Want to study in the USA? You can get there with IELTS!

IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration. Each year, hundreds of thousands of students register to take IELTS in order to apply to colleges and universities across the United States. Last year more than 3.5 million IELTS tests were taken in over 140 countries.

IELTS scores are accepted by over 10,000 organizations worldwide, including universities, employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies. In the United States alone, IELTS is accepted by over 3,400 organizations including Ivy League institutions.

Learn more about IELTS at takeielts.org

Choosing the right test

IELTS Academic

If you’re planning to attend university for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree or you want to work with a professional organization, you’ll need to take IELTS Academic test.

IELTS General Training

If you’re planning to go to English speaking countries for secondary education, work experience or training programs, or if you’re migrating to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK, you’ll need to take IELTS General Training test.

IELTS on paper or computer?

You now have the choice of taking IELTS on paper or on computer in a number of locations. In both cases the test content will be the same.

IELTS on paper: If you select this option, you will answer the Listening, Reading and Writing sections on a paper. The Speaking test is carried out face-to-face with a trained IELTS Examiner.

IELTS on computer: If you select this option, you will take the Listening, Reading and Writing sections on a computer. The Speaking test will remain face to face with a trained IELTS Examiner, as we believe it is the most effective way of assessing your speaking skills.

To book your test visit takeielts.org

The keys to planning to study in the USA

From the moment you decide to study in the USA, you will be faced with numerous choices. First, take the time to ask yourself each of the key questions below. Here is a simple, step-by-step checklist that will help you to plan your personal journey.

What?

What do you wish to study? Have you considered all options, such as liberal arts, sciences, business, engineering, or a specific trade or technical area? Determining your major or field of study is a good way to start identifying potential institutions.

Where?

Have you also considered the location of the institution and what this area offers? What do you expect from your choice of this educational institution?

Size?

What is your preferred campus environment? Would you prefer an institution with tens of thousands of students, sometimes on a single campus? Or are you more content with a smaller institution that has fewer than 1,000 students? Choose the campus environment which feels most comfortable to you.

Cost?

What is the total annual cost for attending the institution of your choice? Have you considered all expenses, including tuition, accommodation, living expenses, books, and other personal fees and costs? Do you need financial assistance to study in the USA and, if so, have you considered those institutions that can offer scholarships or financial aid specifically for international students?

Remember that although the choice may seem difficult, by considering each factor carefully you will help you reach the right decision.

What do I do now?

Most importantly, you need to plan. After you have chosen the organization you will apply to, you will need to think about when you need to take IELTS, and then decide how much preparation will be necessary. We recommend English language courses of all types to help you improve your level of English as much as possible. Also every English test has a specific format and it is advisable to review the format of the test, the timings of each section, and practice as much as possible, in addition to taking an IELTS preparation course.

The British Council can help you by providing the following preparation materials

• Free practice tests, to help you become more familiar with the IELTS test format and the types of questions you will get in each section of the test.
• Road to IELTS, a 100% online preparation course designed by British Council experts.
  By booking IELTS with the British Council you get access to the Last Minute version which includes nine videos giving advice and tutorials, 100 interactive activities and two practice tests for each of the four skills.
• Mobile apps to help you prepare for the test anytime and anywhere
• Free IELTS online course
• IELTS Preparation books and study guides.
• Tips and ideas to help you on test day.
• Live chat sessions on Facebook with an expert in international education that will answer all your questions about studying in the USA.

By IELTS

Tips by the IELTS Expert

The IELTS Speaking: Tips for Success!

1. Avoid short Yes / No answers. Expand your replies.

2. Make sure you speak confidently and clearly. This will make your responses easier to understand and comprehend.

3. Use a variety of words to express opinion. For example: In my opinion, I think, I feel, etc.

4. Do not memorize an answer. The questions change, and you will find it difficult to answer naturally and fluently.

5. You are marked on pronunciation. One thing which can help is correct intonation. Try not to be too monotonous.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask the examiner to repeat the question. You can say, “Could you repeat the question, please?”