English Language Proficiency
Proof of English language proficiency is required for all students who completed more than half (at least 7 years) of their primary and secondary education in schools a) where English was not the language of instruction and b) in countries outside the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom.
Students who are required to prove English language proficiency are exempt from the World Languages requirement. Determining English language proficiency is at the discretion of UW Bothell.
English language proficiency must be proved by one of the four methods detailed below*
Method 1: English Language proficiency test options
In the past, the English Proficiency requirement could have been met with results of the TOEFL or IELTS exams.
To provide more flexibility for our applicants, the UW Bothell Office of Admissions has expanded the English Proficiency options to include the results from the Duolingo, English 3 or iTEP exams.
Official test scores are valid up to two years from the date the exam was taken. If your scores are older than two years, you will either need to take a new exam or qualify through Methods 2-4 to be considered for admission.
| Exam Title | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT (Internet Based Test) Score | 83 |
| TOEFL PBT (Paper Delivered Test) Score | 557 |
| IELTS Score | 6.5 |
| Duolingo Score | 105 |
| English 3 Score | 73 |
| iTEP Score | 3.9 |
More information about each test, including instructions on how to submit your scores, can be found on each test’s respective website linked below:
UW Bothell also accepts paper scores. Official scores may be mailed to:
University of Washington Bothell
Office of Admissions
Box 358500
17927 113th Ave NE
Bothell, WA 98011-7909
Method 2: 90 U.S. College Credits
Meet ALL FOUR requirements at a regionally accredited institution in the U.S.:
- Earn a minimum 2.75 transferable coursework GPA AND
- Earn a minimum grade of 3.0 in the equivalent of UW ENGL 131 English Composition AND
- Earn a minimum grade of 3.0 in the equivalent of UW ENGL 141 Writing from Research AND
- Complete 90 transferable quarter credits (or 60 transferable semester credits)
NOTE: We strongly recommend completion of requirements 1, 2 and 3 at the time of application. Review the University of Washington Equivalency Guide for equivalent English courses at Washington community colleges.
Method 3: SAT/ACT and U.S. High School English
Complete a minimum of four years of high school English in the United States* with grades of 3.0 or higher each year and earn a minimum score on one of the following tests:
| Exam Title | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score | 560 |
| SAT Critical Reading | 500 |
| ACT English | 21 |
*English composition and literature courses taken in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom may also satisfy the requirement.
Method 4: U.S. Baccalaureate / Master Degree
Earn a baccalaureate degree with at least 90 transferable quarter credits (or 60 transferable semester credits) completed at a regionally accredited institution in the United States, or earn a master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution in the United States.