GEMS Blog for Advisors

November 20, 2020

English Language Admissions Updates

GPAs & GPCs received a message on November 18 regarding AEP Placement Test and Memo 8 Updates.
Here are related website and application updates:

Understanding the Application Process: COVID-19 Updates section is updated to reflect the new Duolingo policy per Memo 8.
COVID-19 Admissions FAQ: Duolingo section is updated.
COVID-19 Admissions FAQ: Enrollment Updates now includes information about the new Medium of Instruction upload feature.

The AEP Placement Test registration portal is open (upcoming test dates: December 8 & 11).

CAIR has released application updates; here are the ones specific to English proficiency.

  • Applicants can now upload their Medium of Instruction letter (if they indicate they will demonstrate English in this manner).
  • The applicant profile‘s name section now includes legal middle name.
  • The application text for name now reads: Please report your Legal Name as it appears on your official identification documents. 
  • The Help? file for name is also updated: Your legal name is the name that appears on your passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, or other government issued ID. We will use your legal name to match important records such as test scores. Please be sure to report your name accurately. If you are unsure how to report your name, please view this page for some examples: https://grad.uw.edu/admission/understanding-the-application-process/admissions-faqs/applicant-name/

Original November 18 message: 

AEP Placement Test:
UW International & English Language Programs will be the new administrator of the Academic English Program (AEP) Placement Test. The test was formerly administered by the Office of Educational Assessment.

  • Please direct your students to the new AEP registration portal: https://www.aep.uw.edu/placement/placement-test/
  • The Graduate School webpages will be updated with the new portal link shortly.
  • The next tests will be offered during the week of December 7-11.
  • The tests will continue to be offered online until we return to classroom instruction.

Memo 8:

  • Academic Affairs & Planning sent notification on November 10th that the IELTS test is removed. Also, clarification was added that programs may set additional standards for English proficiency beyond Graduate School minimum requirements.
  • South Africa is added to No. 2’s list of countries where English is commonly the medium of instruction.
  • The UW Intensive English Language program is no longer offered. Students who have already completed the program can still submit their letter to satisfy English proficiency.
  • The TOEFL paper-based test (TOEFL pBT) is no longer offered by ETS, and is removed from Memo 8. The revised TOEFL paper-delivered test is accepted, as noted on Memo 8.

Temporary policies enacted to assist students with remote testing options:

  • The policy exception to allow Duolingo and TOEFL ITP Plus for China is extended through the Autumn 2021 admissions cycle (students who are enrolling in Autumn 2021).
  • Students who earn a Duolingo English Test (DET) score of 120 or higher satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement, and are not required to take the AEP Placement Exam:

>>Students who earn a DET score of 105 (minimum admissions) but below a DET score of 120 are still required to take the UW AEP Placement test, or register for English 102, 103, and 104.

>>GEMS will run reports on application records for Winter Quarter 2021 and future quarters to check for DET 120 and above scores, and exempt students as per new policy.

>>Students should continue to report their Duolingo scores following instructions.

If you have questions, please contact GEMS.