How To Register For IELTS In The USA (Simplified)
So many people intend to register for IELTS in the USA, but they usually face a lot of difficulties when it is time to register.
Did you know that about 3.5 million people take the exam yearly and that this number of people take this exam for academic, employment, global migration, and other purposes?
After reading this article, you should have a good idea of how to register for the IELTS and some tips on things you need to know about the test.
Why you Need to Register for IELTS in the USA
When people want to register for IELTS, they do so for various reasons. Below are some reasons why you should register for IELTS in the US:
1. Suitable for all stages of life
International schools, universities, employers, immigration authorities, and professional bodies usually require an English language test. Hence, if you pass IELTS, you will easily scale.
2. World recognition
Over 7,000 organizations in over 135 countries accept IELTS as proof of English language proficiency. Due to the high-quality control criteria of this English test, it is highly regarded.
3. Good English language practice
IELTS involves you having a speaking section with an evaluator. And this evaluation can help you have a general overview of how to speak with colleagues, friends, clients, or other foreign nationals that are L2 English speakers.
4. Reliability of results and English language level
IELTS exam is usually graded based on a band of 1 to 9. For most institutions, the minimum score for IELTS is usually 6-7.
Passing this test would increase your repute as a good English speaker. For a score of 5, you should retake the test.
5. Scores requested by schools and businesses worldwide
When a university, company, or government agency requires the IELTS test as part of the application process, a minimum score is often requested.
The Global Recognition System IELTS tells you which organizations accept IELTS and what results they require.
6. Two test types available
IELTS has two types – Academic and General Training. The academic IELTS is usually used for university applications (undergraduate or postgraduate). If you are not sure of which to register for, you can opt for Academic IELTS.
The Academic IELTS is sufficient for work, travel, or emigration to an English-speaking country.
7. British vs. US English?
IELTS covers both British and American English spelling, grammar, and word choice. Whether you want to study in the US, the UK, or another English-speaking country like Australia, Canada, or New Zealand, IELTS allows you to practice different native English accents.
For example, Australians, New Zealanders, Britanians, and Americans designed the test to reflect the terms used in their countries’ advertisements, newspapers, books, and businesses.
IELTS Requirements for Top Schools in the USA
Top schools in the USA have various IELTS requirements. So when you want to register for IELTS in the USA, you should also be aware of the required scores.
An IELTS score of 6 shows that an individual is a competent user of the English language. But for an increased chance, a 7.0 would be good.
| Institution | IELTS Requirement |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 7.0 |
| California Institute of Technology | 7.0 |
| Princeton University | 7.0 |
| Harvard University | 7.0 |
| John Hopkin’s University | 7.0 |
| Cornell University | 7.5 |
| New York University | 7.5 |
| the University of Texas at Austin | 6.5 |
| University of Southern California | 6.5 |
| Yale University | 7.0 |
| New York University (NYU) | 7.5 |
| Pennsylvania State University | 6.5 |
Simplified Registration for IELTS in the USA
When you intend to register for IELTS 2022 exam, you should be aware of the date of the exam, and also make preparations.
There are two types of IELTS tests: computer-based and paper-based. Those who take the IELTS computer-based test do so on a computer for the Listening, Writing, and Reading sections.
The Speaking test, on the other hand, is done in front of a trained examiner. With the computer-based IELTS, there are more test dates available and results are available in 3-5 days.
Those who choose to take the IELTS on paper will complete the Reading, Writing, and Listening sections on paper using HB pencils or a pen. The Speaking test, on the other hand, is done in front of a professional IELTS examiner.
Also, if you are 16 years old or younger, IELTS is not recommended for you. But if you wish to partake in the exam, then you are free to do so. All you would need to register for IELTS in the USA if you are 16 or below would be your parent or guardian. They would be the ones to register you.
Then, if you are worried about a maximum age limit, note that there is none. Given below is a simplified step for you to register for IELTS in the USA.
Exams offered by IELTS British Council
- IELTS for Academic and General Training.
- IELTS (UK Visas and Immigration: Academic and General Training)
- For Life Skills, IELTS costs (A1 and B1)
Agreed Fee by IELTS British Council
- IELTS: $215–$310 (location dependent)
- For UK Visas and Immigration, the IELTS fee is $295.
- IELTS Life Skills: $95
Tips to Note Before you Book your Test
1. Before you register for IELTS in the USA, or with the IELTS British council, ensure to contact the organization that needs your IELTS score. This is because there is a specific IELTS exam for a specific purpose.
2. Before you can register for IELTS in the USA, you would need a valid passport or national ID. This would be photocopied and uploaded during booking. Candidates who are below 18 years, would need to supply a consent form from their parents or guardians.
3. The British Council provides you with nine videos, giving advice and tutorials, 100 interactive activities, and two IELTS Academic practice tests for each of the four skills.
4. Pay for your test. The requirements for payment would vary, based on your center.
Test Date for Your IELTS
After paying for IELTS in the USA, you would receive a confirmation email, 5-10 days before your test date.
This email would contain the time of your test and the address to the venue. The speaking test is usually scheduled for a different day. This would also be sent to you.
Included with the message would be your IELTS reference number too. This would be needed for you to take the test.
Once the IELTS exam registration is complete, your test center will send a written confirmation to you informing you about the date and time of your IELTS test.
Why IELTS?
(1) A pen and piece of paper: Unlike other tests, IELTS does not require the use of a computer. For many candidates, a paper-based evaluation is preferable.
(2) A quiet testing environment is required: Candidates who take the test at different speeds will not cause each other any problems. The British Council of exam ensures that all centers are large enough for the test takers.
(3) A face-to-face speaking test will be conducted: This allows candidates to demonstrate their communication skills in a more genuine way.
(4) Effective planning: IELTS tests your ability to communicate in both everyday and academic English. Candidates will be equipped with language skills and systems that can be applied in a variety of situations.
Tips for IELTS Preparation
For the IELTS exam, you need to prepare as much as you can. Because the IELTS test has a validity period of two years, hence you need to make the best out of it.
You can make an IELTS band 7 in 10 days if you want to. Obviously, you must have been preparing prior to the remaining 10 days.
So the best you can get is a summary.
Day 1
Practice more of the IELTS past questions.
Day 2
Precisely take on the reading section of the IELTS for a clearer view of the structure
Day 3
Take on the entire writing section, taking note of the corrections premium apps would provide based on your writing.
Day 4
Practice the speaking section with family and friends who may have some time to spare. Ensure to take recordings.
Day 5
Practice the listening section, you can collaborate with friends and family for this too.
Day 6
Re-visit all you have been learning. But this time, you would be practicing with a timer as time is of the essence at the exam.
Day 7
You can take a break and try to relax, only a healthy individual can give healthy output
Day 8
Take a summary of all sections again, if you are an L2 speaker, the listening section may pose a bit of difficulty. So practice it more.
Day 9
In preparation for IELTS, you can reach out to other students preparing for IELTS in the USA. This would be a good avenue to share knowledge.
IELTS in the USA would be over today. Now you may feel the need to be tense and read more. But truly, you don’t need to. Just keep cool and smash the papers.
Study Visa for the USA
As an individual who desires to study in the USA, you would need a student visa. This visa can be gotten from the USA embassy, or its consulate in your country.
(1) F Student Visas
For students who wish to study at an accredited USA college or university, or to study English at an intensive English language institute, an F student visa is recommended.
(2) J Exchange Visas
This visa is typically granted to students who intend to participate in a short-term exchange program in the USA. It includes both high school and university students.
3) M Student Visas
For students enrolling in non-academic or vocational study or training programs in the USA
But before you can apply for this student visa, you must possess an I-20 or a DS-2019 form from the college or university where you have been admitted, and obtain documented funding for your first year of study.
IELTS or TOEFL
As we already established, before taking an exam, it would be in your best interest to contact the organization that requested the IELTS. This would help you ascertain which of the IELTS to take.
But for clarity, most American Universities accept TOEFL, while IELTS is accepted nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where can I take IELTS?
You can take IELTS in your country. All you need do is register, and you would then be assigned a location to take your test.
2. What if I need to postpone or cancel my IELTS test?
If you need to postpone or cancel your IELTS test, you would have to do it 5 weeks before the test date at the test center you booked at. And you would get a refund minus the administrative charge.
Anything less than 5 weeks, you would not get a refund. Also, if you are sick, or delayed by certain circumstances beyond your control, you would get an alternate date to take the test.
3. What can I take into the examination room?
When going for your IELTS exam, all you would need is a pencil and eraser, and a means of identification (such as a passport/national identity card)
Mobile phones and other gadgets cannot be taken into the hall. Even if you switch it off, if discovered, you would be disqualified.
4. What kinds of accents can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests?
IELTS is an international test, hence, a variety of English accents can be used in both of these tests.
5. Who sets the scores for the IELTS test?
IELTS is an international exam, hence “no one” can set a pass mark for the test. Hence, IELTS grades performance with a band score; with 1 being the lowest, and 9 being the highest score.
6. When will I receive my test results?
Your test report will be sent across to you 13 calendar days after your test date. Just one copy of your Test report form will be sent to you.
But if you are applying for citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) or the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA), then you would be eligible to receive two.
And your eligibility would be validated based on the Proof of application to CIC and UKBA that you provide.
7. What if I am not happy with my result?
IELTS is a test that is of high repute. Usually, examiners and markers follow strict assessment guidelines. But if you feel your test needs to be re-marked, you will have to apply for it.
First of all, you send a letter of inquiry on the results to your test center, within six weeks of your test date. But this comes with a stipulated price, which would be made known to you.
After payment has been made, your script would be remarked, and if your band score changes, you would get a refund of the inquiry fee.
Conclusion
By now, you should know how to do IELTS in the United States very well.
You can make the best of your IELTS, but it depends strictly on your preparation. So follow a regular preparation process for the test.
