Questions tagged [language-exams]
Questions about the language exams which the applicants to academic programs may sit to prove their language skills.
70
questions
1
vote
0
answers
108
views
Why do universities consider TOEFL IBT scores by sections, but IELTS scores as an overall band score?
I am aiming to apply for PhD in USA.
As I've reviewed the admission requirements for certain universities I noticed that in most of the cases TOEFL scores are considered by sections. For example, in ...
- 365
3
votes
2
answers
95
views
Recognized Language tests/certificates other than IELTS and TOEFL
Which other Language tests/certificates are recognized other than IELTS and TOEFL, especially if one wants to study a Masters in European countries like Italy ?
IELTS and TOEFL may not be affordable ...
- 275
0
votes
1
answer
130
views
send a language document after phd interview?
I did the PhD interview two weeks ago, and in the application before I mentioned French as a language I speak, but in the interview they only tested another language, and in the application, I didn't ...
- 223
0
votes
2
answers
190
views
Can I take the English language proficiency test after I am accepted in a PhD program in the UK?
I am a student from India, and have applied for some PhD positions in the UK. All the universities asked for scores of one English language proficiency test. Some of them had an option to request a ...
- 117
2
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Addressing the shortcoming in IELTS results
I'm applying for fall 2023 and I took the IELTS Academic but scored an overall of 7 with a writing 6. I'm planning to retake the test. Should I mention this in the sop?
I wrote this:
Despite having ...
- 29
0
votes
1
answer
273
views
Am I considered to be a native speaker of English if I was born in the US? [closed]
I'm applying for graduate colleges right now in the US. I was born there and did school till 7th grade and then shifted to India where I have been for the last 10 years until now. English is my first ...
0
votes
1
answer
134
views
Among IELTS and TOEFL test, which is more suitable for applying in US for PhD programme?
I have completed by masters with good grades from University of Calcutta, India. I wish to pursue doctoral research in USA in the subject of Geography. But, I am in a state of uncertainty as to which ...
2
votes
1
answer
831
views
Will universities accept my application if IELTS score not arrive before deadline?
I will get my IELTS result on 25th November. My test centre told me, if I electronically send my IELTS score to my university, it generally takes around 10 business days. Now, even if I send my test ...
32
votes
6
answers
11k
views
My native language is English but I was raised in a different country, how do I prove my native language?
I was born in the US and stayed for a little over 2 years, thus English and Spanish (my parents' native languages) are both my native languages. I've stayed in near constant contact with English and ...
- 337
2
votes
1
answer
197
views
Is TOEFL minimum score strict in UK? [closed]
I recently gave TOEFL and got 99 with only 20 in writing. However the 6.5 equivalent of IELTS corresponds to minimum 23 in writing. Do I need to redo the test?
- 411
2
votes
1
answer
344
views
I got a low score on my English proficiency test, should I explain it?
Is it OK to write a cover letter with my PhD applications to explain why I got a low (6.5) score in IELTS listening?
Can I mention I had a lot of stress I couldn't prepare for IELTS, and I also was ...
- 143
0
votes
0
answers
3k
views
IELTS score in which section of my cv?
Where should I put my IELTS score? Under certifications or in the language section where I include my native language and English?
My overall is 8.0, and I scored 9.0 in reading and 8.5 in listening. ...
- 263
5
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Perfect TOEFL reading/writing/listening scores but low speaking score due to stutter. How will this affect PhD admissions?
I am fairly comfortable with English as a second language and have been studying at schools with English as the primary language for the last 9 years. I also have multiple semesters worth of ...
- 414
11
votes
5
answers
4k
views
Would having two words in my surname in my passport be a problem for US colleges/GRE/TOEFL?
I'm Indian and my full name is X Y Z (such as John Doe Johnson). In my passport, Given Name is X and Surname is Y Z. Would that be any issue? Or should I get it corrected to update Given Name to X Y ...
- 111
0
votes
2
answers
222
views
How to design a translation test [closed]
I teach a language course on 1st year BA level. The students should be able to translate basic sentences, and this is to be tested in a written exam. I'm looking for resources on how to design the ...
user135650
4
votes
2
answers
1k
views
I submitted the correct essay in an exam, but I did not remove my draft outline at the beginning of the essay. Is it going be a problem?
I was taking a language exam that asked us to finish writing an essay. Because of COVID, the exam went online and used Canvas as the platform. Neither scratch paper nor any other software was allowed ...
- 51
0
votes
1
answer
226
views
Bad score in IELTS, should I send it anyway?
A graduate program I'm applying for in mathematics requires fluency in English but didn't set the lower bound for the IELTS score. I'm very good at English but I went to the test unprepared and got ...
- 477
3
votes
0
answers
97
views
Do undergrads need an Italian language certification to get into a master's program in Italy?
For international students, do applicants need to demonstrate Italian skills for most Master's programs (except of course the ones taught in English) in Italian universities?
- 260
4
votes
1
answer
431
views
Would language difficulties be considered a valid excuse for a poor masters performance when applying for a PhD?
I recently completed a masters in a foreign country. I didn't know the language until the summer directly before, and foolishly thought that taking courses in a different language would be an ...
- 41
4
votes
3
answers
25k
views
Is EF-SET English Certificate accepted?
Is EF-SET English Certificate accepted for higher education or jobs across the world? Did anyone try using that? I have not yet seen any place where they accept this.
2
votes
0
answers
146
views
How would native english speakers do in a Proficiency exam? [closed]
Everyday I get more surprised about the native language level of people. It looks like the habit of everyday talking tends to negatively bias their language level.
I’ve seen around some similar ...
- 29
3
votes
2
answers
165
views
IELTS - How is the exam handed to students? [closed]
My wife and I are taking the IELTS exam in a few days and this question just occurred to me - When taking the test, do students receive the whole listening/reading/writing package or do they receive ...
- 235
5
votes
4
answers
7k
views
Is there an English Proficiency Test with lifetime validity? [closed]
IELTS and TOEFL are valid for a period of 2 years only.
Is there any English language proficiency test with a lifetime (or
more than 2 years) validity?
Which is the scope of the test, in terms of ...
0
votes
1
answer
91
views
Graduate Program - CCNY Language Exam [closed]
Got into the Art History program and see that I have to pass a language exam at some point during my studies.
Has anyone here taken the exam? I'd be taking it in Spanish.
I can maintain a ...
0
votes
3
answers
218
views
Do I need to sit for TOEFL or SAT? [closed]
I'm actually an United States citizen who has been living and being educated in Malaysia. So currently my family decided to send me back to the States to continue my future studies. Some people told ...
- 3
1
vote
3
answers
900
views
TOEFL Score and Teaching Assistantship
How does my TOEFL score affect my odds of being granted a TA in US Universities? I'm an international student BTW.
- 281
1
vote
1
answer
577
views
English requirement for Teaching Assistantship for Ph.D students [closed]
I am applying to Ph.D programs of universities of America as an international student.
I currently have an 8.0 IELTS with 7.0 Speaking, and a TOEFL with lower points: Reading, Listening and Writing:...
- 135
0
votes
1
answer
888
views
In the GRE, why are we allowed to use calculators and not dictionaries? [closed]
Basic arithmetic is pretty trivial, but it can take time and is often very tedious for large quantities and so they allow us to use calculators when writing the GRE (Graduate Records Examination).
...
- 101
6
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Do I have to sit again for TOEFL? [closed]
I want to apply for (top) US PhD programs until this December for being potentially admitted in September 2019.
This personal information is relevant to my question:
Bachelors in non English-...
- 161
3
votes
1
answer
550
views
What can I do if my English level is lower than the minimum requirements? [closed]
I am applying for a Masters degree. An IELTS with an overall Band score of at least 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 for each section is required. I have taken the test and my overall score is 7 but in ...
- 31
3
votes
2
answers
344
views
Do international students need to take the SAT and TOEFL to study in the US?
I am from Colombia and would like to do grad school in the United States.
It seems in order to study I need to take the SAT and TOEFL exams? Is this correct or does it depend on the university?
- 31
28
votes
2
answers
15k
views
How do universities verify your native language?
Many universities require that your native language be English or you will have to submit proof of language proficiency.
Usually if you lie and say English is your native language while all other ...
- 683
1
vote
1
answer
272
views
How graduate admission committees choose between TOEFL scores?
I recently took the TOEFL test and my score didn't satisfy me, even the result is above the minimum requirement for almost all universities. If I will retake the test and send my new score for ...
- 517
4
votes
2
answers
655
views
Are there any language requirements for citizen applicants with low English skills?
I see from a university website that "if you are not a citizen of one of the following countries..." [a list of countries], "you will need to take the TOEFL before enrolling." (USA is not on the list,...
4
votes
5
answers
3k
views
Should I provide TOEFL/IELTS results for a PhD admission?
So I'm a citizen of non-English speaking country, but my master's program in STEM field is fully conducted in English. Should I provide TOEFL/IELTS results when applying for a PhD program in USA or ...
- 517
-1
votes
2
answers
380
views
TOEFL or IELTS - Which is more likely to be substituted for the other? [closed]
English is sadly my only language even though my parents and majority of my relatives are bilingual, and I completed my bachelor's and master's in a university where the medium of instruction is ...
- 1
1
vote
2
answers
128
views
Language certificates when applying to positions in the USA
I am non-US citizen and I want to apply for an academic position in the USA.
At which point do I need to show up a language certificate? For example, together with the job application, or together ...
- 5,480
1
vote
2
answers
111
views
Is it possible to obtain an English certification online? [closed]
Assume that you are applying for a certain position and they require a proof that you master a given language at a certain level.
Are there websites where you can fill out tests and obtain a ...
- 499
1
vote
1
answer
151
views
Planning to retake English language test for PhD admissions in the UK, but listed previous average in my CV - should I contact professor to explain?
I participated to an English language test in the autumn. My average score was very good, and above the requirement of a program I am applying to. However, the score of one of the sub-components was ...
- 11
1
vote
2
answers
4k
views
Does Oxford ever waive the IELTS language requirement? [closed]
This question is quite specific but I believe it applies to other school of similar rank.
I have the following kind of IELTS English language test result:
Speaking: 8, Listening: 7.5, Reading: 8....
- 21
3
votes
1
answer
303
views
Can I use the sealed TOEFL score report I receive from ETS as an official score report
ETS sends a score report to me after each TOEFL exam in a sealed envelope. And since I already have online access to my scores, I would like to know if I can use the sealed score report as an official ...
- 5,163
3
votes
6
answers
741
views
Would creating an online flash card deck for GRE study help overcome a weak TOEFL score?
My TOEFL score is 85, but the minimum requirement of the school I'm applying to is 90. My GRE verbal score is also not very good. However, I have dedicated a month to contribute to the community of ...
- 8,170
1
vote
4
answers
5k
views
How recent should the English language certificate be to apply for Master thesis?
When applying for Master in an European country, English certificates such as CAE, CPE, TOEFL, IELTS are required. Is there a limit about the "age" of the certificate?
I got CPE 5 or 6 years ago. Is ...
- 436
2
votes
1
answer
394
views
Half points and IELTS overall band score categories
My IELTS overall band score is 8.5 and I am wondering what to call it, i.e. what's the name of the category for this score. Rounding rules of half scores in terms of categories is not explained in The ...
- 21
5
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Do I need to take the TOEFL Exam?
I studied in the US up until the 6th grade, came back to India, completed high school here and finished a bachelor degree in computer science here in India. All my education in India was completed in ...
- 151
4
votes
2
answers
334
views
What is generally expected on language exams for humanities students?
Graduate students (at least in the US) often have to take foreign language competency exams, particularly if they are in the humanities. In things like classics or Biblical studies, I might expect a ...
user34009
3
votes
1
answer
144
views
Language requirements for postgraduate studies in UK and Canada?
Universities are autonomous institutions with independent requirements and decision making procedures, on the other hand there must be some widely recognized standards.
What is the most recognized ...
- 137
0
votes
1
answer
4k
views
Should I give partly score of my English certification in my CV?
I am writing a CV to get admission of a scholarship to study a PhD program in the US. My IELTS score is quite low, only 6.5/9, just enough to pass the door. However, my reading score is quite high, 8/...
- 8,170
7
votes
3
answers
384
views
Are IELTS past tests available for students preparing for the exam?
I want to know a way to find past IELTS questions. If they are available freely?
Are there good exams for all modules? (Specially Listening)
- 173
5
votes
2
answers
250
views
How to deal with Educational Testing Service (ETS) inefficiency and awful post-exam service?
I took the TOEFL test more than three months ago (outside US). Well before my deadlines. But I haven't received the paper scores yet and I shall mail them to the admission committees as an obligatory ...
- 51