How U.S. Colleges Gauge International Students' English Skills
The Test of English as a Foreign Language, commonly referred to as the TOEFL, is a standardized test of English language proficiency for nonnative English language speakers. This and the International English Language Testing System, known as IELTS, are two of the most popular standardized tests for English proficiency that many international students will need to take before applying for a college or university in the U.S.
TOEFL and IELTS are different from the SAT and ACT because those are comprehensive tests aimed to measure readiness for college. For the majority of international students, TOEFL is just one piece of the application -- but many institutions are realizing that neither TOEFL nor IELTS or, for that matter, any standardized test, is the end-all predictor of a student's success.
Below are several things international students and their families should know about English proficiency tests, and what students' options are should the student not score well.
I recommend that every international nonnative English speaking student take the TOEFL or IELTS because the majority of institutions still require one or the other or have a requirement for any English proficiency test, in which case these tests are a good choice. But the student must realize that institutions will also review the strength of the student's high school curriculum and activities outside of class.
[Find out how international students can prepare for the TOEFL.]
Take your test early, just as you would any other standardized test, to see how well you score. Students might feel that they are English proficient because they have studied English since day one in grade school, but their English may be more limited than they realize because they haven't really spoken English often.
Taking the test early will allow students to determine how proficient they really are and whether they need to address their proficiency in other ways.
Some universities require interviews for international students to judge a student's speaking ability. Here at St. Edward's, we look at the IELTS, TOEFL and the Pearson Test for English.
If you did score well on the critical reading portion of the SAT or you are taking English as an A-level class, we could make an exemption for that student to give us the TOEFL or IELTS.
[See which U.S. schools have the most international students.]
Not all universities review scores and applications the same way. Larger institutions may not be able to dig into all of the attributes of an application since they receive such a large quantity of applications. Therefore, some institutions may require a very specific score and not review other qualities.
Some universities may also admit a student conditionally if the student agrees to enter that university's English as a Second Language, or ESL, program, which could take a year, a semester or even a summer. An ESL program could give you great insight to life at that institution before full-time enrollment.
[Get tips for international students looking to retake the TOEFL.]
Another option for international students who need to improve their English proficiency is an English language bridge program. Many universities offer bridge programs for nonnative English speakers who have met the university's admissions requirements except for TOEFL or SAT scores that fall below the required level.
I recommend students who fit this category to find a bridge program that combines credit-bearing academic courses with courses in English. The English course may not offer credit, but it should provide students with the proper instruction in writing and reading to satisfy the English proficiency requirement.
Finally, the university's international admissions staff should be able to walk the applicant through the process and choices for ESL or bridge programs that meet the student's individual needs academically and financially.
Amy Rader Kice is director of international admission and assistant dean at St. Edward's University. She has counseled international students for more than 10 years and volunteers for the CIS Committee on Europe, the Middle East and Africa. She has also completed the College Board's Enrollment Leadership Academy. Connect with her on LinkedIn or via email.
