<p>Hello, I am an international student hoping to apply to (and get accepted by) MIT. However, I am puzzled over the testing requirements. The MIT website states that if I am a international student and english is not my native language, I can take the TOEFEL. My question is, will taking the TOEFEL instead of the SAT(I) affect my chances of admission? (please bear in mind that I am a Chinese person, my father is a Pernament Resident of China, and the official language of my home country, Singapore, is Malay, and that I speak and write perfect english)Thank you for your help!</p>
<p>Since your native language is not English, you may choose to take the TOEFL instead of the SAT (although you do need to take the two required SAT II tests).
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For non-native English speakers (for entry year 2006 and beyond): You have two options: 1) take the tests required for native English speakers (see above), or 2) you may take the TOEFL and two SAT II Subject Tests, one in math (level 1 (Ic) or 2 (IIc)) and one in science (physics, chemistry, or biology e/m).
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Your admissions chances will not be diminished in any way: it's been said before and it will be said many more times I'm sure, but the MIT Admissions folks really do look to see you in the best light and evaluate you in your own context. Congratulations on your English fluency!</p>
<p>Thank you mootmom for your assistance. But my problem goes even further. I am not trying to boast, but I have written a play in English, performed in plays in English, given speeches in English, and I converse with friends, family and teachers in English and my classes are taught in English. So would English be considered as my native languge? (Whew never said English so many times before!)</p>
<p>Normally one's native language is the language learned as a child and spoken normally by that person in their home and environment. If you are conducting all your language activities in English, you may choose instead to take the SAT I. It sounds as if, in your case, this may be the more honest approach. The TOEFL is meant as a means for non-native English speakers to demonstrate their abilities to operate in English; since you are telling us you speak it all the time and even write and perform plays in English, it sounds as if you have already demonstrated this ;) so probably the SAT I would be a better choice. You could always call the Admissions office and ask their advice.</p>
<p>Ah thank you! Another thing is that I am not only fluent in English, But in Chinese as well (Government has a billingualism thing that they are forcing onto us)! The deadline for the application date for the may SAT(I) test is drawing closer and I have yet to decided what to do! Oh dear...</p>