Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University English Language Requirment

For Undergraduate Admissions

Candidates from specific countries (see below) who have completed secondary or post-secondary education in an English-medium institution are excused from the requirement to take a standardised English proficiency exam for admission to bachelor's and associate's degree programmes.

The following methods must be used by all other applicants for whom English is a second language to demonstrate their English language proficiency:

• YSU will accept official English proficiency test scores on the following (YSU institution code is 1975, except the ACT code for YSU is 3368):
  • TOEFL IBT: 67
  • IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.0 on each subscale).
  • SAT: combined score of 920 or higher from the evidence-base writing and reading test and math test.
  • ACT: composite score of 17 or higher (the ACT score for YSU is 3368).
  • Duolingo English Test: minimum total score: 95 
  • PTE Academic: 50

For Graduate Admissions

If official test results are needed for your desired programme (GRE, GMAT, MAT, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.), kindly request that the testing organisation deliver them directly to YSU. 1975 is the institution's code. Unofficial test results cannot be used to determine admission.

• TOEFL score—A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test, 213 on the computer-based test, or 79-80 on the Internet-based (IBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language by graduates of foreign universities who are nonnative English speakers. Arrange with the Educational Testing Service to have your official TOEFL score sent to our office.
• The College of Graduate Studies will accept the academic version of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as an alternative to the TOEFL exam for international students (A score of 6.5 on the IELTS test equates to a 550 on the paper-based TOEFL).
• DUOLINGO score—for Master’s programs, A minimum score of 105 on the  Internet-based test by graduates of foreign universities who are nonnative English speakers. For Doctoral programs, a minimum score of 115 is required. Scores over two years old by the beginning of the term applicants wish to enter are not acceptable. This test is taken online from your home computer and is proctored.  Arrange with Duolingo to have your official Duolingo English Test (DET) score sent to our office.  This is sent electronically to our office, and we will receive results within 2-3 days after testing. 
• Proficiency may also be demonstrated by a letter of certification from the Youngstown State University English Language Institute (ELI) stating that the applicant has completed the program of study and is proficient in English at a level appropriate to pursue a graduate degree and present an English language thesis if one is necessary as a degree requirement.
• Prior to full admission to graduate study, students may be tested and placed in special English classes, if necessary, to ensure an adequate level of English proficiency. 

English Language Proficiency Test Scores