English Language Proficiency (ELP)

All Cornell students, including Precollege students, must have a strong command of the English language to be successful in their engagement in their university studies.

Do I need to submit test scores?

You do NOT need to submit scores if

  • Your current high school uses English as its official language of instruction

    • OR

  • All classes at your high school are taught in English

You DO need to submit scores if

  • Your current high school does not use English as its official language of instruction

    • OR

  • All classes at your high school are not taught in English

In this case, you must have the following minimum scores to apply to Precollege Studies:

  • 100 and above on the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition
  • 5.5 and above on the iTEP
  • 7.5 and above on the IELTS Academic (While IELTS testing is currently suspended due to COVID-19, we will accept your IELTS Indicator score.)
  • 120 and above on the Duolingo English Test
  • 70 and above on the PTE Academic
  • 191 and above on the Cambridge English Scale
  • 650 or higher on the evidence-based reading and writing portion of the SAT test

The assessments and examinations that meet this requirement include the following:

When you apply, you must submit a complete report from at least one of the above assessments. We can't process your application without the full report(s).

Haven't taken TOEFL or IELTS English language exams? Contact your nearest test center to take the TOEFL or IELTS tests.

What if my scores don't meet the requirements?

If your scores don't meet the requirements above, we suggest that you work on strengthening your English language skills this year and apply in the following year.