English Language Proficiency

English Language Proficiency Policy

Starting Summer 2026 Semester, all new students educated outside the U.S. are required to complete ESL 203/ESL 5203 Academic Writing and Research Skills during their first semester of study when no transferable college level credits from an accredited U.S. institution are submitted at the time of admission.

This course builds skills in academic writing, research, and professional communication. The course supports second language learners through writing clear, organized papers; finding and evaluating reliable information; and using sources correctly in APA style.

ESL Placement and Test Scores

Undergraduate Students

Upon successful completion of ESL 203 Academic Writing and Research Skills, undergraduate students will be placed into ENG 121. Students will still be required to complete the general placement assessments for placement into their academic Math courses. If an undergraduate student has been found exempted from the ESL 203 course upon admission, the student will be required to complete the general placement assessments for placement into their academic Math and English courses.

Graduate Students

While ESL5203 can be taken along with other program courses, successful completion of the course is required during first block of the first semester of study. If a graduate student has been found exempted upon admission, the student will be placed directly into program courses.

Mandatory Enrollment

As a part of admission, students needing to complete the “Academic Writing and Research Skills” course are expected to enroll in first block of their first semester at Wilmington University. If the student fails to do so, they will be blocked from registering for future semesters, without the approval of the International Affairs Office.

This policy is effective for applicants and accepted students starting Summer 2026 Semester.