If you ask, "What's the most headache-inducing part of the application season?"
Apart from the anxiety of waiting for offers, it has to be "Why haven't I gotten my target scores yet..."
This is no exaggeration. Let's briefly review just how competitive standardized tests were for the 23Fall cycle:
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IELTS score requirements kept rising, with UCL's highest language requirement reaching IELTS 8.
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GRE/GMAT returned as a required component of applications; many UK and Hong Kong schools now mandate GRE/GMAT.
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Business programs removed the option to substitute CFA for GRE/GMAT.
Looking at this, applying is only getting harder, not easier!!
Recently, there's been another wave of major moves in standardized testing, with significant changes across GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, and even Duolingo.
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ETS Official: Major TOEFL Adjustments!
In mid-April, ETS held a global press conference in Beijing and announced the latest adjustments to the TOEFL exam:
Starting July 26, 2023, the TOEFL exam will adopt new content and format.
Key Adjustments
[Shortened Test Duration]
The test is shortened from 3 hours to 2 hours.
[Reduced Reading Section]
Only two reading passages are required; the unscored experimental random section is removed, totaling 20 questions.
[Removed Listening Experimental Section]
The listening section now consists of 3 lectures and 2 conversations.
[Independent Writing Task Replaced by "Discussion Board" Writing]
This task simulates an online class discussion, requiring test-takers to state and support an opinion on a given topic; the Integrated Writing task remains unchanged.
Other enhancements:
[Score Reporting] Immediately after the test, you'll receive unofficial Reading and Listening scores; you'll learn the official score release date on test day; you'll receive real-time notifications on score report status changes.
[Expanded Test Sessions] Starting July 26, 2023, both morning and afternoon test sessions will be available on all test dates, providing more opportunities for test-takers.
[Enhanced Preparation Materials] From April 2023, the TOEFL Practice Online (TPO) will be updated; starting in July 2023, a free AI-scored mock test will be available on mobile devices; additional preparation resources will be added later.
Overall, the reformed TOEFL exam is more test-taker-friendly and efficient in terms of preparation and score reporting.
However, the reduced number of questions does not mean the exam is easier, so remain diligent and prepare thoroughly.
But this TOEFL revamp is being promoted in a big way: the TOEFL organizer has also launched the "TOEFL Limited Sightseeing Bus" on Shanghai City Sightseeing Line 1. Take a photo with the bus and check in before May 10 for a chance to win a TOEFL & GRE gift pack!
IELTS One Skill Retake Coming to China!
Following the introduction of the One Skill Retake mechanism in Australia last November, the IELTS official website has recently made new moves.
In 2023, IELTS One Skill Retake will be rolled out globally for both Academic and General Training tests.
The official estimate is that it will first be implemented in Canada this spring.
Regarding the question of when it will be introduced in China, the Director of China Examinations Business Development at the British Council recently responded in an interview:
"It's certain that China will also launch One Skill Retake, but it requires some preparation in terms of operational implementation. We believe there will be a clear announcement of this policy at an appropriate time."
Requirements for Booking a One Skill Retake
1. You must have already received your original IELTS scores.
2. You must book and take the One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original test date.
3. The One Skill Retake is only available in computer-based format.
4. You have only one opportunity to retake a single skill per full test sitting.
Although it may be a while before it's available in China, it is undoubtedly good news for IELTS test takers—after all, one less exam to sit is always better!
Duolingo English Test Sees Major Reforms in May!
Recently, Duolingo English Test officials announced the latest updates, covering changes to question types, scoring rules, and test fees.
Aside from fee adjustments already effective from April 2, the test content will officially change starting May 1.
Key Adjustments
[New Interactive Listening Question Type]
The listening section introduces a new question type, Interactive Listening, which includes assessing interactions between students and between students and professors.
[Removal of Listen and Select]
The "Listen and Select" word recognition task is removed and replaced with Interactive Listening, maintaining the same total listening time.
[Speaking Sample Now Scored]
Starting May 1, the Speaking Sample will contribute to the overall score and relevant sub-scores. However, the task and response requirements remain unchanged.
[Test Fee Changes]
Effective April 2, new Duolingo English Test pricing:
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Single test: $59 USD (a $10 increase)
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Bundle (2 tests): $98 USD (a $20 increase)
Overall, this Duolingo reform places increasing emphasis on integrated listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, so the overall demands on test-takers will also rise.
New GMAT Focus Edition Officially Launched
GMAC recently announced the new GMAT Focus Edition, set to launch in the second half of 2023.
Compared to the current version, the GMAT Focus Edition features adjustments in test content, format, scoring rules, and score sending.
Key Adjustments
[Changes in Test Content]
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Data Insights: Data Sufficiency and the four Integrated Reasoning question types.
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Quantitative Reasoning: Problem Solving questions.
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Verbal Reasoning: Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension questions.
[Shorter Test Duration]
Total test time is reduced to 135 minutes; the Verbal section is cut from 65 minutes for 36 questions to 45 minutes for 23 questions.
[Changes in Test Format]
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Test-takers can flag any number of questions for review and, within the remaining time for each section, go back and change up to three answers.
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Test-takers can choose the order of the three sections.
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There is only one 10-minute break during the entire exam; you can take it after the first or second section.
[Different Scoring Rules]
Each of the three sections—Data Insights, Verbal, and Quant—has its own raw score ranging from 60 to 90. The total score ranges from 205 to 805, with each section equally weighted and no subscores.
[Easier Score Sending]
After receiving your score, if you're satisfied, you can send it to up to five schools for free.
GMAC states that the current version of the GMAT will remain available until early next year, allowing test-takers to complete their current preparation and business school applications.
Thus, those who have already registered for the GMAT can proceed confidently, and those still preparing should keep an eye on the official website for updates.
CFA Sees Biggest Changes Since 1963
Beyond standardized tests, professional certifications like the CFA are also undergoing reforms. Currently, some programs accept the CFA as a waiver for standardized tests; we have compiled the latest adjustments to the CFA exam.
Recently, the CFA Institute announced major changes for all three levels in 2024-2025, detailing six key innovations on its website.
The average difficulty of the curriculum remains unchanged, though the timing of different changes varies.
Standardized tests remain an unavoidable challenge for students during the application season. No matter how exams change, it’s more important to find the strategies that work best for you. At the same time, prepare holistically and enhance your overall competencies.
To cope with ever-changing application requirements and the increasingly cutthroat application landscape, students preparing for the upcoming 24Fall cycle must plan and prepare early. This gives you enough time to refine yourself and fully leverage your unique strengths.
