10 January 2024
If you’re planning to study abroad, having a good command of English is important.
Generally, tests like TOEFL and IELTS are used to test your proficiency in English, but now there’s another option: the Duolingo English Test. More and more universities and countries are accepting it when it comes to assessing their potential students’ English language skills.
The Duolingo English Test is an online exam to check your proficiency in English. It is designed by Duolingo, a famous language-learning platform, made this test. It assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in English. You get your scores in just 48 hours, making it a fast and easy choice for students applying to universities worldwide. It is available 24/7, meaning that you can opt for it anytime. This test is more affordable than IELTS and TOEFL.
Best part? This test is accepted by more than 3,000 universities in the world, including eminent institutions like Harvard, Yale and the University of Cambridge.
In this blog, we will walk through the universities accepting Duolingo tests in 2024. But first of all, let’s go through this brief overview of the Duolingo test.
Duolingo English Test (DET): An Overview
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is divided into three parts.
First is the test setup, where you prepare your computer, take a photo of your ID, and check your camera. The second part is the adaptive test, lasting 45 minutes, where you answer questions about speaking, writing, listening, and reading. Your score ranges from 10 to 160. Lastly, the writing and speaking test takes 10 minutes, testing your skills in writing about a topic or describing something important.
To take the test, you need a passport or ID, a quiet room with good lighting, a strong internet connection, and a computer with a camera, microphone, and speakers.
You can attempt the test more than once, up to two times in 30 days, giving you flexibility to improve your score. The Duolingo English Test is widely accepted by top universities in the USA, making it a favourable choice for Indian students aspiring to study there.
Top Universities Accepting Duolingo English Test
In 2024, several top-notch universities in the USA accept the Duolingo English Test for admission, each with its minimum score requirement:
- Washington University in St. Louis: Minimum score – 105
- Northeastern University: Minimum score – 105
- University of Utah: Minimum score – 105
- University of California Berkeley: Minimum score – 115
- Yale University: Minimum score – 120
- Cornell University: Minimum score – 120
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Minimum score – 120
- Pennsylvania State University: Minimum score – 120
- Johns Hopkins University: Minimum score – 120
- New York University: Minimum score – 130
These universities have varying score requirements; some, like Washington University, accept a minimum score of 105, while prestigious institutions like Yale and MIT require higher scores of 120 or even 130.
Students need to be aware of these specific score requirements when considering these esteemed institutions for their higher education journey.
Universities That Accept Duolingo Test for Student Visa
For getting a student visa in the USA, presenting your Duolingo test results is widely accepted. Notable universities like Stanford, Washington, New York, Swarthmore, and Ivy League institutions recognize this test.
However, it’s crucial to confirm individual university acceptance. While Duolingo aids in demonstrating language proficiency for US student visas, a comprehensive application approach is essential for other destinations.
How to Prepare for the Duolingo Test
Preparing for the Duolingo English Test requires strategic planning and effective utilization of available resources. While it may be considered easier compared to other exams, a thorough preparation approach is key to achieving a desirable score. This guide provides valuable tips to maximize your learning potential and meet your Duolingo goals.
Start Early and Practice Regularly:
Begin your preparation at least one month before your intended exam date. Familiarize yourself with the test structure, question types, and time constraints by solving practice tests. This early exposure will help ease any test-day jitters and improve your overall performance.
Get Acquainted with the Duolingo App:
The Duolingo app is a powerful tool with features designed to enhance your learning experience. Utilize discussion forums to connect with fellow learners, track your progress through the app’s built-in tracker, and take advantage of personalized recommendations. Exploring these features will not only make your preparation more engaging but also provide insights into your strengths and weaknesses.
Supplement Learning with Additional Resources:
While the Duolingo app is an excellent primary resource, consider incorporating additional learning materials into your routine. Textbooks, podcasts, and online courses can provide diverse perspectives, deepen your understanding, and expose you to various language nuances. This multi-faceted approach enhances your overall language proficiency.
Master the Basics First:
Before delving into complex language structures and advanced vocabulary, ensure you have a solid grasp of the basics. Understanding fundamental grammar rules, common vocabulary, and sentence structures provides a strong foundation for more advanced concepts. This foundational knowledge will be crucial in tackling various question types in the Duolingo test.
Focus on Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking:
The Duolingo test assesses your proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Dedicate time to each of these components during your preparation. Practice reading and understanding passages, writing coherent responses, listening to audio prompts, and speaking aloud. A balanced approach ensures you are well-prepared for all aspects of the test.
Simulate Test Conditions:
As your exam date approaches, simulate test conditions during your practice sessions. Allocate specific time limits for each section, replicate the testing environment, and practice under conditions similar to the actual exam. This helps you manage your time effectively and builds confidence in your ability to perform well during the test.
Receive Feedback and Adjust Your Strategy:
Regularly assess your progress by reviewing your practice test results. Identify areas where you excel and areas that need improvement. Seek feedback from language instructors, tutors, or online communities. Use this feedback to adjust your study strategy, focusing more on weaker areas while maintaining proficiency in your strong areas.
Develop a Vocabulary Bank:
Enhance your vocabulary by creating a word bank. Note down new words, phrases, and expressions encountered during your studies. Regularly review and reinforce this vocabulary bank to expand your language repertoire. A rich vocabulary not only improves your writing and speaking skills but also aids in comprehending complex texts.
Time Management is Key:
Effective time management is crucial during the Duolingo test. Develop a strategy to allocate time to each section, ensuring that you complete all tasks within the given time constraints. Prioritize questions based on your proficiency and tackle them strategically to maximize your overall score.
Stay Consistent and Stay Motivated:
Consistency is the key to language proficiency. Maintain a regular study schedule, and stay motivated throughout your preparation journey. Set realistic goals, celebrate small achievements, and visualize your success on the test day. A positive mindset and consistent effort significantly contribute to achieving your desired Duolingo score.
The Conclusion:
There are many prestigious universities around the world which accept the Duolingo test score. This test is popular among students looking to study for its affordability and convenience. With sound practice, you can crack the Duolingo test successfully.
