MBA programs tend to require proof of English proficiency from their non-native-English-speaking applicants. This proof is necessary, not just to ensure that applicants will be able to succeed in English-language exams, coursework and classrooms, but often for student visa applications, too.
English language tests play an important role in securing this proof of English proficiency, providing a standardized way for admissions committees to compare applicants’ English language abilities. Lindsay Loyd, Admissions Director at NYU Stern, explains that any candidates who have “not completed a prior undergraduate or graduate degree taught in English… [will] need to demonstrate language proficiency by submitting a language test score.”
In this article, we’ll outline four of the most common tests used to demonstrate English language proficiency when applying to MBA programs: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and DuoLingo English.
TOEFL
The TOEFL, or Test of English as a Foreign Language, is a popular English language test in the admissions process. It consists of four sections and is geared towards assessing the test-taker’s ability to use English in an academic setting.
The four sections are as follows:
- Reading, in which test-takers answer questions based on academic passages;
- Listening, in which test-takers answer questions on lectures, classroom discussions, and conversations;
- Speaking, in which test-takers express opinions in both speaking-only tasks and tasks which integrate elements of reading and listening;
- Writing, in which test-takers express opinions in both writing-only tasks and tasks which integrate elements of reading and listening.
Scoring
Each of these four sections is scored on a scale of 0-30, making the total marks available for the exam 120. Since questions in each section vary in difficulty, marks are converted from simply “number of correct answers” to a scaled score.
The score needed for MBA admission depends on the program. A score above 90 is considered to indicate proficiency; a score above 100 will likely be needed for a top university.
TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the date you took the exam.
Preparing for the TOEFL
TOEFL itself provides extensive preparation materials for any candidates who wish to take it. These include preparation packs and exercises, tests with instant scoring, full-length practice tests, a digital course, an AI coach, and more.
IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is preferred by business schools in the UK. Just like the TOEFL, the IELTS consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Unlike the TOEFL, it is not solely geared towards academic settings; rather, it offers test-takers both a general and an academic option. Since IELTS is primarily used in the UK, it incorporates British English alongside American; TOEFL, conversely, uses only American English.
The IELTS takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are all completed on the same day. The Speaking test can be scheduled up to seven days before or after the other sections.
The four sections consist of the following components:
- Listening: In this section, test-takers answer questions based on recordings of native English speakers, varying from conversations to lectures.
- Reading: In this section, test-takers read three long passages and then complete a series of related tasks. They answer multiple-choice questions, match information, and summarize information.
- Writing: In this section, test-takers must complete two tasks: one to describe or summarize a chart, graph, or diagram, one to respond to a statement or question with a short essay.
- Speaking: In this section, test-takers complete a face-to-face interview with an examiner that includes a conversation, a monologue, and a discussion.
Scoring
Unlike TOEFL, which gives its test-takers a score out of 120, IELTS reports its grades on a band scale from 1 (lowest) to 9 (highest). Each section is given its own band score, and then an average is taken to give the overall score (rounded to the nearest whole or half band). Scores on each section are converted from correct questions answered to the band score by certified examiners using specific criteria.
TOEFL and IELTS scores can be easily compared with ETS’s concordance tables.
While an IELTS score of 6.5 indicates proficiency, top business schools may expect higher scores — more aligned with 7.5. Just as with the TOEFL, test scores are valid for two years from the date of testing.
Preparing for the IELTS
Just like the TOEFL, the IELTS provides numerous resources for candidates, including sample exams and writing test preparation resources. It also partners with the IDP IELTS, the British Council, and Cambridge English to offer digital courses, study guides, apps, webinars, tutorials, and more.
PTE
The PTE, or Pearson Test of English, takes two hours to complete.
Unlike the IELTS and TOEFL, the PTE is divided into three sections, not four. The test is powered by AI with the aim of reducing human bias.
The three parts of the PTE are structured as follows:
- Speaking and Writing (54 to 67 minutes): In this section, test-takers answer seven types of questions that span reading aloud, repeating sentences, describing images, summarizing lectures, summarizing passages, giving short answers, and writing essays.
- Reading (29 to 30 minutes): Another section encompassing a variety of tasks, including re-ordering sentences, filling in blanks, answering multiple choice questions, and filling in the blanks in a passage.
- Listening (30 to 43 minutes): Once again including a range of question types, this section challenges test-takers to respond to and answer questions about recorded spoken English, copy down sentences, and correct pre-written summaries.
The test can be taken either online or in-person across 117 countries (except in China, where only the in-person option is available). It’s a popular choice amongst test-takers with a deadline to meet, since results are usually handed out just 48 hours after taking the test.
Scoring
Pearson describes the scoring system of its PTE exam as providing “unparalleled insights into learners’ skills.” It uses the Global Scale of English, alongside “results from extensive global research” to do so. Scores work around a scale of 10-90 points, and cores for each question depend on that question’s complexity. A full breakdown of marks awarded is given to test-takers in their score reports.
As with the other English language tests, required scores vary from business school to business school. Top schools may look for scores around the 70-75 mark.
Scores from the PTE are valid for two years from the date of the exam.
Preparing for the PTE
The PTE offers candidates the chance to complete graded practice exams via its website. It also provides stand-alone practice questions, books (e- and print versions) with tips for exam day, and an English booster to sharpen candidates’ skills.
DuoLingo English Test
For the uninitiated, this particular brand may seem a surprising addition to a list of official English tests — but DuoLingo offers an English test that is modern, accessible, and reliable. The DuoLingo English Test (DET) is increasingly accepted by business schools across the U.S., including:
- Chicago Booth
- Dartmouth Tuck
- Harvard Business School
- Northwestern Kellogg
- NYU Stern
- Pennsylvania Wharton
Results are available for test-takers within just two days of sitting the exam. Tests can be taken from anywhere in the world.
The DET is computer adaptive, meaning that question sequence and difficulty level adapts according to the performance of each candidate. The test is divided into the following three sections:
- Introduction and onboarding (5 minutes);
- Adaptive test (45 minutes), where test-takers are assessed via a range of different question types, administered randomly;
- Writing Sample and Speaking Sample (10 minutes), where test-takers are given a prompt and asked to respond. They are given 1-3 minutes for their spoken answer, and 3-5 minutes for their written answer.
Scoring
The Duolingo English Test is scored on a scale of 10 to 160. Detailed score reports provide subscores that indicate particular proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, or listening. An average of these four subscores is taken to reach the final score. When calculating these scores and analyzing the work of its candidates, DuoLingo uses statistical machine learning algorithms.
Once again, required scores for MBA programs vary between business schools. For top schools, expect to see requirements in the 120-130 range.
On their site, DuoLingo provides a comparison chart for scores achieved on the DET, the TOEFL, and the IELTS.
The DET is a quicker, more flexible, more accessible, and occasionally cheaper option to the IELTS or TOEFL. It is less established or comprehensive than either the IELTS or TOEFL, and lacks the human examiners for which those tests are known. Many business schools accept it, so — providing your target school is one of them — choosing which test to take comes down to personal preference and suitability.
As with the other English language tests, results are valid for two years from the date of examination.
Preparing for the DuoLingo English Test
DuoLingo offers future test-takers the chance to trial out its adaptive format with its practice exams. These can be accompanied by official guides to the exam, and insights into the question types that will come up during the test. The site also offers video-based walkthroughs of the exam and explanations of its scoring system.
