Which English Proficiency Test Should You Take? A Decision Guide for International Students

The right English proficiency test depends on whether you're applying to US high schools or universities, your budget, your comfort with technology, and which tests your target programs actually accept. For high school applicants (ages 14-18), flexible options like Eltis and Duolingo are often accepted and provide faster, more affordable pathways than traditional TOEFL or IELTS. For university applicants, TOEFL remains the safest choice for US institutions, though IELTS offers broader global recognition. Amerigo Education's Signature schools accept Eltis and Duolingo alongside traditional tests, reflecting a growing trend among quality programs to remove unnecessary barriers for international students.

This guide helps you match your specific situation to the optimal test choice rather than assuming everyone needs TOEFL.

The Question Most Families Get Wrong

Many families assume TOEFL is required for any US education pathway. This assumption leads to unnecessary stress, expense, and preparation time.

The reality:

• High school programs often accept Eltis or Duolingo
• University requirements vary significantly by institution
• Some programs care more about your potential than your current score
• The "right" test depends on your specific goals

Before investing months in TOEFL preparation, ask a simple question: What tests does my target program actually accept?

Quick Decision Framework

Use this framework to identify your likely best option:

If You're Applying to US High Schools (Ages 14-18)

Best options: Eltis or Duolingo

Why: These tests are:

• Designed for or appropriate to high school students (Eltis specifically)
• Faster to complete (60-75 minutes vs. 2+ hours)
• More affordable ($59 for Duolingo vs. $200+ for TOEFL)
• Accepted by many quality programs including Amerigo Signature schools

When to consider TOEFL instead: If your specific target school requires it, or if you want scores that transfer to university applications later.

If You're Applying Directly to US Universities

Best option: TOEFL iBT

Why: Virtually universal acceptance among US universities, academic focus aligns with university expectations, strongest choice for competitive programs.

When to consider alternatives:

• IELTS if also applying to UK, Canada, or Australia
• Duolingo if your target universities accept it and you prefer at-home testing

If Budget Is a Primary Concern

Best option: Duolingo ($59)

Why: Dramatically lower cost than TOEFL ($190-300) or IELTS ($185-250), with growing acceptance at 5,000+ institutions.

Caution: Verify acceptance with your specific target programs before choosing based on cost alone.

If You Have Limited Access to Testing Centers

Best option: Duolingo (at-home testing)

Why: No travel required, test from your own computer, results in 48 hours.

Caution: Requires reliable internet, quiet environment, and comfort with adaptive computer testing.

Test-by-Test Breakdown

Eltis (English Language Test for International Students)

Best for: High school applicants ages 14-18

Format:

• 75 minutes
• Specifically designed for high school placement
• Assesses skills relevant to high school success
• Often administered through schools directly

Cost: Varies, typically lower than traditional tests

Acceptance: Many quality high school programs, including all Amerigo Signature schools

Key advantage: Age-appropriate assessment designed for your actual situation, not university-level academic English you haven't learned yet.

Key limitation: Not designed for university applications.

Duolingo English Test

Best for: Budget-conscious students, those without testing center access, students wanting fast results

Format:

• 60 minutes
• Adaptive questioning (difficulty adjusts to your responses)
• At-home testing on your computer
• No note-taking permitted

Cost: $59 USD

Results: Available within 48 hours

Acceptance: 5,000+ institutions and growing, including many US universities and high school programs like Amerigo Signature schools

Key advantages:

• Lowest cost of major tests
• Fastest results
• No travel to testing centers
• Short duration reduces fatigue

Key limitations:

• Not universally accepted (verify with target programs)
• Adaptive format may feel unfamiliar
• No note-taking can challenge some learners
• Requires technology comfort and reliable internet

TOEFL iBT

Best for: University applicants targeting US institutions, students wanting maximum acceptance flexibility

Format:

• 2 hours
• Academic focus (reading, listening, speaking, writing)
• Testing center required
• Note-taking permitted

Cost: $190-300 USD depending on location

Results: 4-8 days

Acceptance: 12,500+ institutions, virtually all US universities

Key advantages:

• Universal US university acceptance
• Academic focus aligns with university expectations
• Note-taking allowed during listening/reading
• Established credibility with admissions committees

Key limitations:

• Higher cost
• Requires testing center visit
• Longer duration
• Academic content may not match high school applicants' current level

IELTS

Best for: Students considering multiple countries, those preferring face-to-face speaking assessment

Format:

• 2 hours 45 minutes
• Academic or General Training versions
• Paper-based or computer-delivered options
• Face-to-face speaking interview with examiner

Cost: $185-250 USD

Results: 3-5 days (computer), 13 days (paper)

Acceptance: 12,500+ organizations globally, strong in UK, Canada, Australia, growing US acceptance

Key advantages:

• Human interaction in speaking test
• Format choice (paper vs. computer)
• Strong global recognition
• Good for multi-country applications

Key limitations:

• Longest test duration
• Speaking with examiner may increase anxiety for some
• Slightly less US-focused than TOEFL

Score Requirements by Goal

Understanding what scores you actually need prevents over-preparation and unnecessary stress.

For US High School Programs

Many programs accepting Eltis or Duolingo set flexible thresholds designed for students who will continue developing English through immersion. The goal is assessing baseline ability, not demanding university-level proficiency.

Amerigo's approach: Their Signature schools accept Eltis and Duolingo with flexible thresholds because their ELL programs develop English skills throughout the high school experience. Their outcome data proves this works: 83% of students entering with low-B1 English achieved Top 100 university admission, and 96% of B1 students reached the same milestone.

For US Universities

Score conversion note: Research shows approximately 0.82 correlation between Duolingo and TOEFL iBT scores, though individual performance varies. IELTS 7.5 roughly equals TOEFL 102-109.

Strategy: Target 5-10 points above minimum requirements to demonstrate competitive readiness.

The High School Advantage: Why Test Flexibility Matters

Here's what many families miss: if your child attends a US high school program before university, their English proficiency test score matters much less for university admission.

Why?

By the time they apply to universities, they'll have:

• Years of coursework in English on their transcript
• American teachers writing recommendations
• Essays demonstrating genuine fluency
• Interview skills developed through daily immersion
• Test scores (SAT, ACT, later TOEFL if needed) reflecting developed ability

The English test for high school admission is just an entry point. What matters more is choosing a program with strong ELL support that develops skills over time.

Amerigo's Class of 2025 results demonstrate this:

• 100% university acceptance
• 97% admitted to Top 100 universities
• 60% admitted to Top 50 universities
• 25% admitted to Top 30 universities

Students were accepted to Duke, UCLA, NYU, Northwestern, Emory, UC Berkeley, University of Michigan, Vanderbilt, Washington University in St. Louis, and many other elite institutions.

These outcomes include students who entered with developing English and flexible test scores, then developed university-ready proficiency through Amerigo's support systems.

Preparation Strategies by Test

Duolingo Preparation

Focus areas:

• Adaptive response strategies (questions get harder as you succeed)
• Rapid decision-making without extended deliberation
• Auditory processing without note-taking
• Varied question format flexibility

Timeline: 4-8 weeks of focused preparation typically sufficient

Key tip: Practice with official Duolingo practice tests to understand the adaptive format before test day.

TOEFL Preparation

Focus areas:

• Academic reading comprehension with note-taking
• Lecture listening with structured notes
• Integrated speaking tasks combining reading/listening
• Academic essay writing with clear structure

Timeline:

• Intensive: 3 months daily practice
• Standard: 6 months regular study
• Extended: 12 months integrated with academics

Key tip: TOEFL's academic focus means preparation doubles as university readiness. Students in AP courses often find content familiar.

IELTS Preparation

Focus areas:

• Balanced attention to all four skills
• Speaking interview practice (expressing opinions, natural conversation)
• Understanding British and Australian accents alongside American
• Time management across longer test duration

Timeline: Similar to TOEFL, 3-12 months depending on starting level

Key tip: Practice speaking with a human (tutor, teacher, language partner) to prepare for the face-to-face interview.

Eltis Preparation

Focus areas:

• High school-appropriate academic content
• Skills relevant to classroom success
• Shorter duration means less endurance required

Timeline: Often shorter preparation than traditional tests

Key tip: Focus on practical classroom English rather than university-level academic content.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Assuming TOEFL Is Required

Many families spend months preparing for TOEFL when their target high school program accepts Eltis or Duolingo. Always check acceptance before choosing a test.

Mistake 2: Choosing Based on "Easiest" Reputation

No test is universally easier. Difficulty depends on your learning style, language background, and comfort with different formats. Try practice versions of multiple tests before deciding.

Mistake 3: Over-Preparing for High School Entry

If you're applying to a high school program with strong ELL support, obsessing over entry test scores misses the point. Programs like Amerigo accept students with developing English because their support systems develop fluency over time.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Score Validity

All major tests have 2-year validity. Plan testing timeline to ensure scores remain valid through enrollment. Early testing allows retake opportunities if needed.

Mistake 5: Testing Before You're Ready

Rushing to test before adequate preparation wastes money and may create discouraging scores. Build skills first, then test when ready to demonstrate ability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which test is easiest for non-native speakers?

No test is universally easier. Difficulty depends on individual learning style and language background. Some students find Duolingo's 60-minute format less intimidating, others prefer IELTS's face-to-face speaking, and others perform best with TOEFL's structured academic approach. Attempt practice versions of each test to identify your strongest format before committing to preparation.

Do US universities accept both IELTS and TOEFL?

Most US universities accept both IELTS and TOEFL. TOEFL has slightly broader acceptance, particularly among Top 100 universities, while IELTS recognition has grown substantially. Verify specific requirements with target institutions, as some specialized programs may prefer one test. For students specifically targeting US pathways, TOEFL typically offers the safest choice for comprehensive acceptance.

What is IELTS 7.5 equivalent to in TOEFL?

IELTS 7.5 approximately corresponds to TOEFL iBT 102-109, representing advanced English proficiency suitable for demanding academic programs. This conversion uses CEFR anchoring standards, though individual skill variations may affect direct comparisons. Both scores demonstrate readiness for rigorous university coursework.

Is Duolingo accepted at top universities?

Duolingo acceptance has grown to 5,000+ institutions, including many respected universities. However, acceptance varies by institution and program. Some elite universities accept Duolingo, while others still prefer traditional tests. Always verify acceptance with your specific target programs before choosing Duolingo, especially for competitive admissions processes.

What is Eltis and who accepts it?

Eltis (English Language Test for International Students) is specifically designed for high school placement rather than university admission. It assesses English proficiency for students entering US high schools in a 75-minute format. Many quality high school programs accept Eltis, including Amerigo Education's Signature schools, which accept both Eltis and Duolingo alongside TOEFL and IELTS. This flexibility makes applications faster and more accessible for students ages 14-18.

Can I take multiple tests to improve my chances?

Many students take multiple tests to identify their strongest format or improve scores. Universities typically accept your highest score from any recognized test. However, consider preparation time and costs when planning multiple attempts. Students with comprehensive support often achieve target scores through focused preparation rather than multiple test attempts.

How long are test scores valid?

All major tests (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo) maintain 2-year validity from test date, providing sufficient time for applications and F-1 visa processing. Plan testing timelines to ensure scores remain valid through enrollment. Early testing allows retake opportunities if initial scores fall below targets.

Should I take a test prep course?

Professional preparation provides structured learning, expert strategies, and accountability. Whether you need a course depends on your self-discipline, starting level, and score goals. Students in comprehensive education programs like Amerigo often benefit from integrated preparation aligned with broader academic goals, including SAT/ACT preparation as part of their 360° support model.

What if I don't meet minimum test requirements?

Options exist for students below minimum thresholds. Some universities offer conditional admission with English language requirements. Some programs provide bridge courses developing academic English. Quality high school programs with strong ELL support accept students with developing English and build proficiency over time. Amerigo's 83% Top 100 admission rate for low-B1 English students proves that starting level matters less than support quality.

Which test should high school applicants prioritize?

For students ages 14-18 applying to US high school programs, check whether target schools accept Eltis or Duolingo before assuming TOEFL is required. Many quality programs, including all Amerigo Signature schools, accept these flexible options. Eltis is specifically designed for high school placement, while Duolingo offers affordability ($59) and convenience (at-home testing, 48-hour results). Only prioritize TOEFL if your specific target program requires it.

Making Your Decision

The "best" English proficiency test is the one that:

1. Your target program actually accepts
2. Matches your learning style and comfort level
3. Fits your budget and timeline
4. Assesses skills appropriate to your current level

For high school applicants, this often means Eltis or Duolingo rather than traditional TOEFL or IELTS. For university applicants, TOEFL remains the safest US choice, with IELTS offering global flexibility.

Amerigo Education, founded in 2016 and backed by Avathon Capital, supports approximately 1,000 students from 11 countries through 40 Niche A+/A rated partner schools across the US and Canada. Their Signature schools accept Eltis and Duolingo because they understand that entry-level English proficiency matters less than the support systems that develop fluency over time.

Their results prove this approach works: Class of 2025 achieved 97% Top 100 university admission, with students accepted to Duke, UCLA, NYU, Northwestern, and other elite institutions. The Top 100 Guarantee with $50,000 refund policy demonstrates confidence that their model transforms students regardless of starting English level.

Don't let test anxiety determine your educational path. Choose the right test for your situation, prepare strategically, and focus on finding programs with support systems that develop your abilities over time.

Contact Amerigo Education to discuss how English proficiency testing integrates with your high school pathway, or apply now to begin your journey with a program that accepts flexible testing options.

This article provides general information for educational purposes. Test requirements and acceptance policies change; verify current policies with target programs before making decisions. Visa services are provided through third-party partners and billed separately.