Requirements on some of the schools I’m planning to apply to state that if English is not my native language, I would have to take a proficiency test (ie. TOEFL). However, I’m a native speaker, and am currently studying for my A-levels, which are in English. I just happen to be from a country where English is not the native language and many other students here take English tests, like IELTS. But how would I be able to prove to the college that I speak English fluently?
I’m mainly asking because the TOEFL and other tests are very expensive (factoring in the exchange rate), and I still have to pay for the SAT (no fee waivers). I’m trying to limit the amount of money I spend on testing.
Thanks for any help.
To paraphrase What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?: But you are, Blanche. You are a native speaker.
Generally TOEFL is not required if you are a native speaker and/or attend HS where the primary language of instruction is English. However, since there is no standard metric used by colleges on TOEFL, your should contact you target colleges to confirm. If the college says you have to take the TOEFL, then you have two options: take the TOEFL or don’t apply to that college. Good luck.
You need to ask each place that you are applying to about their requirements. And yes, even if you are a native speaker, and even if you are currently studying in a school where English is the medium of instruction, it is possible that you may be required to take the TOEFL, IELTS or other English language proficiency exam. There is no easy way to predict what will be required. You have to ask.
Being able to use a language at the level required for academic sucess in a university setting is a different thing than simply being a native speaker. If you do find that you need to take the TOEFL, IELTS, etc. spend some time reviewing the format and content of the exam so that you can do well on it.