Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is ScOLa?
ScOLa stands for School of Languages, and is responsible for the Preparatory English Program, the Undergraduate English Program and the Modern Languages Programs.

As the name suggests, ScOLa is responsible for ensuring that students develop the skills that are necessary for study in an English-medium university. While a large part of what we do is naturally concerned with developing students’ language skills, we also help students improve their cognitive (e.g. critical thinking. academic study) skills.

2. What does “Modular System” mean?
Courses in the Preparatory English Program run according to a modular system, meaning that courses last for a seven-week module. There are four modules in the normal academic calendar, starting in September, and ending in May.

Like all other undergraduate courses in the university, the Undergraduate English Program courses run according to the semester system. Semesters last about fourteen weeks. There are two semesters in the normal academic year; Fall semester and Spring semester.

3. What is TRACE?
The TRACE is ScOLa's English proficiency exam, and it stands for Test of Readiness in Academic English. The TRACE exam is given three times a year; at the start of the academic year in September, at the end of the Fall semester in January, and at the end of the Spring semester in May.

The TRACE exam comprises reading, writing and listening components. Students that pass the TRACE examination will be admitted to their undergraduate degree program. Click here to take a sample TRACE and get more information about the sections of the test.  

4. I haven’t studied “Sustainability” before. What does the ENG 101 course involve?
In general terms, the concept of sustainability—or sustainable development—refers to the ability of a country (or region)  to continue to develop in the present without endangering future ability to develop. In this course, we are going to look at a number of social, economic, cultural and environmental issues connected to development. The content will be delivered through a wide range of required reading materials, class discussions, DVD resources and group activities.

5. Can I stay in the Prep Program even if I pass the TRACE?
No. Students that pass the TRACE are automatically admitted to their undergraduate degree programs. Students are not able to study in the Preparatory Program if they pass the TRACE. However, this does not mean that students will not have a chance to improve their language and academic study skills – undergraduate students all follow the mandatory Undergraduate English Program.

6. How many Undergraduate English courses do I need to take?
There are two Undergraduate English courses: ENG 101 (Sustainability.  and ENG 102 (Business Ethics.  ENG 101 is a pre-requisite course for ENG 102.

7. Can Prep Program students use the Writing Center?
No. The Writing Center is a service specifically designed to meet the needs of Undergraduate students.

8. How do I find out about the exam dates?
Please click here  to see the exam dates for the Placement Exam, MATs, LATs, and the TRACE.

9. What does “Academic English” mean?
Academic English refers to the skills needed for students to be successful in an English-medium university setting. For instance, this includes a focus on academic writing skills (e.g. how to plan, draft and edit a variety of writing texts) , reading and listening skills (e.g. identifying main ideas, specific information, author’s tone and purpose, inferring meaning of a variety of informative and literary texts and lectures) , and speaking skills (e.g. debating and presentation skills). Equally important is the emphasis placed upon reflective and critical thinking skills.

10. If I have a pass score from external proficiency exams, do I still need to take preparatory English courses?
The following are the exams and the pass scores recognized by Özyeğin University School of English Language Instruction.

11. What does “Integrated Curriculum” mean?
We believe at ScOLa that reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills should not be treated in isolation – these four skills complement one another and as such, are best taught together rather than individually.

12. Do I have to buy the course books?
Yes. All students are expected to purchase all the required course books for their level. The university has a very strict anti-piracy policy. Students are not allowed to use or bring to school pirated copies of original books.

13. How long does it take to finish the Prep Program?
Please click here for all information regarding the length and structure of the Preparatory Program.

14. Is there an attendance requirement?
For the Preparatory Program 90% attendance is a course requirement to pass each level.