English Language Tests Recognised by Universities
When applying to universities in English-speaking countries, international students are required to submit their English language proficiency test scores. In addition to TOEFL iBT and IELTS, which we are familiar with, universities also recognise the results of the PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic and Duolingo English Test. We will briefly outline the distinctions between the four exams so that our mentees can select the one that best fits their needs.
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ It is a computer-based test of listening, reading, speaking, and writing that is administered in test centers. The total score equals the addition of the individual scores (the full score of each section is 30) and the full score is 120.
๐๐๐๐๐ You have the option of taking either a computer-based test or a written test for the listening, reading and writing components while the speaking test is conducted separately and face to face with an examiner. The total score is the average of the individual scores of each section and the full score is 9.
๐ฟ๐ช๐ค๐ก๐๐ฃ๐๐ค ๐๐ฃ๐๐ก๐๐จ๐ ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ This is a computer-based test that people can take at home, including listening, reading, speaking, and writing. The test is only 45 minutes long and the camera must be turned on throughout the test. Test results will be available 48 hours after completion. The tests in the listening and reading sections are adaptive, meaning that the questions given to test-takers are based on their responses to previous questions.The full score is 160.
๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐๐๐๐ข๐๐ This is a computer-based test that assesses listening, reading, speaking, and writing abilities. It employs a computer cross-scoring system; for example, scores of some questions in the Speaking section contribute to the Reading section, while scores of some parts in the Listening section contribute to the Writing section. The total score is 90.
The conversion of the above four test scores is as follows: ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ = ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ = ๐๐ฎ๐จ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐จ ๐๐๐ = ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ ๐๐.
The recognition of these assessments, particularly PTE Academic and Duolingo, varies among universities. In the US, for instance, Stanford University does not require international students to submit English language standardised test results, whereas Yale University accepts TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo. Harvard accepts each of these four tests mentioned. In the UK, Oxford and Cambridge accept TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE Academic scores, however the LSE accepts Duolingo as an alternative test in addition to these three tests. When deciding which language test to take, we suggest our mentees thoroughly research the specific requirements of the universities and subjects to which they are applying.
If you need any help with university applications and English language proficiency tests, please feel free to contact us.