Pathway to Berkeley College

Conditional Admission

Berkeley College offers the opportunity for international students who have not yet achieved the required English entry level to gain early acceptance to the College through Conditional Admission.

Students gaining conditional admission to Berkeley can begin their Academic English course starting any Monday at Rennert New York (our on-campus English school). Students completing Rennert’s Intermediate 2 level, or scoring 78+ in the Rennert College Placement Test will then be eligible to transfer into their Berkeley degree program at the next available start date.

Rennert ESL Pathway Program to Berkeley College

As a sister-school of Berkeley College, Rennert’s Pathway Programs provide international students with accelerated access to Berkeley’s career-focused degree and short-term programs. International Pathway students can join Rennert’s Academic English preparation course and, if eligible, begin earning college credit. Pathway Program benefits include:

Language assessment and study plan
English classes focusing on skills for success at college and university
Bi-weekly meetings with Academic Success coach
College classroom experience
Rennert 41 Club activities and lectures

Pathway Options by Semester:

Summer Session I and II

Summer Session I – June 24 – August 2, 2024

ESL Express Pathway + *3 credit course
(7 weeks ESL= 22 lessons per week + *3 credit course)

This course is appropriate for those with the equivalent of IELTS 5.0 – 5.5, 55-61 IBT, or scoring 74-77 in the Rennert College Placement Test. You will study English with the option to take a *3-credit course at Berkeley in preparation for your full-time degree program in the Fall term.

ESL Course details:
Course comprises small group (maximum 12 students) classes of 22 lessons per week focusing on the skills needed for college success, as well as elevating your general English skills, grammar and vocabulary. You will work on optimizing analytical reading and research skills, notetaking, presenting a written argument, developing and presenting verbal opinions and making group presentations.

*Credit Course Options: CIS 1115 – Computer Applications or SOC 1123 – First Year Experience
*Based on availability

Summer Session II – August 5 – September 1, 2024

ESL Pre-Sessional English (4 weeks of ESL= 30 lessons per week)

This intensive course will prepare you to begin your college degree studies in the fall term. It is appropriate for those who meet the Berkeley English language proficiency requirements, achieving IELTS 5.5, 61 IBT or 78+ in the Rennert CPT, but would like to feel more comfortable and perform their best in the College classroom and environment.

ESL Course details:
Course comprises small group (maximum 12) classes of 30 lessons per week focused on the skills needed for college success. As well as covering a quick review of general English skills, grammar and vocabulary. You will work on optimizing analytical reading and research skills, notetaking, presenting a written argument, developing and presenting verbal opinions and making group presentations

Fall, Winter, Spring Semesters (Option A or B is available every semester)

ESL Pathway Semester – Academic Preparation
(Option A) 15 weeks of ESL= 22 or 30 lessons per week
This course is appropriate for those scoring below IELTS 4.5-5.0, 50 IBT, or scoring 63-73 in the Rennert College Placement Test.

ESL Course details:
You will work on improving the four skills; reading, writing, speaking, and listening, in small group classes (8-12 students). Lessons will focus on grammar and vocabulary development, fluency and confidence-building for using English in everyday settings. Students will meet with their teachers weekly to assess their progress and Rennert’s Academic Success coach will schedule regular meetings to ensure that students are maximizing their study opportunities, are meeting new international friends and are making good progress towards their goals.

ESL Pathway Semester - Academic Preparation
(Option B) 15 weeks of ESL= 22 lessons per week + *3 credit course

This course is appropriate for those with the equivalent of IELTS 5.0-5.5, 59-60 IBT, or scoring 74-77 in the Rennert College Placement Test. You will study English with the option to take a 3-credit course at Berkeley in preparation for your full-time degree program in the following term. Students needing more practice in communicative skills or with a lower score in Rennert CPT may wish to take the super-intensive 30- ESL lesson option.

ESL Course details:
Course comprises small group (maximum 12) classes of 22 or 30 lessons per week focusing on the skills needed for college success. As well as elevating your general English skills, grammar, reading, writing and vocabulary. You will work on optimizing analytical reading and research skills, notetaking, presenting a written argument, developing and presenting verbal opinions and making group presentations. Students are invited to attend workshops and guest lectures with Rennert 41 Club.
*Credit Course Options: CIS 1115 – Computer Applications or SOC 1123 – First Year Experience
Based on availability and eligibility. Students with a high score in ESL may opt to take 1 or 2 Berkeley course options, up to 6 college credits. Please inquire with your Berkeley International team member about this option.

ESL Pathway Academic Year
Academic Preparation (Options A and B)

College Experience Programs
Eligible students who will spend a term or more in the U.S. and would like to experience all that U.S. College life has to offer, can benefit from taking one or more 15-week semester courses at Berkeley College plus ESL Academic Preparation.

Students studying short-term have the opportunity to experience studying Business or Fashion-relevant courses with top U.S. professors in the heart of New York City. You will join American classmates and have an unforgettable experience enjoying culture and activities while living and studying in NYC. To review your study options, please speak with a Berkeley College International staff member and visit the following link:
*Published rate is based on 2 semesters of ESL and a 3-credit course

For more information on our programs, click on the Study Abroad Flyer or the International Fact Sheet.