The New School prefers the portfolio process for assessing prior learning because a portfolio can be developed on the basis of the student's personal experiences. We do, however, award credits through testing for knowledge of languages other than English. Students
with that language knowledge can receive up to 16 prior-learning credits through online testing offered online by Language Testing International (LTI), licensed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Languages assessed include Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Farsi, European Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. Students can also use tests offered by New York University (NYU) that assess more languages (currently 42). The cost is higher, and most tests are available only on-site at NYU (only two are currently offered online). Before taking a language test, you must obtain approval from the Prior Learning coordinator at The New School.
If you are currently enrolled in the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students, call 212.229.5119 for more information about earning credit through foreign language testing. If you are a prospective student, speak to an admission counselor.
The Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students also accepts examinations offered by the College Board (CLEP). The exams must have been taken before you enroll at The New School and should be submitted along with your other transfer credit transcripts
when you apply to The New School. For more information on CLEP, please contact the Admission office at admission@newschool.edu.
If you'd like to find out more about earning credit for prior learning experience, an admission counselor would be happy to help. Contact finish@newschool.edu for more information.