Kent English Preparatory Program follows a modular system from A1 to B2 and aims to prepare students for both general and academic English. This guide explains the module logic, MET (Module Exit Test) grading, the 85% attendance rule, DBS placement, and the KELT (English Proficiency) exam format.
Program goal: purpose, mission and vision
The program's purpose is to provide Istanbul Kent University students with a high standard English education. Beyond language skills, it also focuses on academic source usage, research, critical thinking, and clear oral/written communication.
Modular system: A1–B2 levels and duration
The curriculum consists of 4 modules, each lasting at least 7 weeks:
- Beginner (A1)
- Elementary / Lower-Intermediate (A2)
- Intermediate (B1)
- Upper (B2)
Progress is tracked by module performance, not by "year."
Course design: integrated skills approach
Listening, speaking, reading, and writing are not taught as separate courses; they are taught integrated as a whole.
- A1–A2: General English
- B1–B2: Academic English (skills needed for academic life)
Testing & assessment: process-based + MET (Module Exit Test)
Assessment is process-based. During a 7-week module:
- there is 1 classic exam,
- and additional methods such as writing tasks, in-class presentations, video projects, and group discussions.
What is MET?
At the end of the module, students take MET (Module Exit Test).
How is the module score calculated?
Module coursework score (out of 100) + MET score (out of 100). The average of the two yields a letter grade:
| Grade | Score range | Result |
|---|---|---|
| A | 85–100 | Pass |
| B | 75–84 | Pass |
| C | 60–74 | Pass |
| F | 0–59 | Fail — repeat level |
To move to the next level, students must get A / B / C. Students who get F repeat the same level using different books/materials.
Attendance: 85% requirement (critical threshold)
Students must attend at least 85% of class hours during a module.
- Students who exceed the 15% absence limit cannot take MET
- and must repeat the level.
Exemption: can you be exempt from the prep program?
Students with sufficient English may apply for exemption by submitting results from internationally recognized exams accepted as equivalent.
Where and when to apply?
- Applications are submitted to Öğrenci İşleri Direktörlüğü
- in writing, no later than 1 month before the start of fall semester courses
Accepted international exams (minimum scores)
The following exams are valid for 2 calendar years:
| Exam | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| KELT | 60 |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 |
| PTE Academic | 55 |
| Oxford Test of English | 120 |
| YDS | 70 |
Note: IELTS is not listed among exams accepted for English proficiency per the YÖK decision dated 22 January 2016.
For exams not listed, a scanned copy of the document must be sent to prep@kent.edu.tr for evaluation.
DBS: English Placement Exam
DBS is used to: 1) determine the student's English level and place them into a suitable preparatory class, 2) identify students eligible to take KELT.
DBS format (time + content)
| Section | Questions |
|---|---|
| Grammar | 30 |
| Vocabulary | 30 |
| Reading | 20 |
| Listening | 20 |
Total duration: 50 minutes. Multiple-choice only.
What happens after DBS?
- Students with sufficient scores become eligible to take KELT.
- Others are placed into the appropriate prep level based on their score.
- If students believe their placement is incorrect, they may contact instructors within the first week.
- Students who do not take the exam are placed into A1.
Who should take DBS?
- Students enrolled in non-English programs may take DBS to be exempt from English 101 and/or English 102.
- Students in Turkish programs who voluntarily wish to study in the English prep program for one year must also take DBS.
KELT: English proficiency exam (exit exam)
KELT (KENT English Language Test) is the exit exam of the English Preparatory Program. It is held before the academic year starts, at the end of the fall semester, at the end of the spring semester, and at the end of the summer term for eligible students.
KELT sessions
- Sections: reading, listening, writing, speaking
- Two sessions:
- Written (reading–listening–writing): about 3 hours
- Oral (speaking): about 15 minutes (same afternoon or the next day)
KELT entry requirements
- Before the KELT held at the beginning of the academic year, newly registered students take DBS during registration days.
- Eligible students are contacted and informed about their KELT right and exam timing.
- If a student chooses to study in the prep program at this stage, they waive their KELT right at that time.
- For end-of-term KELT exams, students must: be enrolled in the prep program in the same academic year, successfully complete B2, and meet the 85% attendance requirement.
KELT structure (weight + time)
| Section | Weight | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 30% | 60 min | 2 passages, 20 questions total |
| Listening | 20% | 40 min | 2 parts, 20 questions total |
| Writing | 30% | 60 min | 300+ word essay |
| Speaking | 20% | ~15 min | 3 parts: dialogue, monologue, discussion |
Exam day rules
- Speaking exam time/place are learned from the lists; times do not change after announcement.
- Students must be in the waiting area 30 minutes before the exam time.
- No make-up is offered even with medical reports if any session is missed.
- Students must bring a photo student ID and an additional valid photo ID.
Passing score and grading
To be considered successful, students must score at least 60 overall.
| Score range | Grade |
|---|---|
| 100–85 | A |
| 84–70 | B |
| 69–60 | C |
| Below 60 | F |
Results are announced by sending an email to students' @ogr.kent.edu.tr addresses.
Appeals (itiraz)
Students can appeal within 5 business days after results are announced.
- The appeal form must be signed and delivered to the department secretary, or a scanned copy/photo must be sent to prep@kent.edu.tr.
- Appeals are finalized within 2 business days, and results are announced via email.
Quick checklist
- Week 1: if you think placement is wrong, contact instructors within the first week.
- During the module: keep attendance at 85%+.
- MET: aim for A/B/C.
- KELT: finish B2 + 85% attendance + target min 60.
- Exam day: arrive 30 minutes early for speaking session.
Conclusion
Kent English Preparatory Program operates with A1–B2 modules, process-based assessment, MET as the module exit test, and KELT as the proficiency exit exam. Two key thresholds: 85% attendance and the minimum success criteria in exams.
FAQ
How many modules are there and how long is each?
There are 4 modules (A1, A2, B1, B2), each lasting at least 7 weeks.
What is MET and how does grading work?
MET is taken at the end of each module. The average of module coursework score and MET score is used; A (85–100), B (75–84), C (60–74), F (0–59).
What is the attendance rule? What if I don't meet 85%?
At least 85% attendance is required. Exceeding 15% absence means no MET admission and the level must be repeated.
What is DBS and how long does it take?
DBS is the placement exam. It lasts 50 minutes and includes grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening.
What sections does KELT include and how are sessions organized?
KELT includes reading, listening, writing, and speaking. It is held in two sessions: written and oral.
What is the minimum passing score for KELT?
Students must score at least 60 overall.
Is there a make-up if I miss a KELT session?
No. Even with medical reports, missed sessions are not made up.
How do appeals work and what are the deadlines?
Appeals can be filed within 5 business days. The signed form is delivered to the secretary or sent to prep@kent.edu.tr; results are finalized within 2 business days.
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