Proficiencies

The proficiency requirements are designed to make sure you have the tools you need to move forward in college and beyond.

They are foundational to further academic success and should be addressed as soon as possible after you enter the University, and in any event, no later than the end of your sophomore year. Transfer students should meet the three proficiencies within their first year after admission.

You will need to demonstrate proficiency in three subject areas: writing, mathematics and world language.

Many students are able to demonstrate proficiency in one or more of these areas through placement tests, AP credit, previous coursework, or ACT or SAT scores. The University also offers courses that satisfy these proficiency requirements every term.

How Do I Meet the Proficiency Requirements?

Do one of the following:

  • Take the online Writing Placement exam and place into ENG 106 (email [email protected] for information)
  • Complete ENG 105 Composition I with a grade of D or better, or bring in transfer credit for ENG 105 with a grade of D or better
  • AP credit, with a score of 3 or higher, for the English Language and Composition exam (official exam scores required), IB Credit (Higher Level score of 5 or higher) or CLEP credit (see 2024-2025 for more information)
  • ACT composite of 29 or SAT score of 1900 or higher (prior to March 5, 2016) or SAT evidence-based Reading and Writing sub-score of 580 or higher (after March 5, 2016)

Do one of the following:

  • ACT Mathematics score of 22 or SAT Mathematics score of 560 or higher (prior to March 5, 2016) or SAT sub-score of 530 or higher (after March 5, 2016)
  • Complete a college-level math course with a passing grade. Most math courses satisfy the proficiency, though MTH 326 and MTH 327 do not.
  • Pass the Mathematics Proficiency exam
    • Offered in the Fall and Spring Terms
    • Watch for announcements about dates, times and location
    • Students are encouraged to study before taking the Math Proficiency exam
  • AP, IB or CLEP mathematics credit awarded at Elmhurst (see the 2024-2025 for more information)

Do one of the following:

  • Complete two or more years of the same language in high school with a grade of D or higher.
  • Complete one year of the same language in college with a grade of D or better (equivalent to the 102 level).
  • Take the Elmhurst University Online Proficiency exam and score at the 201 level or above (email Rebecca Monger, Chair of the World Languages Department, at [email protected] for more information).
  • AP credit, with a score of 3 or higher, for the appropriate language exam (official exam scores required), IB Credit or CLEP credit (see 2024-2025 for more information).
  • High schools may establish the State Seal of Biliteracy program to recognize high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and in one or more other foreign, or world, languages. This recognition must be designated on a student’s transcript and high school diploma with a receipt of the State Seal of Biliteracy, provided that all conditions and requirements for the program have been met.By submitting an official high school transcript or a copy of the high school diploma with the Seal of Biliteracy or the Commendation of Biliteracy notated, students will fulfill the world language proficiency in addition to receiving 1.0 course credit at the 301 level in the indicated world language for the Seal and 201 level credit for the Commendation. A special note for education majors: The Seal provides an exemption from taking the Target Language Proficiency exam as part of Teacher Licensure requirements.

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