CUNY Language Immersion Program (CLIP)

CUNY CLIP is a low-cost University program designed primarily for first-time freshmen with English language needs who have not yet passed their ACT (Entrance Exam) Reading and/or Writing Skills Tests. Students from all 17 CUNY campuses can attend CLIP at City Tech. After completing a maximum one year of study in CLIP, students return to their home campuses for placement into college level courses.

What is CLIP?

The CUNY Language Immersion Program (CLIP) is an intensive, pre-matriculation English as a Second Language (ESL) program for incoming students who have been accepted to CUNY but need to improve their academic English skills (based on the Accuplacer outcomes) before taking college courses. CLIP students pause (or defer) their CUNY acceptance or matriculation and can spend up to one year (fall, spring, and summer semesters) in the program before enrolling in college courses. CLIP is a low-cost program where students pay a small fee to enroll in a 15, 17 or 6-week course.  Students do not use financial aid while in CLIP and instead, save financial aid for subsequent college coursework. Over the years, CLIP served as a bridge for hundreds of English language learners' entry to CUNY.

What Will Students Learn in CLIP?

CLIP classes are offered at a range of English language skill levels. Students are placed in a CLIP class according to an essay and a standardized, multiple-choice test, in addition to their CUNY English Proficiency Score Index and/or ESL Accuplacer placement test score.

What Makes CLIP Unique?

CLIP uses content-based approach to English language instruction. Students develop their language skills through courses that introduce topics in history, literature, science and the arts. They read fiction and non-fiction, and draft and revise essays in response to their reading. CLIP students also visit museums and civic institutions relevant to their coursework.

College Connection

Through the exploration of academic content, students develop their knowledge base while they improve their reading, writing, oral communication, and research skills—the academic literacies needed for success in college. Each semester students begin a new course, at a more advanced level of language proficiency, in a new content area.

In CLIP, students learn the essentials about going to college, including information about credits, GPA, transcripts, GenED Requirements, and financial aid. CLIP students also explore various majors and careers.

The program links students to college services such as academic and career counseling and financial aid.

While in CLIP, students learn essential skills for college success:

• Time Management
• Group Work
• Class Presentations
• Editing of one's written work
• Test taking skills