complete that requirement.
Who should I contact if I have other questions about ESL or the IEP at UAH?
If you have questions about ESL or the IEP at UAH, please contact the director of ESL at esl@uah.edu.
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