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This page was last updated April 20, 2022.
What classes will I take?
What classes will I take?
Full-time students take 4 core ESL classes - Grammar, Writing, Listening/Speaking, and Reading.
Who will my classmates be?
Students from all three programs -- ESL + Design, ESL + Music, and ESL + University Preparation -- all study together in their ESL classes. Each program also has separate, additional learning experiences for students in the specific field (art and design experiences for ESL + Design students, music experiences for ESL + Music students).
Do I have to pay tuition and fees?
Yes. You must pay your tuition and fees before you can start classes. Pay at the time you register online. Unfortunately, at this time there is no payment plan for these programs so the full tuition and fees must be paid all at one time. Tuition and fees for our programs are listed for each program:
What is my first step for paying tuition and fees?
Your first step is to complete your enrollment confirmation form. After you apply to our programs, you will receive a decision letter. The decision letter contains instructions and a link completing the enrollment confirmation form. The enrollment confirmation holds your place in our program and allows you to register.
What if I need to drop out of classes, can I get a tuition refund?
You can receive a full refund for tuition as long as you drop out within the first week of classes. For full refund policy, see here. For instructions on how to drop, see here.
What do I do after I complete my enrollment confirmation? How can I register?
After you have completed your enrollment confirmation, you can pay your tuition and fees during the registration period. We will tell you when registration opens and will send you instructions for how to register.
Is there financial aid?
No. Unfortunately, there is no financial aid provided through the university for this program.
I have questions about my visa. Where do I go?
For any questions regarding your student visa and status, please visit International Student and Scholar Services website here. You can also contact ISSS at iss@newschool.edu or 212-229-5592.
Is there a placement test?
ESL + Music students take their placement tests when they audition.
ESL + Design and ESL + University Preparation: After being accepted into the program, students will receive instructions via email for scheduling an online placement test.
What does my level mean?
We have 4 levels in our ESL programs. We do not have very low levels, so there is no Level 1 (beginners) or Level 2 (high beginners). We start at Level 3, low-intermediate level.
Level 3 = low intermediate
Level 4 = middle intermediate
Level 5 = high intermediate
Level 6 = advanced
I got a higher score on my TOEFL than the other students in my class. Why am I in this level?
We have found that the placement tests that we use are more accurate for placing students in classes where they can succeed.
I don't think this is the right level for me. Can I change?
Students cannot choose their levels. Your level is based on your English proficiency as demonstrated on your placement exam. Our placement exam is accurate almost all of the time, but occasionally, a student is not placed correctly. To be sure that all students are in the correct levels, your teachers spend the first 2 weeks of classes checking all students’ levels through quizzes and writing activities, and by listening to you speak. If any student is in the wrong level, we are happy to move them to the correct level. THIS IS EXTREMELY RARE. Each semester, only 1 or 2 students change levels.
Can I use my personal email address as a student in the ESL+ program?
No. After you get your New School email address, your teachers and the office will contact you ONLY through the New School email address.
You can forward your newschool.edu mail to your other email address; go to my.newschool.edu. Click on Gmail and go to Settings. Click Forward and follow the directions.
These classes are pass/fail, so I don't have to worry about grades, right?
Wrong. You are required to complete all assignments and take all exams in order to pass the class. Classes are frequently planned around homework assignments; it is, therefore, very important that you prepare for each class. Poor grades can keep students from progressing to Parsons and Mannes.
See also Passing Criteria in the Student Manual.
Approved (AP) means that you have successfully completed the course requirements and passed. No Grade (NG) means that you have not passed the course.
How can I get a copy of my transcript?
Please visit this page to order a copy of your transcript.
How can I get my certificate?
If you have completed your program and wish to receive a certificate of completion, please email elsc@newschool.edu with your full name, student number, and the semester that you completed your ESL+ program.
Where will I live?
Some students live with relatives, others get together with friends and rent an apartment. There is also dormitory housing available through the New School. Student Housing can help with applications for dormitory rooms and lists of apartments.
Where can I book practice rooms for Mannes?
To book a space, please visit https://newschool.bookedscheduler.com/ and log-in with your New School username/password. Then, you will see the room schedule and you can click on an hour/room to reserve. Reservations may be created up to 36 hours in advance.
My questions are not answered on this page, where do I go?
If you do not see your question listed above, please contact the English Language Studies Department at elsc@newschool.edu.
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