Studying in the USA Without IELTS: Your Awesome Guide for 2025
Hey! Ever dreamed about going to college in the USA? Imagine hanging out with friends from all over the world and getting a super cool American degree. But what if you’re not a fan of the IELTS test? Don’t sweat it! You can still totally make it happen.
Lots of universities in the USA get that everyone’s different. They know the IELTS isn’t the only way to show you’re good at English. So, this guide is here to help you figure out how to apply to US schools without it. We’re going to look at other tests, point out some great universities, give you a step-by-step plan, and talk about visas and money.
Think of this as your cheat sheet to making your American dream come true. Let’s jump in and see how you can start your adventure in 2025, no IELTS needed!
What Else Can You Do Instead of IELTS?
Okay, so you want to study in the USA but don’t want to take the IELTS? No problem! There are other ways to prove you’re awesome at English.
Maybe you think the IELTS is a pain, or the test dates don’t work for you. That’s cool. Here are some other options you can try:
These tests are like different ways of saying, “Hey, I can totally handle college English!” Here are some popular ones:
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language): This test is a big deal, especially in the USA. It tests your reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills all at once. Lots of universities know and trust TOEFL scores.
- Duolingo English Test (DET): You know Duolingo, the app for learning languages? They also have an English test that many universities are now accepting! It’s often cheaper and faster than IELTS or TOEFL, and you can take it at home.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): This is another test you take on a computer. It checks your English skills in different ways. For example, you might have to listen and write at the same time.
- Cambridge English Tests (CAE/CPE): These are harder tests that show you’re super good at English. If you’ve already aced these, they can really impress universities.
But wait, there’s more! Tests aren’t the only way to show you’re good at English. Some universities might also look at these:
- English as Your First Language: If you grew up speaking English, you might not need to take any test.
- Studied in English Before: If you went to a school where all the classes were in English, that can also count.
- Intensive English Programs (IEP): Some universities have special English classes you can take before you start your degree. If you pass these classes, it shows you’re ready for college.
- Good SAT/ACT Scores: If you did well on the English part of the SAT or ACT, that can sometimes show you’re good at English too.
Just remember, always check what the universities you’re applying to want! Their websites will have all the details.
TOEFL iBT vs. Duolingo English Test: Which One Should You Pick?
Picking the right English test can be confusing, we know! So, here’s a simple way to compare TOEFL iBT and the Duolingo English Test (DET):
| Feature | TOEFL iBT | Duolingo English Test (DET) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test | Duolingo English Test |
| Acceptance | Pretty much every US university knows and accepts it | More and more US universities are accepting it, but double-check with the schools you’re applying to |
| Test Style | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing (you do it all on a computer at a test center) | Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing (you do it online at home) |
| How Long It Takes | About 3 hours | About 1 hour (and there’s a short video interview that doesn’t count towards your score) |
| Scoring | 0-120 (each part is scored out of 30) | 10-160 (they give you scores in chunks of 5) |
| How Much It Costs | $180 – $300 (depends on where you are) | $59 |
| How Long It’s Good For | 2 years | 2 years |
| Cool Things About It | Super well-known and respected; it really focuses on how good you are at English for school | It’s easy, cheap, and you get your scores fast; plus, you can take it in your pajamas! |
| Things to Think About | It can be pricey, and you have to go to a test center; also, it takes a long time | Not every university accepts it, you need a good internet connection and a quiet place, and you have to do a video interview that you just talk |
So, Which One Should You Choose?
Pick TOEFL iBT if you want to take a test that everyone knows and trusts and you want to show you’re serious about studying in the USA.
Pick Duolingo English Test if you want something that’s easy, cheap, and you can do at home, and the universities you’re applying to accept it.
Awesome US Universities That Don’t Need IELTS
Here are some universities that are cool with other English tests. Remember, things can change, so always check the university’s website to be sure!
| University | What Other Tests They Take | Anything Else You Should Know |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | TOEFL iBT | You need to score at least 80 on the TOEFL |
| Rice University | TOEFL, Duolingo English Test | You need at least 120 on Duolingo or 90 on TOEFL |
| University of Delaware | TOEFL, Duolingo, Cambridge English Tests | You need at least 79 on TOEFL or 110 on Duolingo |
| Arizona State University | TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo | You need at least 61 on TOEFL, 53 on PTE, or 85 on Duolingo |
| California State University | TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo | It changes depending on the school, so check what each school wants; some schools might have their own tests |
Your Super Easy Checklist for Studying in the USA Without IELTS:
- Find universities that don’t need IELTS.
- See what English tests each university takes.
- Think about taking the Duolingo English Test or TOEFL.
- If your English isn’t great yet, check out English programs.
- Get your stuff together and apply before the deadline!
Stuff You Don’t Want to Mess Up
- Not checking what each university wants.
- Thinking English doesn’t matter if you don’t take IELTS.
- Missing the dates to apply.
Remember This!
Always, always, always check the university’s website to see what they want. Things can change!
You still need to be good at English, even if you don’t take IELTS. It’s super important for school!
Make sure you apply on time! You don’t want to miss out.
So, now you know that going to college in the USA without IELTS is totally doable! There are other tests you can take, and lots of schools that will accept them.
What should you do next? Start looking at those universities! See what they want you to do. Get your application ready, and don’t be shy about asking questions.
We know applying to universities can seem like a lot, but you can do it! With a little bit of planning, you can make your dream of studying in the USA real. Start today, and get ready for an amazing adventure!
