English Proficiency Exam Options Expansion Proposal - 2026 Catalog Recommendation

Aug 29, 2026

Uploaded by Margaret

Expansion of English proficiency examination options for international applicants, alongside proposed academic catalog changes. The proposal would add Duolingo English Test and Pearson Test of English (PTE) to the approved list, with suggested minimum scores of 120 for Duolingo and 58 for PTE. It addresses admission requirements for non-English records, approved credential evaluations, and alternative pathways such as university intensive English programs. Rationale emphasizes improved access, reduced financial barriers, and alignment with peer Virginia institutions while preserving academic standards.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Proposed Catalog Changes

Admission Documentation Requirements

Approved English Proficiency Exams and Minimum Scores

Rationale and Financial Impact

Comparison with Peer Institutions

Expansion of English Proficiency Exam Options for International Applicants and Proposed Catalog Changes [https://catalog.umw.edu/undergraduate/admission-enrollment/additional-requirements](https://catalog.umw.edu/undergraduate/admission-enrollment/additional-requirements) international-students/ Proposed Academic Catalog changes highlighted in yellow: In addition to the documents required for the admission process for each degree program, applicants who are non-US citizens or permanent residents must submit original academic records and, if those records are not in English, certified copies of the records translated into English. If the student has been educated in a non-English speaking country, all transcripts and documents must be submitted via an approved independent credentials evaluation service. If English is not the applicant’s native language, the University of Mary Washington requires the applicant to demonstrate English competency, normally by submitting results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Duolingo English Test, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or by completing levels 11 and 12 of the intensive English Program offered by ILA (International Language Academy of Washington, DC) or by completing an approved ESL program. Rationale: The Office of Admissions with support from the Center for International Education proposes expanding the list of approved English proficiency examinations for international applicants to include Duolingo English Test and Pearson Test of English (PTE) . These additional options would allow international students to demonstrate English proficiency during the application review process using the following proposed minimum scores: • Duolingo English Test: 120 • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 58 Currently, international applicants whose first language is not English, or whose primary language of instruction was not English, are required to submit one of the following: TOEFL iBT (80), IELTS (6.5), SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 500 or higher), or ACT (composite score of 22 or higher) . Adding Duolingo and Pearson (PTE) as approved English proficiency exam options would increase access to testing opportunities for international students and improve their ability to complete application requirements in a timely and equitable manner, while maintaining the University’s academic standards. A review of English proficiency requirements among Virginia public universities indicates that only three institutions: the University of Mary Washington; Virginia State University; and William & Mary, do not currently accept the Duolingo English Test. Similarly, six institutions, including UMW, do not accept Pearson (PTE); the other institutions are Longwood University, the University of Virginia, UVA Wise, Virginia State University, and William & Mary. The proposed score thresholds align with peer institutions such as James Madison University and Virginia Tech, supporting consistency within the Commonwealth. | University | TOEFL IBT | IELTS | Pearson | Duolingo | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | University of Mary Washington | 80 | 6.5 | | | | Christopher Newport University | 71 | 6 | 50 | 100 | | George Mason University | 80 | 6.5 | 59 | 110 | | James Madison University | 81 | 6.5 | 58 | 120 | | Longwood University | 79/80 | 6.5 | | 115 | | ODU | 79 | 6.5 | 53 | 120 | | Radford University | 68 | 6 | 50 | 100 | | UVA (scores not indicated on website) | Accepts | Accepts | | Accepts | | UVA Wise | 67 | 6 | | 100 | | VCU | 70 | 6 | 53 | 105 | | Virginia State University | Accepts | Accepts | | | | Virginia Tech | 80 | 6.5 | 59 | 115 | | VMI | 85 | 6.5 | 64 | 115 | | William and Mary | 100 | 7 | | | | Virginia Community Colleges | TOEFL IBT | IELTS | Pearson | Duolingo | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Germanna CC | 76 | 6.5 | | 110 | | NOVA CC | 76 | 6.5 | | 110 | | Cent

FAQs

What additional English proficiency exams are proposed for international applicants?

The proposal adds the Duolingo English Test and the Pearson Test of English (PTE) as approved options.

What minimum scores are recommended for the proposed exams?

The suggested minimum score is 120 for Duolingo English Test and 58 for Pearson Test of English (PTE).

Why does the university propose expanding these exam options?

The rationale focuses on increasing testing access, improving timely and equitable completion of application requirements, reducing financial barriers, and aligning thresholds with peer institutions while maintaining academic standards.

Aug 29, 2026

Uploaded by Margaret