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English Proficiency Demonstration

International students must fulfill one of the following four areas to meet Orange Coast College's English Proficiency Requirement:
1. ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS
  • High School: Demonstration that the primary language of instruction is English.
    • International students whose native language is not English must have completed a minimum of 3 years of study in which English is the language of instruction for all courses (except for language classes) with grades of C or better (ie: a GPA of 2.0 or above).
      • For international students who have attended or are attending a domestic high school, only one class may be ESL and the rest must be taught in English, for a period of 3 years at a minimum with grades of C or better.
    • IGCSE or GCE O-Level: Successful completion of the exam with a minimum grade of C or better in either English as a First or Second Language.
    • International Baccalaureate: Higher Level (HL) score 3 or higher or Standard Level (SL) score of 5 or higher. 
  • University or Community College: Demonstration that the primary language of instruction is English. 
    • International students who's native language is not English must have completed English Composition or the ESL level directly preceding English Composition, with a grade of C or better.
2. ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TESTS
A valid test result should not be older than 2-years from the date an application for admission is submitted.
3. STANDARDIZED ADMISSION TESTS
The SAT or ACT is NOT required for admission to Orange Coast College but may be used to meet the English proficiency requirement:
  • SAT - 480 Evidence-based  Reading and Writing
  • ACT - 18 Writing
4. INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAMS
Students can satisfy OCC's English proficiency requirement by attaining the minimum level in one of the programs with which OCC has a partnership agreement.