Many international students on the Westside follow the same path: start at Santa Monica College, then transfer to a UC like UCLA. The two schools ask for very different English scores, so it helps to know both numbers before you book a test. Here is what each school publishes for 2026.
Rules change, and the TOEFL moved to a new 1–6 score scale on January 21, 2026. Always confirm on the school's own website before you apply. Links are at the end.
The scores at a glance
| Test | Santa Monica College (minimum) | UC system (minimum) | UCLA (competitive) |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT, new scale (from Jan 2026) | 3 | 4.5 | 5 or higher, each section 5+ |
| TOEFL iBT, old 0–120 scale | 45 | 80 | Above 100, each section above 24 |
| IELTS | 5.0 | 6.5 | 7.5 or higher |
| Duolingo English Test | 75 | 115 | 135 or higher |
Santa Monica College
SMC's English requirement for F-1 international students is fairly flexible. Its current list (revised March 2026) accepts any one of these: a TOEFL score of 3 on the new scale (45 on the old one), IELTS 5.0, or Duolingo 75, plus several other tests and completion of set levels at many local language schools.
Some students can skip the test: for example, those with a high school diploma from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia or New Zealand, or a year of regular (non-ESL) high school English in the US with a C or better. Check SMC's list for the exact rules before you decide.
No score yet? SMC also runs an Intensive English Program. Students who complete it can start regular classes without a test score.
UCLA and the other UC campuses
Every UC campus has the same minimum test scores: TOEFL iBT 4.5 on the new scale (80 on the old one), IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo 115. You need to show English proficiency if you had less than three years of school taught in English. The UC website lists other ways to show it too, such as certain AP, IB, SAT or ACT scores.
UCLA asks for more. Its admission page says it looks for competitive scores: a TOEFL of 5 or higher with every section at 5 or higher (above 100 with every section above 24 on the old scale), IELTS 7.5, or Duolingo 135. Meeting the UC minimum makes you eligible to apply, but at UCLA the minimum is unlikely to stand out.
One more step after admission: UCLA may also require students whose first language isn't English to take its own English placement exam (the ESLPE), and a low result can mean extra English classes first.
Transferring from SMC to UCLA
Transfer students have another route: instead of test scores, they can show English proficiency with their grades in two UC-transferable English composition courses. UCLA (and UC San Diego) ask for a B or higher in them; the other UC campuses accept a C. So if you plan to transfer from SMC, doing well in English composition matters twice: it counts toward your application, and it can replace the test.
How long does it take to raise a score?
It depends on where you start and how much you practice, but real score gains usually take weeks to months of steady work, not a few days of cramming. Jumping from an SMC-level score to a UCLA-level score is a much bigger climb, so start early, and take a practice test first to see where you really are.
- Pick one test and stay with it. Each test has its own format; switching wastes study time. Compare TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo.
- Find your weakest section. UCLA looks at section scores too, so one weak section can hold you back.
- Practice speaking and writing with feedback. These are the sections students struggle to improve alone.
Get help with your score
Juliet prepares students for all three tests with practice tests, speaking interviews and writing feedback: Duolingo $50, TOEFL $60 and IELTS $70 per hour, online or in person in Santa Monica.
Official sources: UCLA international applicants, UC English proficiency, SMC international students.
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