The Wichita State University English proficiency requirement for non-native speakers may be satisfied by achieving appropriate scores on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the WSU EPE (English Proficiency Exam).* Each test consists of three sections measuring listening comprehension, structure and written expression, and reading comprehension and vocabulary. In addition, the EPE requires a 30 minute essay. TOEFL administrations also often include a writing sample, with the score reported separately.
| Scores | Recommendations for Undergraduates | Prognosis |
| TOEFL 550-660 EPE 86-100 |
Full-time university study, with no restriction on course load because of language unless one of the part scores shows a particular need. |
Chances of succeeding are about the same as those of native speakers with similar intelligence, but students may have to spend more time on reading and writing assignments. |
| TOEFL 530-549 EPE 80-85 |
Full-time university study, but with emphasis on courses requiring less than average amounts of reading and writing. A low score may indicate a need for half-time enrollment in Intensive English and a corresponding reduction in academic enrollment. |
Language limitations will require students to spend more time than native speakers on reading and writing assignments. Writing style and oral fluency may be somewhat deficient. |
| TOEFL 500-529 EPE 75-79 |
A minimum of half-time** Intensive English in areas of weakest skills; a maximum of 8 credits in no more than 2 university courses for the fall or spring semester, or no more than one academic course with a maximum of 5 credits for the 8-week summer session. |
Language should be adequate for limited work in beginning math and science courses, performance courses in the fine arts, and some carefully selected general education courses. |
| TOEFL 470-499 EPE 70-74 |
Full-time study*** in Intensive English; no university courses for credit, although students may profit from auditing a university course in their major or related field. |
Students at this level cannot usually deal adequately with language aspects of any courses, including math and science. Taking such courses for credit wouldsubstantially impede English studies. |
| TOEFL 469 and below EPE 69 and below |
Full-time*** study in Intensive English; no university courses for credit or audit. |
Most students at this level require two or more semesters of Intensive English before academic study is possible. |
* It may also be satisfied by completion of the highest level Intensive English course (Academic Preparation) with a grade of 3C2 or better in each class. ** Half-time Intensive English enrollment consists of 15 class hours per week (two courses, one lab). *** Full-time Intensive English enrollment consists of 25 class hours per week (four courses, one lab).
The half-time academic category is a privilege available only to undergraduate Intensive English (IELC) students who concurrently enroll in half-time Intensive English. Eligibility is based not only on the TOEFL or Proficiency Test score, but also requires satisfactory completion of the prior semester in Intensive English. This requires at least a "C" average. To place into the half-time or full-time academic category, a student should have balanced part scores on the TOEFL or WSU EPE. A part score that is more than 3 points lower than the total score indicates that the student will have particular difficulty with the skill corresponding to that section of the test.