Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I apply to the English Language Institute English for Academic Purposes program?
  2. May I email everything?
  3. Is there a deadline for applying to the English Language Institute English for Academic Purposes program?
  4. May I study in the English Language Institute English for Academic Purposes program if I have not finished high school?
  5. How long are the semesters?
  6. Does the English Language Institute English for Academic Purposes Program offer conditional admission to Missouri State University?
  7. How long must I study English before I can enter Missouri State University?
  8. Will successful completion of the English Language Institute English for Academic Purposes program satisfy the English proficiency requirement of Missouri State University?
  9. May I take classes at Missouri State University while I am in the English for Academic Purposes program?
  10. How much is the tuition?
  11. What other fees must I pay?
  12. When should I pay my fees?
  13. Should I live on campus in university housing?
  14. How do I know which level I will be in?
  15. What will my daily schedule be in the English for Academic Purposes program?
  16. How much time should I allow for the I-20 to arrive?
  17. When do I need to arrive in Springfield?
  18. What items should I bring with me from home?
  19. Is the application process or requirement different if I am a transfer student (transferring from another English Language program in the United States)?

If you have any additional questions, please contact the English Language Institute.

1. How do I apply to the English Language Institute English for Academic Purposes program?

How to Apply to the ELI

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2. May I email or fax everything?

Yes, you may email scanned copies of the required documents to ELI@MissouriState.edu.

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3. Is there a deadline for applying to the English Language Institute English for Academic Purposes program?

Yes. Application deadlines are listed on the English Language Institute Calendar.

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4. May I study in the English Language Institute English for Academic Purposes program if I have not finished high school?

You may study in the English for Academic Purposes program, but you cannot be admitted to the university until you finish high school or complete an equivalency exam (GED).

 

5. How long are the semesters?

The English Language Institute offers five 8-week English for Academic Purposes terms per year. See English Language Institute Calendar.

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6. Does the English Language Institute English for Academic Purposes program offer conditional admission to Missouri State University?

Applicants to the English Language Institute English for Academic Purposes program can request “conditional admission” to undergraduate or graduate programs at Missouri State University. “Conditional admission” to Missouri State means that a student has met the minimum GPA requirement to be considered for admission into the desired program of study at Missouri State. It does not mean that the student has been accepted into that major. Learn more about conditional admission.

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7. How long must I study English before I can enter Missouri State University?

The length of time that our students stay in the English for Academic Purposes program depends on several factors, including the level of proficiency at which they begin the program, how much English they speak outside of class, and how motivated they are to improve their skills. Most students who come into the program at a high intermediate level spend one or two sessions in the English for Academic Purposes program. Students who test into the English for Academic Purposes level 1 should expect to spend approximately one year in the program.

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8. Will successful completion of the English Language Institute English for Academic Purposes program satisfy the English proficiency requirement of the Missouri State University?

Yes, successful completion of the English for Academic Purposes program will fulfill the English proficiency requirement of Missouri State University for undergraduate studies and most graduate degree programs.

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9. May I take classes at Missouri State University while I am in the English Language Institute English for Academic Purposes program?

When you complete part of the exit level of the English for Academic Purposes program, you may be allowed to take credit courses on a conditional basis while you finish the English for Academic Purposes program. Graduate level students must complete the Graduate Capstone Level before they can begin classes at Missouri State.

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10. How much is the tuition?

Tuition and Fees

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11. What other fees must I pay?

Tuition and Fees

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12. When should I pay my fees?

Tuition and fees must be paid by the third day of orientation. You will pay through MyMissouriState account that you will create at the beginning of the session. We will help guide you through the payment process.

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13. Should I live on campus in university housing?

We recommend that you live on campus, especially if you want to have an American roommate. You will have many more opportunities to practice speaking English, to build your vocabulary (including idioms), and to better understand American culture. Review more information about on-campus housing.

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14. How do I know which level I will be in?

You will be placed in the appropriate level after you have taken the placement tests the week before classes begin. The tests include listening comprehension, writing skills, grammar skills, reading comprehension, and oral communication skills.

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15. What is the typical daily schedule at the English Language Institute English for Academic Purposes program?

In general, classes meet Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 9:00am – 11:30pm (with a lunch break) and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons from 12:50pm – 3:00pm. When required, Spelling classes meet Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons from 3:50pm – 4:40pm.

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16. How much time should I allow for the I-20 to arrive?

Once we have received all of the necessary items (completed application, passport copy, transcripts, financial documentation, and application fee), we will admit you to the English Language Institute English for Academic Purposes program and issue your I-20 and admission letter. The process usually takes around a week to ten days for students applying to just the English Language Institute English for Academic Purposes program or applying for conditional admission to an undergraduate program. Processing times vary for students seeking conditional admission to graduate programs.

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17. When do I need to arrive in Springfield?

You should plan to arrive prior to the start of orientation and allow yourself enough time to adjust to the time change before you take your placement tests. Please be aware that if you are staying in the Missouri State residence halls, your room will not be available until the weekend before classes begin and you will need to make arrangements to stay with a friend or at a hotel until your room becomes available.

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18. What items should I bring with me from home?

Most housing in Springfield will not include furniture or general household items and they will need to be purchased when you arrive. Fortunately, shopping is readily available for whatever furnishings you may require. Also, be aware that depending on what season of the year you are arriving, you may need to bring or purchase suitable clothing (coat, hat, etc.). Here is a list of things to consider when packing for your trip to Springfield.

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19. Is the application process or requirement different if I am a transfer student (transferring from another English Language program in the United States)?

The application process is the same. Please look at the requirements/steps to apply. However, If you are transferring from another English language program in the United States, you must send the English Language Institute a letter of recommendation from the program director or from your advisor to the address below. You can fax, email, or mail the letter.

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