ESL, GED, TOEFL???

[reeses16 8]

My fiance did not complete high school and wants to attend college when he gets to the US. Based on your experiences what test will he need to take? Does he need an English as Second Language class (ESL), GED, TOEFL, or SAT/ACT. Can you see why I'm confused?!

We'd like to make the most of the time (test prep) he has while waiting for his EAD to come through.

-Dodie

[Dwarf_Ogress 0]

He will most likely need his GED and then he can enroll to take ESL classes. I think the TOEFL is for teachers wanting to prove proficiency in the English language.

Good Luck!

[kitkat1 5]

My fiance did not complete high school and wants to attend college when he gets to the US. Based on your experiences what test will he need to take? Does he need an English as Second Language class (ESL), GED, TOEFL, or SAT/ACT. Can you see why I'm confused?!

We'd like to make the most of the time (test prep) he has while waiting for his EAD to come through.

-Dodie

Check with the colleges he might attend. If his english is not up to par, he won't be able to complete a GED. TOEFL is often a requirement for college admission. Community colleges don't normally require SAT/ACT scores but most state and private universities do.

[reeses16 8]

Do you recommend an particular GED study series? Can it be taken with paper & pencil instead of computer?

-DA

P.S. Happy birthday! I know its early, but you can start celebrating now. I'm praying for your NOA2.

He will most likely need his GED and then he can enroll to take ESL classes. I think the TOEFL is for teachers wanting to prove proficiency in the English language.

Good Luck!

[Dwarf_Ogress 0]

My fiance did not complete high school and wants to attend college when he gets to the US. Based on your experiences what test will he need to take? Does he need an English as Second Language class (ESL), GED, TOEFL, or SAT/ACT. Can you see why I'm confused?!

We'd like to make the most of the time (test prep) he has while waiting for his EAD to come through.

-Dodie

Check with the colleges he might attend. If his english is not up to par, he won't be able to complete a GED. TOEFL is often a requirement for college admission. Community colleges don't normally require SAT/ACT scores but most state and private universities do.

Thanks KK! I am not too familiar with Toefl where I work but I do administer ESL exams as well as GED exams.

[Dwarf_Ogress 0]

Do you recommend an particular GED study series? Can it be taken with paper & pencil instead of computer?

-DA

P.S. Happy birthday! I know its early, but you can start celebrating now. I'm praying for your NOA2.

He will most likely need his GED and then he can enroll to take ESL classes. I think the TOEFL is for teachers wanting to prove proficiency in the English language.

Good Luck!

Thanks Reeses! I was about to send you a PM! The GED test is NOT available on the computer. It is a pen and paper based exam consisting of multiple choice questions and a written essay for the writing test. As far as preparation, go to your local library and check out the most recent GED study guide, there are several available and all are good. Also check with any local colleges to see if there are any GED classes available. If you contact the adult literacy agency of your area, GED classes may be free. Also, avoid scams on the computer that say you can earn your GED or High School diploma online, they are frauds and NOT valid in any state!

Good luck and ask away if you have any more questions!

Edited May 24, 2007 by FutureMrs

[Nancy2015 2]

TOEFL is often a requirement for college admission.

It is always a requirement for those who went to school where the language of instruction was not English. The good thing is, TOEFL is a very simple test

[tom&tata 2]

I remember seeing a local community brochure offering free GED classes. So chances are, if you ask around, you will find the free GED classes. Also, they have GED prep books - just like TOEFL prep book. Bookstores should have those (Barnes & Noble or borders should have a section on these prep books).

Good luck

[Arazia 0]

TOEFL is often a requirement for college admission.

It is always a requirement for those who went to school where the language of instruction was not English. The good thing is, TOEFL is a very simple test

My husband didn't have to take this to get into the community college he's attending. He just took the standard English placement test. Amusingly enough, they had him go up to the international student relations area and show them his results. The woman there took one look at it, handed it back to him, and said: 'You know, we have people who have lived here all their lives and have only ever spoken English... who scored lower than you.'

[kitkat1 5]

TOEFL is often a requirement for college admission.

It is always a requirement for those who went to school where the language of instruction was not English. The good thing is, TOEFL is a very simple test

My husband didn't have to take this to get into the community college he's attending. He just took the standard English placement test. Amusingly enough, they had him go up to the international student relations area and show them his results. The woman there took one look at it, handed it back to him, and said: 'You know, we have people who have lived here all their lives and have only ever spoken English... who scored lower than you.'

That was my thought - that community colleges don't always require TOEFL scores.

[GabachaYucateca 0]

As others said, start with the GED. In my state, they're not calling it GED classes anymore...it's ASE (Adult Secondary Education). Depending on his level of English and academic skills (don't know how well he speaks English or how far he went in school) he could test into an ABE class (Adult Basic Education) before being ready for ASE.

Find an adult education center. They will test him and see what class he should be placed in. Most likely the classes will be free.

If he tests into ASE rather than ABE, there may be other options besides taking the GED tests. In my state, we have an external diploma program so that one can study independently. I'd assume that other states have similar programs.

If you don't know of any adult education centers where you live, contact the Adult Ed division of the California Dept of Education and they would have a list of providers.