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Excel Program (International Applicants)

Are you on a visa and want to work on your advanced English skills? Do you almost have the score for ‘direct’ admission, but are missing it by a few points? If you answer yes to these questions, the Excel Program could be a great option for you! In this program, you start your degree while refining your academic English skills in your first semester at North Central.

What will I study?

The Excel Program is 12 credits in Listening & Speaking, Writing & Grammar, and Reading & Vocabulary. You also can take another class in a different field of study that also counts toward your degree. 

As a student in the Excel Program, you will do research and academic writing so you can understand academic texts, think critically, and write about them without plagiarizing.

You will practice presentation and academic discussion skills so you can participate easily in classes and get better participation and discussion grades.

You will read and analyze academic texts from a variety of disciplines so you can read complex texts faster and understand more academic vocabulary. 

ELI professor pointing at a textbook

Program Benefits

Participants in the Excel Program receive the preparation they need to succeed in their rigorous college coursework. Students can use their financial aid award to offset cost of attendance, participate in Division III athletics and fine arts programs, join clubs, while making friends with fellow multilingual students.

Excel Program students also have the option to take 4 credits of other general education or elective coursework, meaning they stay on track to graduate in four years. 

Excel Program Calendar 2024-25

Term Arrival Orientation Class Dates
Fall 2024 August 13 August 14-16 August 21-December 11
Spring 2025 January 2 January 3 January 6-April 30

International First-Year Scholarships

Scholarship Name GPA Awarded Amount
International Presidential 3.6-4.0 $34,000
International Dean 3.1-3.5 $32,000
International Honor <3.0 $31,000

International Transfer Scholarships

International Transfer Scholarship GPA Awarded Amount
International Excellence 3.6-4.0 $31,000
International Success 3.1-3.5 $30,000
International Merit <3.0 $28,000

What English level do I need to start the program?

English Requirement to Enter Excel Credit-bearing Coursework Score Range or IEP Level
TOEFL iBT 60-78
IELTS 5.5-6.0
Institutional TOEFL 498-547
Duolingo 100-119
Pearson's English Test (PTE) 50-57
North Central College Intensive English Program (IEP) Successfully complete the Intermediate Level (semester 2 of IEP)

What if I don't meet these requirements?

Join our Intensive English Program!

Questions?

If you still have questions, please don't hesitate to contact our director Katherine Pope.

  • Email: eli@noctrl.edu
  • Phone: 630-637-5271
  • Fax: 630-637-5295
  • Skype: kate_pope_ncc
  • Street Address: Abe House, 48 East Jefferson Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540
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