English Proficiency Requirements

Non-native English speakers are required to submit English proficiency test results (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Academic English, Duolingo English Test or PTE Academic). With the exception of Cambridge English Qualifications, Mount Holyoke has no minimum score, although the average scores are as follows.

English proficiency test results (Cambridge Academic English, Duolingo English Test, IELTS, Pearson and TOEFL) may be self-reported by uploading a PDF of the score report to the applicant portal using the English Proficiency Results link. English proficiency scores reported within the Common App or Coalition App do not meet Mount Holyoke's English proficiency requirement. All admitted students who choose to enroll must submit official (send directly to Mount Holyoke from the test agency) test results prior to entering Mount Holyoke.

If multiple English proficiency test results are submitted, the Admission Committee will review all results, usually putting most emphasis on the test date with the highest composite result. Mount Holyoke does not subscribe to the College Board's MyBest Scores option for TOEFL.

Sending Scores

To submit Cambridge Academic English, Duolingo or PTE Academic results, please refer to the test agency's website for score reporting procedures.

When requesting TOEFL scores from ETS, use Mount Holyoke's institutional code: 3529.

To submit IELTS results, you must follow the IELTS score request instructions as follows:

1. Contact the test center directly where you took your IELTS exam
2. Indicate that you wish your scores to be sent via the IELTS E-Delivery process
3. Provide the test center with the exact information below:
   Account Name: Mount Holyoke College - Admission
   Address: 50 College St
   City: South Hadley
   State: MA
   ZIP Code: 01075

Deadlines

All testing must be completed in time for the official score reports to reach Mount Holyoke by November 15 (ED I), January 5 (ED II) and January 15 (Regular Decision) to guarantee that they will be reviewed.

Waiver Requests

Mount Holyoke requires applicants whose first language is not English to demonstrate English language proficiency. We may consider waiving this requirement if one of the following describes you:

• You are a non-native English speaker who has attended high school in the United States since 9th grade.
• You are a non-native English speaker who has been enrolled since 9th grade in a high school (or multiple high schools) outside the United States where English is the primary language of instruction. Schools that teach academic subjects in both English and another language do not qualify.
• Your circumstances are not described above, but you believe your academic background demonstrates strong English proficiency. We do not waive the English proficiency requirement based on your SAT or ACT score.

Waiver Form Details:

• To request a waiver, submit the English Language Proficiency Waiver Form, which will be linked in your applicant status portal. 
• Please submit your request by the deadline for your application round.
• Waiver requests will only be reviewed after your application and required academic credentials have been received. 
• Supporting documents — such as a school profile or a letter from your guidance counselor — are strongly encouraged.
• You can expect to hear from us 7-10 business days after your waiver request is submitted.

We cannot guarantee that your request will be approved. We encourage you to make every effort to complete one of the English proficiency tests listed above. If a waiver is approved but the Admission Committee needs additional information to assess your readiness, the Committee may request English proficiency testing, a writing sample, or an interview at a later date.