English Language Learners

Navigating higher education can feel overwhelming, especially if English isn’t your first language. Level Up Virginia is here to make this journey easier for you, with helpful resources.

Higher education offers exciting opportunities to expand your knowledge, develop new skills and achieve your academic and career goals. It’s important to take time to plan and prepare for your postsecondary education. Here are some valuable tips to consider as you prepare for your academic and career journey:

• Discover Your Interests: Explore resources such as Virginia Wizard’s assessments to understand how your interests and talents align with various career and higher education options. Take control of your future and ask your school counselor about how you can develop an academic and career plan.
• Explore Pathways: Research different postsecondary pathways to find the one that suits your goals best, whether it’s a university, community college, technical school or apprenticeship.
• Seek Help: Ask for help when you start the college application and financial aid processes. Colleges and universities are there to guide you through the steps.
• Connect with Instructors: Building connections with your high school language instructors is invaluable. They know your skills and work ethic well and can offer meaningful recommendations for college applications and scholarships.

Taking these steps will can you on a path to success in your academic and career pursuits. Your future is just getting started.

English Language Proficiency Tests

English language proficiency tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are often required for college and university admission. Make sure to check with your chosen institution to know which test they require for your program. You can find useful resources and test preparation materials on their official websites to help you get ready.

Support services are crucial to your success in higher education. You can find access providers that can help connect you to English language support programs, tutoring services, academic advising and cultural adjustment support here. These services are designed to provide the guidance and assistance you need to thrive in your college journey.

It is also beneficial to connect with college admissions offices, English language learning centers and student support services at the colleges and universities you are interested in for additional guidance tailored to their specific resources and programs. They often provide specialized assistance to English language learners to ensure a smooth transition and academic success.

Resources

Resources

Better FAFSA for Mixed-Status Families - This document provides the top 10 things mixed status students and families need to know to get ready to apply for federal financial aid.
International Student Services Association - a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a better future for immigrant students by providing information, resources and scholarship opportunities.
TOEFL iBT Test Resources - View resources for the TOEFL iBT test, which measures all four academic English skills — reading, listening, speaking and writing.
List of Scholarships - the Immigrants Rising organization has a list of scholarships that does not require proof of citizenship.
uAspire Financial Aid Checklist - Available in a variety of languages, this document includes steps below to get financial aid and make informed choices of where to go to college and how to pay for it.
The Dream.US - the nation’s largest college and career success program for undocumented immigrant youth, offering resources and scholarship opportunities. 
Higher Ed Immigration Portal -