Questions tagged [language-exams]

Questions about the language exams which the applicants to academic programs may sit to prove their language skills.

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-2 votes
1 answer
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If the test agency send the scores today, how long does it take for university to receive it electronically? [closed]

I have already received IELTS test score report form. If the test agency send the scores today, how long does it take for university to receive it electronically? I am applying into the PhD program,...
4 votes
3 answers
29k 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.
0 votes
1 answer
160 views

Do I still have a chance of funding with low english proficiency test scores?

I am from Georgia (the country) and I aim to apply for a mathematics Phd in the US. My application in general is good. I have Gpa of 3.96, strong letters of recommendations, two preprints etc. But my ...
0 votes
1 answer
259 views

Impact of IELTS score on PhD Application

I received an overall score of 7.5 on the IELTS exam, but unfortunately, I only scored a 6 in the writing section. The Ph.D. programs I am applying to require an overall score of 6.5 or 7, but they ...
1 vote
0 answers
148 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 ...
3 votes
2 answers
106 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 ...
4 votes
1 answer
434 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 ...
0 votes
1 answer
145 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 ...
0 votes
2 answers
284 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 ...
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 ...
0 votes
1 answer
402 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
153 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
2k 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
12k 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 ...
2 votes
1 answer
201 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?
2 votes
1 answer
496 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 ...
1 vote
3 answers
1k 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.
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. ...
27 votes
2 answers
16k 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
0 votes
2 answers
238 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 ...
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 ...
0 votes
1 answer
276 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 ...
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?
7 votes
3 answers
389 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)
1 vote
1 answer
121 views

Is it possible to get perfect score in TOEFL's Speaking Question Type 1 (Personal preference) without using examples? [closed]

The ideal way to approach Question Type 1 (Personal preference) type questions is to state your preference/opinion along with 2 reasons and examples to support each of them. Personally, I find it a ...
2 votes
3 answers
328 views

Is it allowed to write notes during the "read instructions" stage of a TOEFL exam? [closed]

Is it allowed to take notes during the "read instructions" stage of TOEFL? At this stage the timer is stopped and it's a good time to take notes such as drawing tables for speaking and writing ...
2 votes
0 answers
150 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 ...
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-...
4 votes
2 answers
668 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,...
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 ...
1 vote
1 answer
706 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:...
5 votes
2 answers
869 views

How important is the TOEFL speaking score? [closed]

I am a student from China, and I want to apply for (pure) math PhD this fall, in the USA. Now I have a TOEFL score which has 102 points in total but only 20 points in speaking section. I am hesitating ...
3 votes
2 answers
166 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 ...
5 votes
4 answers
8k 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 ...
2 votes
2 answers
7k views

Should I take the TOEFL exam if I have graduated from a high school in the U.S.? [closed]

I am currently a B.Tech. student in India, and am applying for Master's courses in the U.S. I took the GRE exam a week ago. Does having graduated from high school in the U.S., where English is the ...
0 votes
3 answers
223 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 ...
0 votes
1 answer
93 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 ...