IELTS

What it tests

IELTS measures English proficiency across four modes: Listening (40 questions based on recorded conversations and monologues), Reading (40 questions on academic passages), Writing (two tasks, a 150-word report on a chart/graph and a 250-word argumentative essay), and Speaking (a 14-minute face-to-face interview with a trained examiner).

Unlike TOEFL, which is computer-based throughout, the IELTS Speaking section is a live conversation with a human examiner. For some test-takers this is an advantage (easier to show personality and communication skills); for others it is harder (performance pressure, unfamiliar accent).

IELTS vs TOEFL for international students

Both IELTS and TOEFL are accepted by virtually all US universities as English proficiency tests for international applicants. The right choice depends on personal strengths:

IELTS tends to work better for students who:

• Are comfortable with British English spelling and vocabulary
• Prefer live speaking over recorded speaking
• Have stronger writing skills (IELTS writing is more rewarded than TOEFL writing per point)
• Are applying to UK schools as well (IELTS is the UK standard)

TOEFL tends to work better for students who:

• Are trained on American English
• Prefer computer-based testing throughout
• Have weaker speaking skills (TOEFL's recorded speaking section is less intimidating than a live interviewer)
• Are applying primarily to US schools

For students whose English education has been American-flavored, TOEFL is usually the more natural fit. IELTS becomes the better choice when the student is also applying to UK schools, when test center availability is better for IELTS in their location, or when they have specifically prepped for the IELTS format.

Score requirements at top US schools

IELTS band score requirements at selective US universities typically look like:

• Ivy League / HYPSM: overall 7.5 or 8.0 minimum; some schools require 7.0+ in each individual section
• Top 20 private: 7.0 or 7.5 overall
• Top 50 private / top publics: 7.0 overall
• Lower-ranked private / regional publics: 6.5 overall

These are minimums for consideration, not for admission. A 7.0 gets you past the filter; a 7.5-8.0 is more competitive at top schools. Many selective schools also pay attention to the lowest section score, not just the overall. A 7.5 overall with a 6.0 in Speaking can be flagged.

Taking IELTS

IELTS is administered by both British Council and IDP at locations in major cities worldwide. Exams are offered several times per month. Registration is online through the organization's local website, and cost varies by country.

Plan at least 2 weeks ahead of your preferred test date. Results are released online 13 days after the test (or 3-5 days for the computer-delivered IELTS version), which means you can do a second sitting if needed before application deadlines.