About

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All non-native speaking students without the TOEFL, or whose TOEFL score is lower than 100 (New Internet-based TOEFL) and who wish to pursue a degree at Biola must take the Biola English Placement Exam (BEPE). According to the results of the test, students will be placed in courses at a level between 120s-170s in relation to their level of proficiency in English.

Students whose test scores are in the lower levels will only take English classes in ELSP. Students who are placed in middle or higher levels may take other degree courses along with the English courses.

The lower their proficiency, the more English classes students are required to take. As their English proficiency improves, students may take fewer English classes and more academic courses.

ELSP also provides full-time ESL study for students admitted to non-degree programs (ELSP Only).

Applicants to ELSP are required to meet all admission standards for the University: Christian commitment, appropriate educational background, references, and financial verification.

Up to 12 units of ELSP classes 140s or higher will be credited toward fulfillment of the 12 units of undergraduate foreign language requirement or electives. All baccalaureate degrees require a minimum of 130 semester units of credit for graduation, but with 12 units of ELSP 140s or higher credits, students will only need to complete 118 semester units of credit to graduate.