FAQ -- Answers
- How do I apply?
Complete our on-line application:
http://www.luc.edu/esl/semester_application.shtml
- Submit Proof of High School or Secondary Education, ONE is acceptable:
- Diploma
- Transcripts
- For students who need an F-1 visa, please submit copies of ALL THREE:
- Passport Information Page
- Declaration of Finances Form
- A Bank Statement indicating sufficient funds
- What if I haven't taken the TOEFL, can I still apply? Students applying to our program are NOT required to take the TOEFL. Students will take our placement test at the beginning of the semester and will then be placed into the appropriate classes.
- Is the program open to all levels? Our program is designed for Beginner, Low Intermediate, High Intermediate, and Advanced students who are interested in preparing for university or improving their English skills. Note: Our program starts with the ACADEMIC BEGINNER. Beginners in Loyola's ELLP must be able to hold daily simple converstaions, write at the sentence level, and read shorter articles or excerpts. For a full explanation, see http://www.luc.edu/esl/course_descriptions.shtml.
- When will I know if I have been accepted? Once you have submitted all of the required documents, you will typically know of your acceptance within 72 hours. We will send you a verification email as well as an official letter in the mail.
- How many applicants do you accept a semester? 40-60 students. Our program is small so that we may offer quality education, and students may receive plenty of individual attention as they are learning.
- What kinds of classes do you offer? We offer the following classes during the SPRING and FALL:
- Grammar & Composition
- Reading & Vocabulary
- Listening and Speaking
- Business English(optional)
- American English Pronunciation (optional)
- TOEFL Preparation (optional)
- Graduate Preparation (for Graduate Students ONLY)
- Listening and Speaking
- Reading and Vocabulary
- Writing and Grammar
For course descriptions, please click here: http://www.luc.edu/esl/course_descriptions.shtml - Can I receive credit for ELLP classes? No. The ELLP Program is a separate language program for the university, and none of the classes can be applied towards an undergraduate or graduate degree. However, successful completion of these classes will prepare you for university work.
- Does being admitted into the ELLP program mean that I have been accepted into another degree program at the university? No. While studying in the ELLP Program helps students prepare for degree work in English, it does not guarantee admission into a degree program. If you are interested in joining a Loyola degree program after the ELLP Program, please contact Undergraduate Admission or Graduate Enrollment for more information. Admission to a degree program requires a separate application process.
- Do I have to attend full-time? Students with an F-1 Visa are required by the government to study full-time, 18 hours per week. Other visa holders should contact Mary Theis, our immigration specialist to determine how many hours they must study per week - mtheis@luc.edu. You can also contact Lindsey Simon- lsimon2@luc.edu Green-card holders or other applicants may study full or part-time.
- Is there a PLACEMENT test for your program?
Yes. New ELLP Program students are required to take the English Placement Test upon arrival and before registration. Your results on this test will help us determine which level is best for you. If your skills do not match the minimum requirements for the ELLP Program at Loyola, we will release you to transfer to another school of your choosing. Anyone testing later than the dates listed above will have to make special arrangements with the program director and may incur a late registration fee.
Current Loyola students may register for ELLP classes without taking the placement test. If you are a current Loyola students and you have questions about registration, please contact esl@luc.edu.
The English Placement Test is designed to assess your current level of English language skill in the following areas: Reading, Writing, Grammar, Vocabulary, Listening and Speaking. There is no need to study for this test and there are not any preparation materials. Please bring a photo ID on the day of the test. Dictionaries are not allowed.
Placement decisions by ELLP Program faculty are final.
Students only take the Placement Test ONE time.For test location information, please contact esl@luc.edu.
- Is there an EXIT test for your program?
Yes. At the end of the semester all Advanced Level students are required to take the ELLP Exit Test. This test will not impact your course grades, but instead communicate to the university whether or not you are prepared for undergraduate study.
The ELLP Exit Test is designed to assess your current level of English language skill in the following areas: Reading, Writing, Grammar, Vocabulary, Listening and Speaking. There is no need to study for this test and there are no preparation materials. Dictionaries are not allowed.
- How long will I need to study with the ELLP program before I am able to demonstrate an acceptable level of English language proficiency? The answer depends on your level at the time of applying as well as your effort towards your studies. Some students study in our program for one semester, and others study for two years.
- Does Loyola have an attendance policy? Yes. Students must maintain 90% attendance. Students who fall below this level are dropped from the program. Being dropped is especially serious for students who hold an F-1 visa.
- Can I receive a certificate of completion from Loyola? If you have successfully earned B's or higher in all classes, you may request a certificate of completion at the end of the semester. Note: Certification of program completion will be awarded if the student has successfully passes all ADVANCED classes. We do, however, award certificates of level completion if B's or higher have been earned at that level.
It typically takes one month after the last day of classes for students to receive their certificates. - Ask a question