Academic and English Support

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes

Academic English skills are an essential part of success in college, and if your native language is not English, you will need to demonstrate your language proficiency.

When you apply to Snow College for direct entry into mainstream college classes, we require one of the following scores from an English language placement test:

• IELTS – 6.0
• TOEFL – 63 (minimum 15 per section)
• Duolingo – 100 (minimum 85 per section)

If your academic English skills need improvement, Snow College has an excellent English as a Second Language Program (ESL) to help you succeed.

Created in 1976, Snow College has one of the best English language programs in the western United States. With its small classes (12 students on average), convenient campus, and excellent teachers, Snow College offers some real advantages over larger schools.

 

How does the ESL program work?

• Students attend classes 5 days a week for 4-5 hours a day.
• When you arrive on campus, you will take an English test to help determine your level.
• Snow College ESL classes are divided into 4 levels, with each one helping you improve your skills in grammar, listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
• Most students take 8 weeks to pass each of the 4 levels, so you could finish all 4 levels in just 2 semesters.
• Classes taken in levels 3 and 4 count as 11.5 credits toward graduation.
• You will have a seamless transition into mainstream college classes after completing the ESL program with a passing grade of 85%.

 

Important dates for your calendar

If your academic English skills do not meet entry requirements, you can take on-campus English as a Second Language (ESL) classes before you transition into mainstream Snow College classes. There are five session start dates to choose from for ESL Admission.

Summer 2025:

• Application and Enrollment Deposit Due: April 1, 2025.
• On-Campus Move In Date: May 8, 2025 (date subject to change).
• Mandatory New Student Orientation: May 9, 2025 (date subject to change).
• Classes Begin: May 12, 2025.

Fall 2025 Session 1:

• Enrollment Deposit Due: July 1, 2025.
• Airport Pick-ups: August 13 and 14 at 3:00 pm (SLC International Airport only)
• On-Campus Move In Dates: August 13 and 14 at 6:30 pm. Students arriving early should plan to stay in a hotel or Airbnb.
• Immigration Check In: August 13 and 14 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• Mandatory Orientation: Friday August 15 at 9:00 am.
• First-Year Experience Events: August 17 to 19 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Classes begin: Wednesday August 20, 2025.

Fall 2025 Session 2:

• Application and Enrollment Deposit Due: September 1, 2025.
• On-Campus Move In Date: October 10, 2025.
• Mandatory New Student Orientation: October 13, 2025.
• Classes Begin: October 15, 2025.

Spring 2026 Session 1:

• Enrollment Deposit Due: November 1, 2025.
• On-Campus Move In Dates: January 3 and 4 (exact times TBD). Students arriving early should plan to stay in a hotel or Airbnb.
• Immigration Check In and Mandatory Orientation: Monday January 5 at 9:00 am.
• Classes begin: Wednesday January 7, 2026.

Spring 2026 Session 2 (All dates below are subject to change):

• Application and Enrollment Deposit Due: February 1, 2026.
• On-Campus Move In Date: March 5, 2026.
• Mandatory New Student Orientation: March 6, 2026.
• Classes Begin: March 9, 2026.

 

Is there more English language help available?

There is! We also run a regular schedule of Conversation Classes, which help you practice English with native speakers in a more relaxed, natural setting. There’s no set curriculum or homework – just turn up and talk! It’s a great way to meet new people, work on your speaking skills or accent, and improve your listening skills.

If you’re interested in receiving extra academic or linguistic support, get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to explain some more options.

 

In-person and online tutoring

At Snow College, we have many ways to support your academic journey. For example, our Academic Advising Center has a wealth of online resources and it's easy to make an appointment with them any time. In addition, our Math Lab and Writing Lab give you daily access to professors and student-tutors and we even offer free online tutoring through Tutor.com which is available on-demand, 24 hours a day. Learn more about our Tutoring Services.