Non-Native Speakers of English
The University encourages applications from a diverse population and recognized that for some prospective students English is not their first language. Through the admission evaluation process, the University may determine that, although students are academically prepared for college course work, their skills in English are not satisfactory to enroll in university-level courses.
Applicants who may be included in this group many times are:
- US citizens who attended school abroad
- Lawful US permanent residents who were educated abroad
- US citizens who reside in non-English speaking regions; i.e. Puerto Rico
- Foreign nationals living in the US
In these situations, NNSE applicants to Rockford University will be grated provisional admission to Rockford University pending verification of the following:
- The student meets the minimum grade point average requirement for admission (Graduate admission requires a 2.5/4.0 GPA or higher)
- Students who are US citizens or US residents should refer to the domestic admission section of the catalog regarding admission requirements.
- Please note that FAFSA eligible applicants should complete FAFSA and do not have to furnish financial documentation not required by FAFSA.
- The student's TOEFL or IELTS score is below the minimum required score:
- <77 on the Internet-based TOEFL or equivalent on other TOEFL test versions
- <6.5 band score on IELTS (Academic Version)
OR
- The student cannot provide Rockford University with a TOEFL/IELTS score for unique reasons
As a provisionally admitted student, she or he will be required to begin ESL classes in the level that she or he tests into the Rockford University ESL's program.
The student's provisional status will be removed when she or he matriculates into course work for academic credits towards a Master's degree after the following stipulations have been met:
- The student has successfully completed her or his required course work in the English as a Second Language program at Rockford University.
- The student has provided the school with an official TOEFL or IELTS score meeting or exceeding the minimum English proficiency test requirements for admission.
- The student has met the admissions requirement for her or his program.
Note:
- F-1 visa holders will be provided with an I-20 for Language Training that will be changed in SEVIS to a degree level I-20 upon completion of Rockford University's ESL program and/or completing all requirements listed above.
- F-1 and J-1 visa applicants must provide proof of financial support by submitting the required financial documents listed above.