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University of Minnesota AZ Hold and ESL Course Information

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University of Minnesota AZ Hold and ESL Course Information

Provenance

  • Source: user-provided pasted text in chat on 2026-06-01.
  • Preserved raw text: raw/inbox/2026-06-01-umn-az-hold.txt.
  • Verification status: not independently verified.

Verbatim Text

What is an AZ hold?
 
An AZ hold is placed on a student’s record when the student’s English proficiency test scores indicate that the student would benefit from a supportive English course when they begin their studies →
 
ALL students must meet total score AND writing subscore requirements
Additional requirements for graduate students:
Reading subscore
Program requirements
 
Undergraduate scores
 
Graduate scores
 
TOEFL
79 total
(4.5 after Jan. ’26)
21 writing
(4.5 after Jan. ’26)
19 reading
(grad only–4.5 after Jan. ’26)
IELTS
6.5 total
6.5 writing
6.5 reading
(grad only)
Duolingo
110 total
(115 grad)
110 writing
(115 grad)
115 reading
(grad only)
SAT
540 Evid. Based Reading and Writing
(550 digital)
28 Writing & Language
How is the AZ hold resolved?
Registering for the recommended ESL course.
Students can take it A-F or S/N.
In addition to taking the course, students have the option to register for the MN Battery Test. If they meet the required scores, they can drop from the course.
Submit updated test scores and have them processed by Admissions (undergrad) or the Graduate School (grad) before the semester begins.
No exceptions!
Registering for an appropriate ESL course
After this webinar, you will receive an email from MELP (esl@umn.edu)
You will need to choose which ESL course or section you want to register for and reply to the email.
Sometimes, there will not be an option (e.g. the course you are required to take only has one section), MELP will just email you the permission number if that is the case.
We will then give you a permission number to use to register for your course.
Undergraduate students: Use this permission number on your orientation day.
Graduate students: Use this permission number to register as soon as you can.
ESL course must be taken during first semester
Reminder: Undergrads cannot take WRIT 1301 until after they have passed their ESL course/cleared their AZ hold
Must earn C- or S grade
AZ hold will be pushed out to next term at time of issuing permission number.
You will still see the AZ hold on your account, but it will not affect your fall registration.
Transfer students (undergrads)
Transfer applicants may be exempt from the English proficiency test if they have successfully completed one of the following:
26 or more transferable semester credits at a two or four-year post-secondary institution in the United States AND the equivalent of the U of MN first-year English writing course requirement with a grade of C or better; OR
60 or more transferable semester credits at a two or four-year postsecondary institution in the United States
The English proficiency test exemption may be granted on a case-by-case basis upon successful completion of one full year of transferable credits from a U.S. institution even if the applicant has not met one of the requirements stated above. Contact the Office of Admissions with questions.
Contact Information
 
Minnesota English Language Program (MELP)
 
Contact us Mon–Fri, 8:30–4:00
 
esl@umn.edu
sanc0104@umn.edu
612-624-1503
1-800-234-6564
 
Drop-in Hours:
 
216 Pillsbury Drive, Room 20
Mon–Thurs, 11:00am–1:00pm
(Closed Fri)

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