If you are planning to study abroad, you might wonder: Do schools prefer TOEFL, IELTS, or the Duolingo English Test (DET)? The short answer: No, they don’t. Most universities list several accepted tests on their admission requirements, which include TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, and others. Once a test is listed, it means the school recognizes it as a valid and reliable measure of English proficiency. In other words, they do not favor one exam over the others.
University Preference: Do English Test Types Matter?
Universities do not show a preference for one English proficiency test over another. Instead, they accept multiple tests as a valid measure of a student’s English skills. The following sections explain why universities value accessibility, reliability, and score accuracy over test brand names.
Schools Accept Multiple Tests Without Preference
Most universities list several accepted English tests. If a particular exam is on the list, it is accepted.
- Admissions pages list multiple accepted tests: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, PTE, etc.
- If the test is listed, it is accepted. Given that the Duolingo English Test is rapidly gaining acceptance, some of the admission pages are not updated. You can always ask.
- Schools care more about whether the score meets the requirement, not which test is taken.
- Universities wouldn't list a test on their official page if they weren't confident in it. DET is accepted at top institutions across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
- Universities do not accept a test lightly - it is the result of careful vetting, validation, and rigorous internal review.
Behind Closed Doors
While Admission Officers may be more familiar with older tests, this does not mean they prefer them.
- Admissions officers may have more experience with legacy tests simply because those tests have been around longer.
- Familiarity doesn’t equal preference.
Flexible Testing Ensures Access And Fosters Diversity
The Duolingo English Test allows access to students from less-represented backgrounds, supporting the diversity goals of the university.
- Diversity is always a theme when it comes to school recruitment. DET has helped schools gain applicants in underrepresented regions.
Score Matters, Not The Test
What truly matters is meeting or exceeding the required score, and not which test you took.
- Meeting or exceeding the required score is the #1 priority.
- A 140 DET is more valuable than a borderline 79 TOEFL or 6.0 IELTS, regardless of the name.
When it comes to English proficiency tests, universities care more about your score, not the specific exam you have chosen. Whether you take TOEFL, IELTS, DET, or any other accepted test, your score will decide your admission to the university. All the listed test scores will undergo a thorough review and will be considered valid. So choose the test that best fits your circumstances, study hard, and aim for a strong score.
Comments