What Exactly Is an English Language Exam?
An English language test is a standardized exam that all international students must take as part of their application to US universities and colleges. You must achieve a specific score on this US college entrance exam, and the exact score required varies by institution.
When you take English language tests, your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills will be assessed. The most common tests accepted by US universities and colleges are:
- Cambridge English Assessment (CAE)
- IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- English as a Foreign Language Exam (TOEFL)
Each of these English language tests is designed to assess your command of the language, and they are all unique in their own way. These exams are available in your home country at certified English language testing centers, and some may be available online depending on where you live.
While most US universities and colleges will accept any of these three tests, some may require a specific US language test. Remember to confirm any requirements with the admissions offices of the universities you are applying to ahead of time; this way, you won’t waste time and/or money taking an English language test that the university will not accept.
What Are English Language Tests Looking For?
To assess your communication and comprehension skills, most universities require an English language fluency test. Most standardized tests assess your English reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities.
Let’s take a closer look at the abilities assessed by English language tests:
Reading
An English proficiency test reading section assesses your academic and general reading abilities. You may be asked to identify and categorize information, highlight the central meaning of a passage of text, analyze a writer’s opinions and claims, and identify logical arguments while working with excerpts from books, magazines, and other texts.
Writing
Writing segments assess your ability to respond to questions and prompts by describing, summarizing, and explaining your ideas. The ability to express your point of view, define problem statements, and construct arguments in formal and informal written settings will also be evaluated.
Listening
Listening comprehension segments assess your ability to follow conversations and identify the tone and language style of the speaker.
Speaking
These segments require you to clearly convey your ideas, express your opinions, and speak at length on a specific topic, with evaluators paying close attention to your language style and pronunciation.
Knowing these specific English level test segments in advance allows you to practice and prepare confidently. Whatever your goals are as a US university student, studying in the US will provide you with numerous opportunities to improve your English communication skills!
What Is the Importance of English Language Proficiency Tests for Students?
English proficiency tests online or offline are important for international students because they help you understand your English language skills. Almost every university and college in the United States offers courses in English. This means that you will need to understand and communicate effectively in English in order to participate in and complete an academic degree programme.
Your performance on an English proficiency test may also influence your admission to certain institutions. Some universities (such as certain Shorelight universities) may allow you to improve your English after you arrive, but the majority of institutions will require you to pass at least one test.
What English Level Do I Need to Study in the United States?
English language proficiency is required for undergraduate and graduate studies in the United States. To learn effectively in a US university class, you must be familiar with the fundamentals of essay writing, presentation creation, and public speaking. Most universities in the United States have English language requirements during the international student application and admissions process to ensure that international students are prepared for success.
Visa Requirements
Studying in the United States necessitates the acquisition of a student visa, the type of which is determined by the purpose and timeline of your degree programme. The majority of students apply for F-1, J-1, or M-1 visas. F-1 visa holders can study at an accredited US college or university, whereas J-1 visa holders can participate in a high school or university exchange programme. An M-1 visa is only valid for nonacademic or vocational education or training.
To apply for a student visa, you must first be accepted to a university in the United States. Because English language requirements are frequently part of the overall school admissions process, your application will almost certainly require an English language fluency test score, with specific test requirements determined by each school.
When you are accepted to a US university, you will be given your Form I-20, which you will need to apply for your student visa. As a result, you can consider an English proficiency test to be an important early step in both being accepted to university and beginning the process of receiving your visa.
Remember to consult with a student service advisor if you have any questions or need clarification on any details or requirements.
What Is the Best English Test for an International Student?
The best English test for international students is determined by the individual’s skills, knowledge, preparedness, and strengths when applying to a US college or university. There is no “best” English test overall because each student is skilled in their own unique areas.
Certain US universities and colleges may require you to take specific tests or achieve a target score on an American English proficiency test in certain areas. While this means you may have fewer options, it also means you have a better understanding of the areas you need to focus on. This will assist you in planning ahead of time.
If you are unsure about which US language test to take, an advisor can assist you. Your advisor will provide academic assistance and assist you in comparing the various areas of each test with your own skills to determine which would be the best fit for you. Mercer | Mettl can also refer you to valuable international student resources such as English language programmes, application assistance, help understanding international standardized tests, and much more.