Options after Language School: Getting into College June 19, 2015

One big reason that people from all over come to study English in the United States is because they want to go to a university that offers classes in English only.  If you have made a plan and are at least thinking you might want to attend college in America, read on for some helpful things to know.

Getting an English-language certificate before college

If you are not a native English speaker, the first thing you need for admission to an American university or other school that offers English-only classes is a certificate (an official document) showing that you have mastered English well enough to take English-only classes. To get that document, you will need to take a test.

If you are planning to take a language test, taking a prep course can help improve your chances of getting a good score.  Prep courses come in many styles and formats, from internet-based, self-paced activities to intensive in-person classes at language schools.  Classes and prep activities can be especially helpful if 1) you need to improve a specific language area, or 2) you need to take practice tests before having your exam.

How do you decide which test to take? There are many options. However, most schools accept either the TOEFL test or the language test offered by IELTS.

TOEFL

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is one of the most widely used and accepted English language exams in the world.  They offer an internet-based version of the test (iBT) that can be taken at testing centers around the world.  This test helps measure how well you understand college-level English.  It covers four main areas: reading, listening, speaking and writing.

IELTS

This test, offered by International English Language Teaching System, is another common English language certification accepted by American colleges.

After the test, what’s next?

After you finish language school and have taken your language tests, you have several options for continuing your education.  When considering your choices, make sure you confirm the minimum test score before applying to a specific school.  These requirements cannot usually be changed, so make sure you understand them when you apply.

Community college

Community colleges, junior colleges, and other vocational schools offer shorter programs than a four-year university.  Many programs are two years in length and tuition is usually less expensive than at a four-year university.  Community colleges often offer a wide range of courses, from general education to special training programs focused on a trade or vocation.  You can earn associate degrees and other training certificates.

Compared to a four-year university, the admissions standards for community colleges are not very high. English-language requirements are also probably low as well.

Four-year university

This is what most people think of when planning for college or university.  Four-year universities offer academic undergraduate degrees in many subjects.  They range in size from small, private schools with a few hundred students to big public universities that have large campuses with tens of thousands of students.

Language requirements for four-year universities will be higher than for two-year community colleges.

Masters and Ph.D. programs

Masters and doctoral (Ph.D.) programs are generally offered at post-secondary academic institutions and are available only after you have completed an undergraduate degree at a four-year university.  You may have help when you enroll in a two or four-year school, but at the Ph.D. level you will be expected to have the ability to speak and understand native-level English. Even for native English speakers, it is very difficult to get into one of these programs.

How NYEA can help

No matter which choice you make, preparation is key to your success. NYEA has several different English programs available that can help you improve your language abilities.  The most valuable one for those of you pursuing higher education is the TOEFL iBT Preparation course.  This is an intensive study course offered at our Lower Manhattan location in four and eight-week blocks.

The course begins by helping you to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Then it focuses your studies especially on areas that you can improve. We also give model tests to help you get comfortable with the test taking environment and experience.  Lastly, the course gives guidance on academic skills like note taking, paraphrasing, and summarizing.  These skills are not only necessary for the TOEFL, but are also useful when taking classes at a university once you get into school.