The Undergraduate University Track Pathway (U-Track Pathway) is CESL’s pathway program for students conditionally-admitted to the University of Arizona. It features a content-based curriculum to build your English proficiency so you can gain full admission (through Endorsement) and begin the next steps of your academic journey.
Ready to Start?
*Have your UofA letter of conditional admission ready to upload!
Course Schedule
Students take one university class (3 credits) per 8-week session and learn content similar to what they will encounter in their first year as undergraduate students and thereby improve their language abilities. They also enroll in a CESL-supported general education course for credit; this course will count toward any major at University of Arizona. With CESL's English Language Endorsement, students in the U-Track Pathway can fulfill UA's minimum English language proficiency requirement without taking an additional TOEFL or IELTS exam.
How Long Does the Program Take?
It is recommended that students study in the program for 2 sessions (1 semester). However, students who enter the program in Fall 2 (October start), Spring 2 (March start), or Summer (June start) can exit with endorsement in as little as 8 weeks if they perform exceptionally well. An exception may be granted for students whose second UT session is a Fall 1 or Spring 1 session. Please see the Associate Director.
- Application
- Copy of Passport
- Financial Guarantee
- Financial Guarantee Authorization (if applicable)
- Conditional Admission from the University of Arizona
- Official English Test Score Report
Conditional Admission
Have you already applied to University of Arizona? Students must have conditional admission to enroll in this program.
Recognized English Language Exams
- Conditionally admitted students may apply to our Intensive English Program and progress into the Undergraduate University Track Pathway with good grades in IEP Level 7.
- U-Track Pathway applicants who have not taken our Intensive English Program must provide a recognized English language exam score from within 2 years of intended enrollment date (see below).
A score sheet from one of the following tests indicating that the prospective student has taken the test within the past two years and obtained at least the minimum score indicated. Students must have a minimum score of B1+/low B2 from a recognized exam to join the program. More information about CEFR scores.
- CEPT Full Academic
- Minimum Score: 90
- Website: CEPT Full Academic
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-Based Test (iBT)
- Minimum Score: 59
- Website: TOEFL iBT
- Please note that while MyBest scores are currently accepted, if any individual band score is lower than 13 or if any total score is lower than 56 (even if there is a MyBest score above 59), additional testing may be required to confirm eligibility. Fees may apply.
- International English language Testing System (IELTS)
- Minimum Score: 5.5
- Website: IELTS
- The curriculum is designed to prepare students with the linguistic and academic skills necessary for success at the university.
- Each session is 8-weeks long. Students may spend 1-2 sessions in U-Track (endorsement is only available in Spring 2, Summer, and Fall 2 sessions for students who are in their first session of U-Track)
- Students take one for-credit UA general education class (6 class hours per week/5 clock hours), a support class for the credit class (5 hours per week), two additional courses appropriate for academic English preparation (such as advanced speaking/listening course, an advanced writing course, a case studies course, or an advanced reading/vocabulary course) (5 hours each per week; 10 hours per week total), and an elective (1 hour per week)
8 Week Session
Find the costs below for a single session lasting eight weeks as well as the financial guarantee requirement.
Initial Application Fee: $120.00 (non-refundable)
Total Program Costs
| Costs | 8 Week Session | 16 Week Session |
|---|---|---|
| CESL Tuition | $2800 | $5600 |
| Fees | $910 | $1820 |
| UA Course Fees and Tuition | $3026.50 | $6053 |
| Living Expenses (estimated) | $4363 | $8726 |
| Total | $11099.50 | $22199 |
Breakdown of Program Costs (8-week session)
| CESL Tuition | $2800 |
| Student Services Fee | $300 |
| Technology Fee | $230 |
| Mandatory Campus Health Fee | $190 |
| Mandatory Student Health Insurance Fee | $190 |
| Total Payable to CESL | $3710 |
Materials
There may be additional charges for materials for some classes (extra online books students must purchase). These are approximately $50-$60 per class (maximum 4 classes).
Dependents
If you bring dependents (legal spouse and/or children under 21 years of age) you will need to provide additional evidence of $800 per month for a spouse and $500 per month per child.
A financial guarantee is an official bank statement, or scholarship offer, which promises to sponsor or pay for a student's academic studies. The amount to be covered includes tuition, fees, books, and the cost of living. If you are submitting a personal bank statement it must have been issued within the last 6 months. Bank statements must be in English. If it is not your personal bank statement you must include the financial guarantee authorization from the account holder.
Financial Guarantee Requirements
- Must be recent, within 6 months of being issued
- Needs to be in English
- Needs to be on official bank letterhead
- Needs to show account balance (not average in the account)
- Date of issuance
- Name of account holder
- Needs to be checking or savings
| Total Payable to CESL | $3710 |
| Living Expenses (living, transportation, food, etc.) | $4363.00 |
| UA Course Fees and Tuition | $3026.50 |
| Total Needed for U-Track Pathway Financial Guarantee | $11099.50 |
What is conditional admission?
Conditional admission refers to being academically admissible to the University of Arizona, but that an applicant still needs to meet the English proficiency requirement. Conditional admission is offered for all undergraduate programs.
I don’t yet have conditional admission from the University of Arizona, but I would like to study in the Undergraduate University Track Pathway. What can I do?
You must apply for Conditional admission. Once you have conditional admission, please apply for the Undergraduate University Track Pathway. Alternatively, you can enroll in our Intensive English Program, which has a pathway to the Undergraduate University Track Pathway.
Will I take university classes?
Yes! Each session, Undergraduate University Track Pathway students enroll in a General Education class similar to courses any first-year UA student would be required to take. These are special CESL sections of these courses and they count for every major. Most sessions, you will also have the opportunity to experience regular university lectures and interact with guest university speakers as part of CESL’s University Seminar class.
How long is each level?
8 weeks
How long will it take to finish my U-Track Pathway studies?
CESL recommends students study in the program for 2 sessions (1 semester).
Does my University Track Pathway GPA affect me once I'm fully admitted to the UA?
Yes. All of the grades you earn in your UA courses count towards your UA GPA. Although the grades in your CESL courses do not count towards your UA GPA, they will determine your progression through the U-Track Pathway. Please see the student handbook for more information.
How can I order offical UA transcripts?
You can find information on ordering UA transcripts at https://www.registrar.arizona.edu/transcripts
If I complete one session of the Undergraduate U-Track Pathway, will I be automatically admitted to the UA?
No. With conditional admission, there are three common ways to fulfill UA’s English language requirement for full admission:
- Complete two sessions of the U-Track Pathway and receive CESL Endorsement with a 2.0 GPA (students must pass all classes with a C or higher to receive endorsement).
- Earn the required TOEFL or IELTS score (http://admissions.arizona.edu/how-to-apply/international/english-profici...).
- Complete one session of the U-Track Pathway and receive CESL endorsement with a 3.0 GPA (students must pass all classes with a C or higher to receive endorsement-Fall 2, Spring 2, Summer only).
In some cases, undergraduate bound students may also enroll in a non-credit (no university classes) option in levels 8 or 9. See the Graduate Track Program or email cesl@email.arizona.edu. Undergraduate bound students will be advised to take the University Track Pathway option, which includes a credit-bearing course.
Can I participate in CESL clubs and activities once I'm enrolled in the U-Track Pathway?
Yes! You are still a CESL student and you are highly encouraged to participate in CESL’s clubs and activities.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid to help with tuition?
Unfortunately, we do not offer any kind of scholarship or financial aid for our programs. Students may seek private sponsorship from their governments or other organizations.
What are the steps to apply for the F-1 Student Visa?
- Apply to the CESL Program
- When you are admitted to the CESL program, you will receive your I-20
- Pay your SEVIS fee
- Complete your visa application
- Schedule and attend your visa interview