This study investigated the test scores and student responses about placement in the General Education English Program by level and major. Using composite scores of College Scholastic Ability Test for English (CSAT) and the in-house speaking test (SEPT), the study placed students into four levels (2–5). It also categorized 1,847 students into three groups: Humanities and Social Science (HS), Business Administration and Law (BL), and Science and Engineering (SE). Higher levels showed significant differences in oral proficiency while having similar results on the CSAT. Lower levels attained similar scores on the SEPT but represented a vast range of CSAT scores. Participants across all levels understood the purpose of the placement test, perceived the content of the SEPT as appropriate, and positively responded toward the accuracy of placement. HS and BL scored higher on the test than SE, confirming the contrast between engineering and non-engineering majors. HS, however, showed more positive evaluation on the accuracy of placement than BL and SE. Across groups and levels, all participants opposed exclusively using CSAT in course placement. This study discusses utilizing data by various variables to enhance differentiated instruction and to meet unique needs of students at all levels with different majors; it also addresses using CSAT scores as the exclusive criterion.

The current research aims to enhance the quality of general English in the university by providing level-specific cultural curriculum and instruction based on students’ needs. This study utilized various research analysis methods such as literature-document and survey/interview. In the questionnaire respondents (a sample of 393 university students) showed that class hours per week and the number of semesters were appropriate, but that more interesting and level-specific instruction was needed. It was also suggested that more elective courses should be available after the completion of general English courses. Based on these results, this research study developed 4-tiered level-specific cultural curriculum. The newly proposed curriculum reported in this study encompasses its specific implementation plans, starting with standards, goals, and language functions for each level, ways to offer remedial and intensive courses at each level and elective courses after the completion of the general courses. This new plan initiative requires an extensive revision of existing curriculums and an application of dynamic evaluation methods. Accordingly, the results of the research project will present an important curricular and instructional model to other universities interested in providing level-specific English programs in the effort of maximizing the students’ learning.