What Duolingo score do you need for SCAD?

At SCAD a Duolingo score is a route to an ESL waiver. Students who do not hold a waiver take a placement test run by the SCAD Language Studio during international orientation.

The minimum benchmarks must come from a single test administration. SCAD does not accept combined subscores from more than one Duolingo English Test or any other superscoring. Applicants who meet the overall score but miss a section score are reviewed case by case; no exception is made if the overall score is not met.

For comparison, the same admission sheet sets IELTS at 6.5 overall with at least 6.5 in reading and writing.

Otherwise-qualified applicants who do not meet the waiver scores may still be considered for admission. They must take the SCAD Language Studio placement test, a two-hour test of listening, structure, reading, vocabulary and writing with an interview, which decides whether ESL classes are needed and at what level.

A student who holds a waiver but fails a course because of language difficulties must also take the placement test.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your SCAD programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.