A strong command of the English language is essential to a student’s success at Willamette University College of Law. To that end, Willamette requires that students demonstrate English language proficiency. Proficiency may be demonstrated through any one of the following methods.
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International Applicants Whose Native Language is English
Applicants who are fluent in English because it is their first language, need not take any further action to demonstrate proficiency. This includes, but is not limited to, applicants who are from Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
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International JD Applicants Who Have Scored Satisfactorily on the LSAT
JD applicants who have completed the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and achieved a score sufficient to gain academic admission need not take any further action to demonstrate proficiency.
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International Applicants Who Have Completed English Proficiency Tests
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Applicants may take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam and achieve one of the following minimum scores:
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IELTS - 7.0
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TOEFL iBT - 88
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TOEFL PBT - 570
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International Applicants Who Have Completed an ESL Program
Applicants may demonstrate proficiency by successfully completing the highest level of an accredited English language program. Official transcripts must be submitted.
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International Applicants Who Have Studied or Worked in English-Speaking Institutions
Applicants may request a waiver of the English language proficiency requirements if they have previously studied in an English-speaking academic institution, or have used English extensively in their professional work. Applicants seeking a waiver must provide a formal letter requesting such an exemption, as well as evidence of English language competence such as submission of a legal research paper, memorandum of law to a client or law partner, legal brief, or legal article.