Frequently Asked Questions
Intensive English Program (IEP)
Do you issue the I-20 for an F-1 student visa for the Intensive English Program?
Usually, the answer is simple – Yes. If you are admitted to the IEP, NC State will issue your I-20 and mail it to you.
HOWEVER, during the COVID-19 global pandemic, IEP courses for the Spring 2021 semester will meet online. NC State is currently not able to issue student visas for online programs.
For some, this is very disappointing. For others, it is an opportunity to improve their English and – for now – save money (no university fees, no travel or living costs). Any international student can apply to take 1 or more IEP classes from their home country.
How long will it take for me to complete the IEP?
It will depend on the result of your placement exam, but generally students spend one to three semesters in the IEP program. There are three levels in the IEP, and it usually takes one semester to complete a level.
When is the placement exam? How do I study for it?
The placement exam is given 7-14 days before classes begin. You will receive information on the exact test dates via email.
There is no set way to study for our placement test, however, students have found that the more they surround themselves with the English language, the more comfortable they are when taking the placement test.
Some suggestions include:
- Read in English on any topic of interest to YOU; read as much as you can – magazine articles, newspapers, novels, etc.
- Watch English language TV – the international news, American TV shows, movies, etc.
- Listen to English podcasts
- Speak and write in English as much as possible. Practice sharing your opinions on a variety of topics. Be sure to support them with relevant details and examples
If I am accepted to the IEP as an English language student, does that mean that I will be accepted to a degree program at NC State?
English language students are not guaranteed admission to undergraduate or graduate degree programs. Once a student is enrolled in the IEP as an English language student, they are not eligible for conditional admission to the university. Students should apply directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or to the Graduate School to be considered for conditional admission.
How do I pass a level?
To pass each level, students must receive a GPA of 3.0 or higher* and have approximately 90% overall attendance rate.
*A student that does not pass their current level the first time is given two additional, consecutive semesters (e.g. Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Summer 2022) in which to pass that level.
How do I complete the IEP?
To complete the IEP, you must complete level 6 with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, have approximately 90% overall attendance rate.
What is the relationship between New Mind (UPP) and the NC State Intensive English Program?
New Mind Education has been a partner of North Carolina State University since 2010. One of New Mind’s student programs is their University Performance Program, or UPP. This is a supplementary enrichment and advisory program designed to support first-year international undergraduate and graduate students at NC State, including IEP students. UPP provides weekly 1-on-1 advising, first-year seminars, volunteer opportunities, extracurricular activities, and field trips to achieve students’ holistic success.
IEP admission and admission to NC State remains completely independent of enrollment in UPP, but the optional program is recommended for first-year international students.
For more information about New Mind (UPP), please visit their website.
I am under 18. Can I still apply to your program?
Yes! You may apply to the IEP if you are under 18 years old.
Can I be a part-time student in the IEP?
Yes! The IEP offers part-time enrollment. Part-time students can take up to 16 hours/week of class in the IEP.
Please note that a student visa will not be provided for part-time students.
Is the cost of the IEP different if I already live in North Carolina?
No. The cost of the IEP is made up of the program fee and mandatory university fees. These fees are the same for every student in the IEP, no matter what their visa status is or where they are currently living.
Can I use financial aid to pay for the IEP?
No. The Intensive English Program is a non-credit program so financial aid cannot be used to pay for it.
Conditional Admission
As a conditionally admitted student, if I provide NC State with a new TOEFL or IELTS score that meets the direct admissions requirement, do I still need to complete the IEP?
Yes, you must still complete the IEP. Once a student accepts the offer of conditional admission to NC State, he/she has made an agreement with the University and the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or the Graduate School to fulfill the conditions of admission. To fulfill the condition of admission, a student must successfully complete the IEP.
A submission of a new English proficiency test score will not necessarily exempt conditionally admitted students from completing the IEP. It is true that a higher score on a standardized test does indicate improved English proficiency. However, student performance in an IEP is a better predictor over time of a student’s ability to successfully use English in an academic environment.
If I receive an offer of conditional admission for Fall 2022, can I come to the IEP early, either spring or summer, to fulfill my English requirement?
No, you may not. An offer of conditional admission is only valid beginning the semester indicated on the offer letter. Students may not come to the IEP early, even as an IEP-only student.
Can I take courses in my major while in the IEP?
No, you may not. The IEP does not permit students to take credit courses while in the IEP unless that student is enrolled in our Pathway program.
I was conditionally admitted. My TOEFL/IELTS score is low in only one or two skill areas. Can I take the IEP on a part-time basis?
No, you may not. Students on F-1 visas are required to study full-time in the IEP.
Undergraduate Conditional Admission
If I do not complete the IEP, can I submit a new TOEFL/IELTS score and reapply for undergraduate admission to NC State?
Yes, you can; however, you should be aware of several important issues.
- Your new application will be reviewed, and your progress in the IEP will be carefully examined. If your academic performance in the IEP is not strong, this may reflect negatively on your entire application.
- There is no guarantee that those students who previously received an offer of conditional admission will receive a letter of direct admission by submitting this new application.
After I complete the IEP, can I go home for six months for more before starting my undergraduate classes?
Conditionally admitted students who complete the IEP are expected to matriculate into their degree programs within one semester of passing level 6. If you are away for more than one semester, you will be expected to reapply for admission with a new TOEFL/IELTS score. This is because language proficiency is lost if not actively used.
I’m thinking about applying to NC State, but I am not sure. Should I apply to the IEP or apply to Undergraduate Admissions for conditional admission?
It is strongly recommended that you apply to Undergraduate Admissions to receive conditional admission if you are considering attending NC State during your stay in the United States. After completing the IEP, you then would proceed to your major without having to take an additional TOEFL or IELTS.
If you enroll in the IEP as an English language student, and decide to apply to NC State while you in the program, you are not eligible for conditional admission to the university. English language students are not guaranteed admission to undergraduate degree programs.
Graduate Conditional Admission
I am a conditionally admitted graduate student. Can I take the Pathway Program?
Not at this time. In the future, we may have a special Pathway Program for conditionally admitted graduate students in the future.
Will I take courses with other graduate students?
You will be integrated in classes with other IEP students. If there is a sufficient number of graduate students, you will be placed in a section with other graduate students only.
Do I apply for graduate conditional admission?
Students do not apply for graduate conditional admission. They are considered for graduate conditional admission after applying DIRECTLY to the Graduate School.
Who should I contact if I have questions about graduate conditional admission?
If you have questions about anything related to the Intensive English Program, email iep@ncsu.edu. If you have questions about your status as a conditionally admitted student, contact the Graduate School and your specific program.
Pathway Program
Can I choose the credit classes I enroll in?
No, not at this time. The IEP is in the process of adding more credit classes in the future.
Will I be in class with undergraduate students in MA 141 and COM 110?
Yes! You will be in a regular undergraduate credit class with NC State undergraduate students.
How many students are in the credit classes (MA 141 and COM 110)?
COM 110 has approximately 20 students in each section, and MA 141 has approximately 80 students.
How do I register for the credit class?
The IEP will register you for your undergraduate credit course as well as the IEP courses.
I received a 70 on the TOEFL iBT. Can I retake the TOEFL and apply for the Level 6 Pathway?
No. The TOEFL iBT score you submitted in your undergraduate NC State application will be used for your Pathway Program application.