Admissions
Requirements, how to apply, placement and orientation
Who may apply
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and visitors whose visa status allows study.
What you need to apply
- Completed application form and $95 application fee
- Signed enrollment agreement
- Copy of your passport or valid U.S. photo ID
How to enroll
- Contact the admissions office. Call or WhatsApp (305) 619-2242 or email admissions@usaelc.edu. An advisor explains the program, schedule, tuition, attendance and academic progress policies, and sends you the application and enrollment agreement.
- Submit your documents. Return the application, enrollment agreement, ID and application fee. Before you sign, our staff review the enrollment agreement and Student Handbook with you and answer your questions.
- Placement test and orientation. New students take the placement test on campus, supervised by our staff, followed by new student orientation (Mondays at 10:00 a.m.). Bring your photo ID.
- Register and start class. We place you in the level that matches your test result, you purchase your digital textbook, and you join your class.
Placement
Every new student takes the Michigan English Placement Test (MEPT) on campus during new student orientation, supervised by our staff, with headphones for the listening section. Bring your photo ID. Your score places you in the level that fits your English:
| MEPT score | Intensive English level |
|---|---|
| 0–25 | Beginning 1 (A1) |
| 26–35 | Beginning 2 (A2) |
| 36–44 | Intermediate 1 (B1) |
| 45–55 | Intermediate 2 (B2) |
| 56–65 | Advanced 1 (C1) |
| 66–80 | Advanced 2 (C1+) |
| MEPT score | Conversation for Fluency level |
|---|---|
| 41–50 | Conversation 1 (B1) |
| 51–65 | Conversation 2 (B2) |
| 66–80 | Conversation 3 (C1) |
Your placement is confirmed during the add/drop period at the start of your course: you and your instructor check that the level is right, and if needed you may re-test and change levels. Current students re-test when changing from a Conversation class to a Level class (if no Level class was taken in the past 12 weeks) or when returning from a leave of absence longer than 12 weeks.
Attendance and academic progress
- Students must maintain at least 80% attendance over each 12-week course. Attendance is calculated across the whole session.
- Four tardies count as one absence.
- Students who receive a D or F are placed on academic probation for the next session and may repeat the course (maximum two repeats, 36 weeks in the same course).
- The maximum time to complete the full program is 36 months, not including approved vacation or leave.
Full policies are in the Student Handbook, which every student receives at orientation. Ask the office for a copy.
Frequently asked questions
When can I start?
New students join after taking the placement test and attending orientation, held Mondays at 10:00 a.m. Contact the office to schedule yours.
How long does the full program take?
Each level takes one 12-week session. A student who starts in Beginning 1 and passes every level completes the six-level program in about 18 months, including academic breaks.
Do I need my own textbook?
Yes. Each course uses a digital textbook with online access ($60), purchased through the office. Bring a laptop or tablet to class.
Do you offer housing?
USA English Language Center does not provide housing, but our office can help you find options. See Student Services.