Colleges and universities across the country expect their incoming students to have a strong grasp of the English language. Without it, they will likely struggle in their classes and in communication with professors and peers. Generally, international students are the only students who have to demonstrate their English proficiency. Universities detail specific ways that students can prove their English proficiency. So, non-native speakers should check with their school of choice about specific English language requirements.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, is the standardized test of choice for non-native English speakers at many universities. Administered by the Educational Testing Service, which also oversees other tests such as the GRE, the TOEFL measures a student's English ability at the university level. Students can take an Internet- or paper-based test, which assesses a student's English skill level. Schools such as the University of Washington and Wayne State University require international students to take the TOEFL, with set minimum scores that students must obtain.
The University of Akron and the University of Iowa are two of many schools that allow students to complete the International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, to prove their English proficiency. The IELTS tests four areas of English proficiency -- listening, reading, writing and speaking. Aspiring university students will take the academic version of the test. Students can take the test one of four available times a month in 125 countries, making it an accessible option no matter where in the world the student lives.
International students must complete the TOEFL or IELTS to demonstrate their English proficiency before they are admitted to the school. However, some universities make exceptions for some international students. For example, at the University of Washington, students who completed their primary and secondary education in English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland or New Zealand do not have to demonstrate English proficiency. Students should always check with their school of choice to determine whether they need to complete an English proficiency test before admission.