International students applying to the ISU graduate college will have to meet higher standards next fall when the score requirement on English fluency tests becomes 530 instead of 500.

Chris Minion, graduate council president, said Iowa State has always been concerned about fluency for non-American students.

“English proficiency has been a subject of discussion for many years,” said Minion, associate professor of veterinary medicine. “This year we decided to do something about it.”

Minion said the new score will likely have a “minimal impact in enrollment.”

“We don’t have many students with low English scores apply to our graduate college,” he said.

Minion said the new standard will better prepare students for a college education.

“We are raising the standard so when students come here from foreign countries, they are better prepared for a graduate education,” he said.

John Mayfield, associate dean of the graduate college, said the University of Iowa’s current standard is a 550 on the English exam.

Iowa State’s standard was raised to 530 instead of 550 to avoid affecting unknown programs, he said.

“We wanted to raise the standard, but not be revolutionary about it,” Mayfield said.

The increased standard was a “good move” on the part of the graduate council, Mayfield said.

“This will benefit faculty and students by not having people in class who are struggling and can’t understand English,” he said.

Ge Zhu, president of the Chinese Students and Scholars Friendship Association, said he grew up in China and has been studying English for 10 years.

“I don’t have too much trouble with English,” said Zhu, graduate in computer science. “But I did need a lot of preparation and practice to help me with the tests I had to take for Iowa State.

“Most graduate students already have a good ability to speak and listen to English,” he said. “They might just need some more practice to excel.”