AZ Hold
The AZ service indicator (hold) is placed on a student’s record by the Admissions Office if the student is admitted with an English proficiency score that is slightly lower than the exempt total score (scores below 79 iBT, 6.5 IELTS, 80 MN Battery, 180 CAE C1 Advanced, 59 PTE Academic, 110 Duolingo) or a low writing subscore. Students who have an AZ hold will be required to take an English language course as one of their courses during their first semester. This course will support their ongoing language learning and adjustment to studying in the U.S.
Please note that the University of Minnesota does not use 'super scores' or iBT 'My Best' scores. A student must achieve the overall score and each subscore on the same test administration.
For more information on the AZ hold release process, see the AZ holds webpage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AZ hold removal process?
The Minnesota English Language Program (MELP) contacts each student to register and attend a webinar to temporarily release their AZ hold before their first orientation meeting. At this webinar, a MELP advisor will explain the English proficiency admissions policy. After the webinar, the student will:
- Receive via email a course recommendation, where they will choose their preferred course/section. Once they reply with their decision, they will get a permission number to register for the required English as a Second Language (ESL) course, and
- Be given the option to register to take the MN Battery Test to try to meet the requirement if they choose
The student will then meet with their college advisor to discuss their required ESL class(es). At this time:
- The student and advisor will decide how to work the required ESL class(es) into the student’s schedule.
- The advisor or student will contact MELP for any additional permission number(s) by calling 612-624-1503 or emailing [email protected].
During their first semester, the student must pass the required English course with a grade of C- or better (or S). At the end of the semester, when they have passed the course, a MELP advisor will release their AZ hold permanently.
Can the AZ hold be pushed out for full-year registration?
Yes, the AZ hold can be pushed out to allow for full-year registration for incoming freshmen. Advisors can contact the MELP office if this is needed.
Can students with an AZ hold register for WRIT 1301?
No. Students must complete any required ESL courses before they register for WRIT 1301.
What if students do not comply with the AZ hold requirement?
If a student drops their required ESL classes, both the student and their college advisor will receive an email notification that the student is in non-compliance. In this case, the student will be required to submit official English proficiency testscores before the AZ hold will be lifted and thus will not be able to register for future terms. See the Undergraduate Admissions website for a list of accepted English proficiency tests.
Support for Students Who Have Met the Minimum English Requirement
It is important to keep in mind that a test score is an indication of proficiency, but some students with high test scores might still benefit from language support, especially during their first year on campus. All students continue to develop their language skills while in a degree program and sometimes a course can help accelerate this process. Course listings are found on the Minnesota English Language Program website.
Please contact MELP ([email protected]) if you have questions about a student’s English proficiency score. Below are guidelines for interpreting TOEFL and IELTS scores.
| Student Score | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 79 to 83 TOEFL or 6.5 IELTS | 1 ESL course strongly recommended |
| 84 to 86 TOEFL or 7.0 IELTS | 1 ESL course recommended if a subscore is considerably lower than the other scores |
| 87 or above TOEFL or 7.5 or above IELTS | ESL courses recommended on a case-by-case basis for students wishing to really polish a specific English language skill (e.g., pronunciation, presentation skills, or writing) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can TOEFL iBT or IELTS, or Duloingo subscores tell me about a student’s abilities?
Undergraduate students with a writing subscore lower than 21 on TOEFL,6.5 on IELTS, or 110 on Duolingo (or the equivalent on other assessments) are required to take an ESL writing class to support them in their transition into the university. Students with TOEFL subscores lower than 20 in other areas may benefit from a supportive language class while they transition into the university. Most students will know their subscores.
| Area | Subscore | Course recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Writing | Below 20 TOEFL, 6.0 IELTS, or 110 Duolingo | ESL 3102, ESL 3202W, ESL 3402W |
| Reading | Below 20 TOEFL, 6.0 IELTS, or 110 Duolingo | ESL 3202W |
| Speaking | Below 20 TOEFL, 6.0 IELTS, or 110 Duolingo | ESL 3502, ESL 3551, ESL 3602 |
| Listening | Below 20 TOEFL, 6.0 IELTS, or 110 Duolingo | ESL 3502 |
What if the student took the MN Battery?
Students have the option of taking the MN Battery test to remove their AZ hold. Students should register for the required ESL course before taking the MN Battery test, and then they may drop the course only after receiving a MN Battery score report showing an exempt score. Most students with an AZ hold who take the MN Battery test are still not exempt from the ESL course requirement after taking the test. MELP only recommends students take the MN Battery test if they feel like their English has improved significantly since they last took an English proficiency test. If you would like to know about a student’s scores on the test, contact the Minnesota English Language Program at 612-624-1503.
I have a student who appeared to have strong language skills, but it is now several weeks into the term and the student is struggling. Is it too late to get support?
No. ESL 3001 (2 credits) is offered during the last 7 weeks of the term. This course is designed to support students in developing a variety of skills for success at the University.
Is there additional English support for new students?
Undergraduate international students can meet with an ESL consultant to get individualized language support on a variety of language issues. Students can sign up for consultations on the Student English Language Support (SELS) website. SELS also offers group workshops and conversation opportunities, which are listed on the website. (Note: Individual SELS tutoring was not available in Spring 2025 but may be available again beginning in Fall 2025).
In addition, some quick help resources are available for students at esl.umn.edu. The website has self-study materials, practice quizzes, tips, videos, and links to provide English language practice with speaking, vocabulary, reading, American culture, and more!
Student Writing Support offers face-to-face and online writing consultations for all University of Minnesota students, at all stages of the writing process.
