ESL FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who should take these courses?
   Any student who wants to improve their ability to read, write, speak and understand American English and/or any student who wants to study at Atlantic Cape to earn a certificate or degree.
2. What are the courses?
   Intermediate ESL I & II
   Advanced ESL I & II
   Advanced Grammar
   Strategies for the American Classroom
   Advanced Reading/Writing
3. Which courses do I take?
   You will be placed in the appropriate level after you take an ESL Placement Test.
4. Where are the classes offered?
   Most ESL classes are offered at Atlantic Cape's Worthington Atlantic City Center, with some advanced classes being offered at the Mays Landing campus.
5. When do these classes meet?
   Classes are offered every semester: fall, spring and summer. The majority meet in the mornings between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. There are evening classes starting at 6 p.m. and a few afternoon classes beginning at 12:30 p.m.
6. How are these classes taught?
   • Focus on reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar and knowledge of American culture
   • Class size is limited to 18.
   • Emphasis is on group interaction, active learning.
   • Extensive reading and writing at all levels.
7. Do I have to take ESL courses if I graduated from an American high school?
   ESL Placement Test - Students whose native language is not English should take the ESL Test. Exemptions for the Compass ESL Test include a TOEFL result of IBT54, PBT480, CBT157 or an SAT score of 540 in Critical reading.

   Test scores are valid for one year. Students who are absent from the college for a period of more than 12 months must retake the ESL Test to re-evaluate students' skills.

8. How much does it cost?
   The cost of classes is based on a per-credit rate, most classes are 3-6 credits.

Other contacts:

Admissions Office Hours of Operation:

Regular Business Hours:

Summer Hours:

Atlantic City: 609-343-4830, e-mail: [email protected]
Mays Landing: 609-343-5000, e-mail: [email protected]
Cape May: 609- 463-3958, e-mail: [email protected]

Financial Aid Office:

FAFSA Online
Atlantic City: 609-343-4850
Mays Landing: 609-343-5082
Cape May: 609-463-6788

Admissions Information