If you’re an international student planning to study in the United States, one of the first questions you’ll face is:
“Which English proficiency test do U.S. universities actually prefer, and how should I prepare for it?”
The reality is that while universities accept multiple tests, your preparation matters more than the test itself. That’s where most students struggle, and where the right guidance can make a major difference.
At ISAL, we work with students every day preparing for the TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test, helping them build the academic English skills U.S. universities expect, not just test-taking tricks.
There are three primary English proficiency tests accepted by U.S. universities:
The gold standard for U.S. universities. Accepted at 11,500+ institutions worldwide. Computer-based, academic-focused.
Widely accepted globally, especially preferred by UK, Australia & Canadian schools. Includes a spoken interview component.
Affordable, fast, and fully online. Now accepted by 5,000+ universities including many top-tier U.S. programs.
But here’s the key:
Choosing the right test is only part of the equation, knowing how to prepare for it effectively is what determines your score.
The TOEFL exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language) remains the most widely preferred test at U.S. universities. Developed by ETS, the TOEFL test measures reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills, all within an academic context. Most U.S. institutions set their minimum score between 80–100 on the iBT scale (out of 120), with top programs expecting 100+.
What makes the TOEFL stand out is its emphasis on integrated tasks; you’ll be asked to read a passage, listen to a lecture, and then speak or write a response. This reflects the real demands of a U.S. classroom, which is exactly why admissions officers trust it.
At ISAL, we focus heavily on these integrated skills because they are the biggest differentiator between average and high scores.
Strong TOEFL performance doesn’t come from memorization, it comes from learning how to think, listen, and respond like a university student.
Effective TOEFL exam preparation goes beyond practice tests, it requires structured learning and expert guidance. ISAL’s TOEFL prep programs are designed to mirror real test conditions while helping you actively improve, combining targeted skill development with instructor-led support so you can build confidence and achieve a higher score.
The IELTS test (International English Language Testing System) is the world’s most taken English proficiency exam, and its Academic version is accepted by virtually all U.S. universities that accept the TOEFL. If you’re considering graduate programs in law, medicine, or business, or plan to eventually study in the UK or Australia, the IELTS exam is an excellent choice.
Scored on a 9-band scale, most U.S. universities require a minimum band score of 6.5–7.5. One distinguishing feature is the IELTS Speaking section, which is conducted face-to-face with a certified examiner, making conversational fluency and confidence critically important. You can now take the IELTS online test (IELTS Indicator or IELTS Academic Online) from home, which has made it even more accessible globally.
The best IELTS practice test strategies involve developing all four skills, Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking, simultaneously. A major differentiator from TOEFL is the writing style: IELTS Task 1 requires you to describe visual data (graphs, charts, diagrams), while Task 2 is an essay. ISAL’s IELTS classes build these academic writing and speaking skills from the ground up.
The Duolingo English Test has disrupted the traditional testing landscape in a big way. At just $65 and completable in under an hour from any computer, the DET is a fraction of the cost and time of TOEFL or IELTS. Since the pandemic, major universities, including Johns Hopkins, Yale, Columbia, and hundreds more, now officially accept it.
Duolingo English proficiency is measured on a scale of 10–160, with most competitive U.S. programs requiring 110–120+. The test is adaptive, meaning questions adjust in difficulty based on your performance, a smart design that allows the algorithm to assess your true ability quickly.
Effective Duolingo English Test preparation requires more than just familiarity with the format, it requires targeted practice and guided support. ISAL’s Duolingo prep programs are designed to help you master the test’s unique question types while improving real-time speaking, writing, and comprehension skills so you can perform confidently on test day.
If you’re applying exclusively to U.S. universities and want the most universally trusted credential, the TOEFL is your safest bet. If you value a human speaking component and may study across multiple English-speaking countries, the IELTS is ideal. And if cost, convenience, and speed are priorities, the Duolingo English Test is a legitimate and increasingly accepted option.
Many students wisely prepare for the TOEFL or IELTS first and use the Duolingo English Test as a supplementary or backup submission. Regardless of which path you choose, strong foundational English, the kind built through ISAL classes, is the engine behind every great score.
ISAL Language School offers expert-led ESL online courses and test preparation programs designed specifically for international students preparing for U.S. universities.
With ISAL, you get:
Whether you’re in Boston or anywhere in the world, ISAL helps you build the skills, and confidence, you need to succeed.
No matter which exam you choose, success comes down to preparation.
If you’re serious about achieving your target score and getting into a U.S. university, the right guidance can make all the difference.
Learn from anywhere with ISAL, and take the next step toward your future.
