FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. English is not my first language, but I took ESL in American high school and graduated. Should I take ESL in college?

  Most American high schools do not emphasize grammar. As a result, students who take both English and ESL in high school are fluent and advanced, but they still make mistakes that are not acceptable at the college level. At OCC, the ESL classes are taught by professors with special training. They are experts in grammar and reading. Their goal is to help you read and write at the college level as quickly as possible.  In order to compare your English abilities with those of students in transfer-level English courses and also ESL students in lower levels, we suggest that you take the Guided Self Placement Survey.

• 2. I need to finish school quickly. In order to save time, is it best to skip ESL?

  That depends on you and how much progress you make. If you find a level that is right for you, you can study hard and skip higher levels. However, it is important to start in the right level.

  Take the ESL Guided Self Placement Survey in order to find out what level is best for you!

• 3. I want to transfer to a college or university. Will ESL look bad on my transcript?

  Many students who are not prepared for college-level English will drop out of ENGL C-1000 before the end of the semester. Be sure you are prepared with the language skills that you need to succeed at this level. Dropping a class with a W or earning a grade of D or F will affect your transcript negatively. ESL classes will not.

• 4. I am an international student. What level should I take?

  We recommend that you take the Guided Self Placement Survey.  It will help you choose the level that is best for you.

• 5. What is the difference between ENGL C-1000 and ESL 100?

  Similarities

  1. The level is the same; they both require students to write extensive essays and research papers in addition to using academic vocabulary and reading college-level reading passages. 
  2. Both courses also focus on the same writing elements and techniques. 
  3. They are both the same number of units and require the same tuition fees.

  
  

  Differences

  1. ESL 100 includes extra attention to ESL writing errors, such as sentence structure, grammar, and academic vocabulary. 
  2. ESL 100 instructors have degrees and training in both English and ESL. 
  3. ESL 100 is one hour longer each week than ENGL C-1000. 

  
  
  

  See your counselor to learn about the requirements that ESL A100 meets.

• 6. How can I find the right ESL class?

  Take the ESL Guided Self Placement Survey. It will provide you with reading, writing, and audio samples for each class to help you determine the best level for you.