Are SAT scores compulsory for admission to Parsons for international students?
The admissions maze can be difficult and frustrating to navigate, and searching for information on college Web sites often feels like a wild goose chase. When I looked for SAT/ACT requirements on the Parsons Web site, I saw that these tests are required ONLY for domestic students. So I called the school to confirm and was told by “Charlene" that this is indeed correct. International students do not have to submit SAT or ACT results. But, if English isn't your native language, you WILL have to prove English proficiency:
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
English is the language of instruction at The New School. You must be able to understand English well and express yourself clearly in speech and writing.
TOEFL or IELTS is not required if you are a citizen of any of the following countries and your native language is English: England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or South Africa. TOEFL or IELTS is not required if you have earned a 4 year degree from a U.S. College/University.
Minimum Scores Required:TOEFL Internet-based test: 92 IELTS: 7.0
The TOEFL score report must be submitted directly to The New School by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Information on taking the TOEFL can be found online at www.ets.org/toefl. Contact the office of admission if you have questions on comparison scores for other forms of the TOEFL (e.g. paper-based). Parsons The New School for Design's TOEFL code is 2385.
Additional information for the IELTS can be found on their website at www.ielts.org.
The SAT is also accepted with a minimum score of 500 on the Critical Reading section required for admission.
Applicants also have the option of enrolling in The New School English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Students must pass Level 6 to waive the TOEFL requirement. Visit the ESL website for more information at www.newschool.edu/ce/englishlanguagestudies/.
If English is not your first language and you don't live in one of the TOEFL-exempt countries listed above but you DO attend a high school where the primary language of instruction is English, I suggest that you submit your SAT score (if it's over 500) or contact the school to ask about possible test exemption.
Hope that helps, and good luck.
