<p>I was born in America, and go there every summer. Also, My mom's American and English is the language we speak at home and the language I'm best at. I can speak completely normally with no accent and even like to fancy my vocab better than most people my age who actually live in the US because I read a lot.
The thing is I want to apply to San Diego State University (among others) and I want to know if I would have to take the TOEFL or the ielts? Their website says that regardless of citizenship if you are not a native speaker or have not attended a school that's primary language is English for at least 3 years you have to take one of the tests.
I've only been attending an English speaking school for 2 years (including 12th grade) but want to know if I would be considered a native speaker?</p>
<p>Take the exam. Being well-read, and native-fluent for “household” English is not the same as having a full, age-appropriate command of Academic English. Your TOEFL/IELTS score will indicate whether or not you are ready to walk into university-level classes that are taught exclusively in English.</p>
<p>Pay careful attention to the exam requirements if each place that you apply to. Many will require the TOEFL/IELTS/other exam because you have fewer than five years of education in a school where English is the language of instruction. Some will waive that requirement if you have a certain ACT or SAT score.</p>
<p>Send San Diego State an e-mail asking this question. IMO, if English is your first language and you were born in America, you’re a native speaker. But my opinion doesn’t really count; only theirs does.</p>
<p>BTW, are you still an American citizen? Your chances of admission and for financial aid are much higher if you are.</p>