Factors Affecting the English Language Proficiency of Freshmen College Students: A Variated Learning Packets

English language proficiency is an essential competency that supports academic success and effective communication among college students. This study examined the factors affecting English language proficiency and their relationship with the English language competence of first-year Criminology students at Colegio de San Antonio de Padua during the Academic Year 2025–2026. Employing a quantitative correlational research design, the study utilized total population sampling involving 160 freshmen students. Data were collected using a researcher-developed English language competence test and an adapted questionnaire measuring motivation and attitude, learning opportunities, exposure to English, and socio-economic context. The instruments demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranging from 0.71 to 0.99. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that the respondents demonstrated an overall developing level of English language competence (MPS = 66.69%). Vocabulary emerged as the strongest domain (MPS = 76.63%, Threshold), followed by oral language competence (MPS = 63.31%, Developing) and grammar competence (MPS = 60.13%, Developing). Among the contextual factors, motivation and attitude obtained the highest ratings, followed by learning opportunities, exposure, and socio-economic context. However, correlational analysis indicated no significant relationship between the contextual factors and English language competence (r = -0.04, p = .63), leading to the retention of the null hypothesis. The findings suggest that while the identified contextual factors are perceived as influential, they do not directly predict students' English language competence. The study recommends the implementation of learner-centered instructional strategies and the development of varied learning packets emphasizing grammar and oral communication to strengthen students' overall English language proficiency.