English language coursework for students in academic programs English composition requirement

After arriving on campus to begin their academic program, international students are tested for their ability to write in English. On the basis of this test, many students are placed in English composition classes for international students.

The following students are exempted from taking the ESL composition placement test. (Note: Scores cannot be more than two years old.)

• Those who score on the paper-based TOEFL
  • 650 or higher, or
  • 610 or higher and 5.0 on the Test of Written English
• Those who score on the computer-based TOEFL
  • 280 or higher, or
  • 253 or higher and 5.0 on the TOEFL Essay
• Those who score on the MELAB
  • 95 or higher, or
  • 90 or higher and 90 on the writing subscore
• Those who score on the IELTS
  • 9.0 or higher (Overall Band Score)
  • 8.0 or higher (Overall Band Score) and 8.0 Academic Writing module
• Those who score on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL
  • 114 or higher
  • 101 or higher and a 28 on the Writing section
• Those who have been previously enrolled in an Ohio State academic program
• Those who are citizens of the following countries or regions: Australia, Belize, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Liberia, United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), The Commonwealth Caribbean, and the United States

For more information about English composition courses for non-native speakers, see the ESL Composition Program.