Many students were initially puzzled when they learned that Duolingo test scores could be used for study abroad applications. After all, the brand initially gave off the impression of a children's English learning tool, seemingly unrelated to TOEFL or IELTS.
However, as early as the end of 2017, some top US universities began accepting Duolingo English Test scores. Moreover, most elite US high schools now recommend that applicants submit Duolingo scores as a substitute for TOEFL.
Currently, hundreds of universities in countries such as the US, UK, and Canada accept Duolingo as a standardized language test, including many graduate programs. This year, the pandemic has further expanded its application scope due to its flexible testing method.
Introduction to the Duolingo English Test
Duolingo is not just a learning app; it also offers a proficiency test similar to TOEFL and IELTS for assessing international students' language skills.
The Duolingo test uses computer-adaptive technology, where question difficulty adjusts based on the test taker's performance. Currently, it is accepted by 511 undergraduate programs, 103 master's programs, and 217 high schools worldwide.
The test is available online, allowing you to take it from home using a computer and webcam anytime, without appointments or trips to a testing center. It employs computer-adaptive technology to tailor question difficulty to your level.
Why Choose the Duolingo English Test?
At this point, some students might ask: Why switch to Duolingo when I'm already preparing for TOEFL or IELTS? Won't an unfamiliar testing system cause even more pressure to perform and score well?
Advantages of the Duolingo Test:
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Time-saving (Fast): The Duolingo test takes less than 1 hour, and results are certified within 48 hours.
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Affordable (Cheap): The test costs $49. Practice materials are available through an official account, and payment can be made via credit card or Alipay at the real-time exchange rate. You have 90 days from the payment date to take the test.
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Widely accepted (Accepted): Over 500 US universities accept Duolingo as an alternative to TOEFL and IELTS.
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Unlimited free score sending: No sending fees; you can send scores to as many institutions as you want.
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Test anytime: No need to scramble for test slots; you can register and take the test at your convenience.
Let's compare Duolingo scores with other language test scores:
Although Duolingo is still a relatively new player among standardized language tests and cannot yet match the global recognition of TOEFL and IELTS, it has proven to be a viable emergency and flexible alternative in 2020, when in-person testing was disrupted.
Which Universities Accept Duolingo Test Scores?
Let's see which world-renowned universities now accept Duolingo as a language proficiency test for admissions.
Canadian Universities:
Currently, over 150 Canadian universities accept Duolingo scores, with minimum requirements typically ranging from 110 to 120. Among the Canadian graduate programs that accept Duolingo are the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, Western University, and others.
University of Calgary language requirement
Western University language requirement
US Universities:
Many top 100 US universities and colleges now accept Duolingo scores for language proficiency, including Yale, Columbia, Penn, Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, Carnegie Mellon, and more.
Columbia University Social Work language requirement
Case Western Reserve University LLM language requirement
UK Universities:
Compared to the US, fewer UK universities accept Duolingo. Among those that do are Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), University of Warwick, University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, University of Glasgow, and others.
Imperial College London language requirement
UCL language requirement
Duolingo English Test Content
Slightly different from TOEFL and IELTS, the Duolingo test has four question types that appear alternately during the exam:
① Listening
② Vocabulary
③ Speaking
④ Writing
Below are examples of each type to give you a better sense of the test.
1. Listening Section:
Sound Recognition: 9 words. Listen and decide whether each word is real or made up. Click the speaker icon, hear a word, and judge if it is correct or fabricated.
Dictation:
2. Vocabulary Section:
Select the real English words:
Speak the word for the image: You have only 3 seconds per question, and all items are common objects from daily life.
Fill in the blanks: A short text with blanks, where the first few letters of the missing word are given; you need to complete the word.
3. Speaking Section:
Choose a topic and respond:
4. Writing Section:
Describe the image:
Writing: Write a short passage of at least 50 words within 5 minutes. A typical structure is stating your opinion + giving two reasons + a conclusion.
Additionally, there is an interview section that does not count toward your score but serves as a supplementary measure of your English proficiency. Remember, don't skip it!
Notably, sending Duolingo English Test results to institutions is completely free and unlimited – doesn’t that make your heart race a little?
Can Duolingo Truly Replace IELTS and TOEFL?
For Duolingo, the longstanding dominance of TOEFL and IELTS as standardized language tests has been hard to challenge.
However, due to the pandemic this year, Duolingo's flexible testing method has led many more institutions to accept its scores, seemingly enabling it to compete with TOEFL and IELTS.
Given the special circumstances, for students who urgently need a language score or whose TOEFL/IELTS scores are not ideal and want to enhance their competitiveness, if their target school accepts Duolingo English Test (DET) scores, the Duolingo test can be a great new opportunity.
But please note that for now, TOEFL and IELTS remain the most widely accepted language tests by institutions worldwide. If you are already preparing for TOEFL or IELTS, we advise you not to abandon your studies.
Whether Duolingo can maintain its momentum and continued acceptance by global universities after in-person testing resumes in 2021, becoming a major player in the language test prep market, remains to be seen.
Regardless of which standardized test you take, thorough early preparation is the best guarantee for your applications. At the same time, we recommend carefully selecting the test that suits you best in the end.
Finally, we wish all test-taking students the best of luck in achieving high scores and gaining admission to your dream schools!
