Providing an IETLS or TOEFL score is one of the requirements for non-native English speakers entering graduate school in an English-speaking country. Long used by schools during the application process, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) serve as a way for non-native English speakers to demonstrate their English skills.
Since many graduate engineering programs in the United States have specific IELTS or TOEFL requirements for admission, your score on these tests is an important part of your application.
As with any test, students who will plan to take either the IELTS or the TOEFL can often benefit from a preparatory course to help them polish their English language speaking and writing skills and earn the highest score they can.
Luckily, there are lots of opportunities for students to access prep courses for these tests. Many universities offer IELTS and TOEFL prep courses through their student services office, and there are plenty of courses available online.
“The IELTS almost always represents an important step towards a much larger objective, such as getting into graduate school or landing a dream job overseas,” said Eliot Friesen, IELTS curriculum manager at Magoosh, an online test prep provider that offers IELTS and TOEFL courses. “IELTS prep will be an important tool for many students as they strive to achieve their goals.”
The cost for prep courses varies depending on the provider, so it’s important to research multiple options to see which one will fit your budget. While there are some online prep courses that are available for free, make sure that these courses are legitimate and will provide the correct type of language review, resources and practice test content to ensure you’re properly prepared to take the IELTS or TOEFL. If a free course looks like it won’t provide what you need, it may be worth paying the extra cost to pursue your course through a recognized platform such as edX or Kaplan, or through an accredited university or college.
There are also different levels available depending on how strong a student’s existing English language skills are, and how much practice or preparation a student feels they need.
An example of courses available online include:
- Kaplan International IELTS Exam Preparation – including standard, intensive and supplemental courses for Intermediate to Advanced English
- Kaplan TOEFL Exam Preparation
- EdX IELTS Academic Exam Preparation
- EdX TOEFL Test Preparation: The Insider’s Guide
- ETS TOEFL Practice and Test Preparation Resources
- Magoosh IELTS Preparation Course and App
- The British Council Free IELTS Online Course
Most universities in English-speaking countries including the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom and others will also offer IELTS and TOEFL test prep courses, many of which are accessible online to students in non-English speaking countries.
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