Are English language proficiency tests required by the University of Michigan, and if so what are the minimum scores necessary?
If English is your second language, you must take the TOEFL (U-M code 1839), IELTS, ECPE, CAE or CPE, PTE Academic, MET, or Duolingo examination and earn a passing score in one of the following acceptable ranges in order to be considered for admission to the University of Michigan.
We are seeking a high level of proficiency in English due to the nature of the environment into which you will be entering—although the campus community represents a wide range of cultural and geographic backgrounds, American English is the dominant language in the classroom. As a result, we do not offer intensive English make-up course work for conditional admission. Once enrolled, you can undertake a course of language study to improve your skills.
General English Proficiency Score Ranges
- TOEFL (iBT, including the Home Edition and Paper Edition): 100 range with section scores 23+ in listening & reading and 21+ in speaking & writing
- TOEFL Essentials: 10 range with section scores 10+
- IELTS/IELTS Indicator: 7.0 range with section scores 6.5+
- ECPE: Certificate with all sections at least a C
- CAE (C1 Advanced): 185 with no less than 180+ in all sections (CEFR C1)
- CPE (C2 Proficiency): Pass with B (CEFR C1)
- PTE Academic: 68 with all sections equally strong
- MET (4-skill MET-digital): 64 with section scores of 59+
- Duolingo (DET): 130 range with section scores 120+
U-M does not "superscore" English language proficiency test results or use the "My Best Score" offered by TOEFL, and, therefore, all scores must be submitted to U-M. During the selection process, the reviewing counselors must have the actual total score and section scores from each test date. They will consider all scores and all section scores submitted, and they will use the highest total score, taking into account all of the section scores.
Applicants may self-report test scores either on the application or through Enrollment Connect. However, all admitted and enrolled students who chose to self-report test scores are required to submit official scores in order to validate their self-report submission.
You can be exempted from taking any of these exams if both of the following are true:
- Your SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score is 650 or above or both your ACT Reading and English scores are 27 or above
- You have recently completed at least four years of rigorous academic study in any of the following countries: Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Dominica, England, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Montserrat, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Seychelles, Shetland Islands, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States (other than Puerto Rico), U.S. Virgin Islands, Wales. (Those in American Schools and British Schools abroad may also be exempted if at least four years of rigorous academic study has recently been completed if scores meet above standards.)