Office for International Students and Scholars :: Provisional Admission (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be provisionally admitted?
Provisional admission for English means that you have not met the minimum proficiency requirement in English for full academic admission. You can review MSU's minimum English requirement here.

Provisional status will continue until you attain the minimum language proficiency (regular admission proficiency), generally through enrollment in English Language Center (ELC) courses; however, you must reach the language proficiency within 3 semesters for you to remain enrolled at the university.

How will my class schedule be determined?
You must first take the MSU English Language Test (MSUELT). You will receive your ELC class schedule and/or information about how to enroll in academic courses after you take the MSUELT and it is graded by the English Language Center.

When will I take the MSUELT and how do I sign-up for a test date?
Learn more about the MSU English Language Test, including how to sign-up for upcoming test dates.

How many chances do I get to take the MSUELT?
You get only one chance to take the MSUELT per semester. The first time you take the test will be during the summer. After this, you will take the MSUELT at the end of each semester of enrollment in the Intensive English Program.

How can I prepare for the MSUELT in advance?
The MSUELT is a proficiency test. It is not necessary to prepare for the test. However, you can become familiar with it by using test preparation materials such as that for the TOEFL and by reviewing sample MSUELT test questions on the MSU English Language Center website.

How do I become eligible to enroll in academic classes?
You can review MSU's minimum English requirement.

When can I meet an academic advisor?
Once provisionally admitted students become eligible for academic classes, they can meet virtually with an academic advisor. Your academic advisor will send an email to your MSU email account with more information about your virtual (online) Advising & Enrollment date, time, and how to connect virtually (online) with your academic advisor.

Can I submit a TOEFL/IELTS/SAT score before classes begin and gain regular academic admission?
For new students, if the MSU Office of Admissions receives your official test score directly from the appropriate organization (ETS, British Council, etc.) before the first day of classes, you may gain regular admission for that semester.

For students who are currently enrolled in ELC courses, you must receive a passing grade in all ESL/AAE classes for the current semester to have your new test scores considered for Regular Admission.

Can I submit a TOEFL/IELTS/SAT score after classes begin and gain regular academic admission?
You may submit a standardized test score at any time. However, official test scores from the appropriate organization (ETS, British Council, etc.) which are received after the first day of classes will not be applied to the current semester. They will be applied on the Friday of Finals Week in the semester in which they are received. In addition, you must have received a passing grade in all ESL/AAE classes for the current semester to apply your new test scores.

What are the consequences if I don't keep up with online class requirements that I am enrolled in or attend in-person classes that I am enrolled in? And, what happens if I do not pass English Language Center classes?
Poor attendance for in-person courses, or poor participation in online courses, usually results in failing the class. Your class failure will be recorded on your permanent academic record. Your GPA (grade point average) may be affected. A poor GPA may result in not being admitted to your major.

In addition, you must meet the minimum requirement for language proficiency within 3 semesters of enrollment in order to remain enrolled at the university. Students who do not will be recessed from the university.

How long do I have to take English Language Center courses?
Provisional status will continue until the minimum language proficiency (regular admission proficiency) is attained; however, the language proficiency must be reached within 3 semesters of enrollment in order to remain enrolled at the university.

I don't want to take English Language Center courses. Can Idefer academic admission to the next semesterand retake the TOEFL/IELTS/SAT?
Students who do not enroll for the semester of admission may be considered for a deferral of admission to a future semester. Email Admissions to discuss this with an Admissions Counselor.

What happens if I fail English Language Center courses my first and/or second semester(s)?
You will be required to repeat the class that you failed. In addition, you must meet the minimum requirement for language proficiency within 3 semesters of enrollment in order to remain enrolled. Students who do not pass their classes will be recessed from the university. In addition, the university will not accept new TOEFL or IELTS scoresfrom students who fail their ELC classes, even if your scoresmeet university minimum proficiency requirements. You may not substitute failing grades in ELC classes with new TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Will I get a new I-20/DS2019 once I pass my English Language Center courses? If so, what steps do I take to obtain the I-20 and maintain my visa status?
A new or updated I-20 or DS-2019 is not required. However, you can provide proof to OISS that you have the required English proficiency and ask for an updated I-20 or DS-2019 reflecting this change.

Do I have to get a new visa if I get a new I-20?
No. A new visa is not required if you update your I-20. Please see an OISS advisor to discuss international travel with an expired visa.

What if I cannot get my visa/flight in order to arrive in the U.S. before classes begin?

Admissions, the English Language Center (ELC) and the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) need to know that you are delayed, the date you expect to arrive in the U.S., or if you decide to take online classes from outside the U.S. or defer your admission. You may need an updated I-20 or DS-2019, depending on your situation.

• Contact Admissions by email atadmis(at)msu.edu
• Contact the ELC at by email atelc(at)msu.edu
• Contact OISS at by email oiss(at)msu.edu