Admissions

Welcome to Olivet University, where future leaders and scholars are equipped to change the world for Jesus Christ.

English Requirements for International Applicants

There is no minimum English requirement for international students because the University offers ESL (English as Second Language) classes. We are strongly committed to the goal of helping students succeed in their academic classes while working to improve their English throughout their academic careers.

However, all newly enrolled international students for whom English is not a primary language are required to participate in proficiency testing for course eligibility and placement purposes prior to the commencement of studies according to the guidelines. Exceptions to this requirement include international students who can prove English language proficiency by meeting one of the following conditions:

  • A minimum TOEFL (Test of English as a foreign language) score of 500 (paper-based), or 173 (computer-based), or 60 (Internet-based)
  • A minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing System ) score of 4.5
  • A minimum TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) score of 585
  • The student is from a country where English is the official language
  • The student received an undergraduate or graduate degree from an English-speaking college or university

High school transcripts of students who have graduated from an English medium secondary school may also be reviewed to determine if the student must participate in proficiency testing.

If an applicant recently earned a baccalaureate degree from a recognized institution where English was the language of instruction, he or she may submit a written request to the Admissions Committee explaining why he or she should be excused from taking the TOEFL, IELTS or other valid standard tests. The Admissions Committee will make the final decision on whether or not the applicant is excused from taking a language exam.

All students who do NOT have official TOEFL, IELTS, or other valid standard test scores need to take the Olivet Language Studies Proficiency Test (OLSPT), offered during the Evaluation Testing period before the start of each semester. The specific dates and times of the entrance exams will be emailed to students after they are enrolled in the university.

Students who demonstrate they are not prepared for a postsecondary education in their program are required to make up this deficiency prior to their continuation of study.

If a student receives a substandard score in English proficiency, he or she may be eligible to receive English language support, and may also be placed on academic probation in order to determine if performance is satisfactory for continued study.

About the OLSPT

The test consists of five sections: Listening, Grammar, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Listening

The Listening Test has three parts and lasts 30 minutes.

  • Part 1: You will hear four statements about a picture in your test book. When you hear the statements, you must select the one statement that best describes what you see in the picture. Then find the number of the question on your answer sheet and mark your answer.
  • Part 2: You will hear a question or statement and three responses spoken in English. They will be spoken only one time and will not be printed in your test book. Select the best response to the question or statement and mark your answer.
  • Part 3: You will hear some short talks given a single speaker. You will be asked to answer three questions about what the speaker says in each short talk. Select the best response to each question and mark your answer.
Grammar

The Grammar Test lasts 25 minutes and measures English structure and grammar competencies.

Reading

The Reading Test measures the ability to comprehend academic reading passages. The section will take 55 minutes.

Writing

The Writing Test evaluates written fluency in terms of content/organization, grammar/syntax, vocabulary, and mechanics. Students are given an essay topic and write a complete essay in 30 minutes.

Speaking

The Speaking Test evaluates verbal fluency in terms of spontaneity & fluency and quality of language (range & complexity, accuracy, and pronunciation & intonation). Students will be given an illustration or a topic. Then students prepare a brief speech.

As deemed necessary by the ESL Program Director, there may also be an oral interview. Those students who score above 82 percent (Bachelor’s program applicants) or 85 percent (Master’s program applicants) on the OLSPT may waive the English standardized test requirement by filing with the Registrar a waiver form signed and approved by the ESL Program Director and the Director of Academic Affairs.

Students who do not meet the waiver requirements must take a minimum of 3 to 18 credit hours of ESL during their first semester at Olivet University.

At the end of the semester, ESL students take an exit exam. Like the placement test, the exit exam has five sections: Listening, Grammar, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Though the content of the ESL exit exam differs from the placement exam, both are similar in format and evaluation.

ESL students pass the exit exam by reaching the waiver requirements: a score of 82 percent or above for Bachelor’s students or 85 percent or above for Master’s students. ESL students at every class level are eligible to pass the program by taking the ESL exit exam at the end of the semester.

Students needing further assistance should contact the ESL Program Director for more options.