Students who have studied in the United States for seven years or fewer (Kindergarten through 12th grade) will receive a Kaplan International Tools for English Hold* on their account when they apply. This hold requires students to take the Kaplan International Tools for English Language Placement Test before they register for classes. Students should not be afraid of the test. They cannot "fail" the test. After completing Parts 1 and 2, a counselor or advisor will be able to give them a personalized recommendation of what classes are best for them.
Before beginning classes toward their degree, it is recommended that students achieve Reading Category One and Writing Category One. There are five categories for Reading and Writing. Category One is the highest and Category Five is the lowest. Students who need lots of English practice might start with Category Five and move up to Category One after taking English language classes.
Students can achieve Reading Category One and Writing Category One by completing one of the following methods under each list.
Reading Category One
- TOEFL Score 550 paper/pencil, 213 computer-based, or 79 internet-based
- IELTS Score 6.5+
- 12 college credits of from an accredited U.S. college with at least a "C" average.
- Accuplacer Reading 102+ (must have completed before 10/21/19)
- Kaplan International Tools for English Reading 500+ + Listening 535+ or Speaking 500+
- Completion of ELS 0443 and ELS 0773 with a C or better
- ACT score of 20+
- SAT total score of 950+ (new test)
- SAT Verbal score of 500+ (old test)
Writing Category One
- TOEFL Score 550 paper/pencil, 213 computer-based, or 79 internet-based
- IELTS Score 6.5+
- Post-secondary degree from the Approved English-dominant country
- Accuplacer Language Use 102+ (must have completed before 10/21/19)
- Kaplan International Tools for English Writing 500+ or Grammar 535+
- Completion of ELS 0553 with a C or better
- ACT score of 20+
- SAT total score of 950+ (new test)
- SAT Verbal score of 500+ (old test)
*Kaplan International Tools for English Hold
To remove the Kaplan International Tools for English Hold, contact the Reading and Writing Testing Center to make arrangements to take the English Language test. If students have met Reading Category One and Writing Category One by one of the above methods, they can contact els@cod.edu to discuss removing the hold.