English as a Second Language
The ESL program administers language assessment and Engish support classes for students whose first language is other than English admitted to the Graduate School.
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For August 2009 testing dates and times, scroll down or click here.
ESL assessment is required for all students whose first language is other than English, regardless of citizenship status.
Assessment Requirements
- All degree-seeking students, regardless of citizenship status, entering the Graduate School whose first language is other than English must take the Emory-Specific English Language Assessment before registering for classes. This English-proficiency assessment is not used in the admissions process, but for TATTO recommendations and placement of students after they have arrived at Emory.
- Results of the assessment are used to place students who need English language support in one or more classes for the academic year. Students must complete the courses in their particular areas of need during the first academic year.
- The assessment has a speaking and a writing component, and both are required.
- Based on the speaking score attained, a student will be recommended for full participation in TATTO, and may be required to take ESL oral communication support.
- Based on the writing score attained, the student may be required to take ESL composition support courses during his/her first year at Emory.
If you have questions about the assessment and course requirements, please contact Alan Forsyth at 404-727-6921 or alan.forsyth@emory.edu.
More about the speaking test
The Emory Initial Oral Assessment consists of a twenty minute tape-recorded conversation between a trained interviewer and a student. The speech sample is scored by two raters and measures patterns of strengths and weaknesses establishing the student’s level of consistent functional ability. A ranking system of Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Superior with low, mid, and high sub-categories within each level (except Superior) is used to describe the student's oral proficiency.
Based on the level attained, a student will be recommended for full participation in the TATTO Program and may be required to take ESL support courses during his/her first year at Emory.
Based on the score obtained, a student will be recommended for full participation in the TATTO Program and may be required to take ESL support courses during his/her first year at Emory. A student who receives Superior is recommended for full teaching and has no ESL course requirements. A student who receives Advanced High is recommended for supervised teaching and recommended to take one course (fall). A student who receives Advanced Low or Advanced Mid is recommended for supervised teaching and required to take a two-course sequence (fall and spring). A student who receives below Advanced is not recommended for teaching and is required to take a three-course sequence (fall, spring, and summer).
Upon completion of required ESL oral skills courses, all graduate students will take the Emory Post Oral Assessment. The Post Assessment is similar to the Initial Assessment and shows proficiency in spoken skills after the required coursework has been completed. Post Assessment scores and recommendations for teaching will be mailed to the students and to the Directors of Graduate Studies.
More about the writing test
The Emory Writing Skills Assessment requires the student to complete a one-hour essay on a designated academic topic. The essay measures writing competence and is evaluated and scored by two trained raters.
A ranking system of Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Superior is used to describe the student’s writing proficiency with low, mid, and high sub-categories within each level (except Superior). A student who scores Superior, Advanced High and Advanced Mid has no ESL writing course requirements. A student who scores Advanced Low is recommended to take at least one writing course (fall). A student who receives Intermediate (High, Mid, or Low) is required to take a two-course sequence (fall and spring).
Testing Dates
All degree-seeking students, regardless of citizenship status, entering the Graduate School whose first language is other than English must take the Emory-Specific English Language Assessment before registering for classes.
Here is the fall 2009 test schedule, based on programs of study.
Biomedical Engineering:
Monday, August 10
8:45 am - 12:30 pm, N. Decatur Bldg., Room 101
Chemistry, Physics, Religion:
Wednesday, August 12
8:45 am - 12:30 pm, N. Decatur Bldg., Room 101
Business (PhD), Economics, Health Services Research & Health Policy:
Monday, August 17
1:15 pm - 4:15 pm, N. Decatur Bldg., Room 101
Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Nursing (PhD):
Wednesday, August 19
8:45 am - 12:30 pm, N. Decatur Bldg., Room 101
Biostatistics, Computer Science (MS and PhD), Mathematics:
Thursday, August 20
8:45 am - 12:30 pm, N. Decatur Bldg., Room 101
All Other Programs:
Saturday, August 22
8:45 am - 12:30 pm, N. Decatur Bldg, Room 101