English Proficiency Test?

Student Lounge International Students
1

<p>Hi, I'm a international student from HK and applying to US unis. I've been studying in international schools in hong kong for all of my life, where english is the language of instruction. Does this make me a english first language student? Do i still need to take english proficiency tests?</p>

2

<p>No, attending English-speaking schools does not make English your first language (though it would be your first language if you also spoke it at home). </p>

<p>However, most universities make exceptions to their TOEFL requirements for students who’ve been educated in English. Check with the universities you’re applying to; the international student section of the admissions website will spell out the exact requirement. Colleges may also waive the TOEFL requirements for applicants with certain SAT verbal scores. For example, the University of Washinton describes two exceptions to their TOEFL requirement:</p>

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<p><a href=“https://admit.washington.edu/Admission/International/EnglishProficiency”>https://admit.washington.edu/Admission/International/EnglishProficiency&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

3

<p>Each college and university sets its own policy about English proficiency exams. You have to read through the websites of each place that is on your list to find out whether or not they will require an exam. If you can’t find the information readily, email the international admissions office, and ask. They will tell you.</p>

4

<p>I’m assuming, you’ll be applying to multiple schools therefore go ahead and write the TOEFL just to be safe. If you’ve been studying at an international school, you should do well on TOEFL without much prep.</p>