For years, students from around the world have needed two things to be admitted and enroll at American colleges: a visa and an acceptable TOEFL score.
The latter — the acronym stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language — is about as high stakes as a high stakes test can be. Colleges claim not to have automatic cutoffs for the SAT or ACT, but many institutions have no hesitation about setting absolute minimum TOEFL scores. The reliability of TOEFL is also high stakes for colleges. Many of the foreign students submitting TOEFL scores are applying to graduate programs, and admissions officers aren’t just deciding whether to admit them, but are de facto deciding who will be TA’s two or three years down the road, in front of classrooms of freshmen.
With more than 800,000 students taking TOEFL a year, the test is also of great importance to the Educational Testing Service, which is seeing its SAT exam facing criticism for embarrassing scoring errors and a move by liberal arts colleges to drop the test.
Now TOEFL is also getting competition, and the competition has set off debates at American colleges over the best way to measure students’ English competency, the obligations of American colleges to students from the poorest parts of the world, and the changing nature of international recruiting.
The challenger to TOEFL is the International English Language Testing System, known by its acronym, IELTS. Co-sponsored by the English testing entity of the University of Cambridge, and British and Australian organizations that encourage international education, IELTS has long been the dominant test for students from non-English speaking countries seeking to enroll in English-speaking nations of the British Commonwealth. But in the last three years, IELTS has quietly become a force in the United States as well, where the number of colleges accepting IELTS on equal footing with TOEFL has doubled, to more than 800.
The increased acceptance of IELTS in the United States has in turn made the test more popular for students abroad. The Chinese press — which pays close attention to trends in international education — has had numerous reports about IELTS. People’s Daily reported that in the last three months, 17,000 people took the IELTS in Shanghai, up from 10,000 in the same three-month period a year ago, and that IELTS officials have been adding testing locations and exam times all over China.
The competition already appears to be prompting changes by both testing agencies — with IELTS moving toward more Internet-based testing (a change recently instituted by TOEFL). And TOEFL last month for the first time adopted a sliding scale on fees, so that people taking its test in Bangladesh don’t have to pay the same as those in Switzerland. (IELTS has long had such a policy, and some American college officials have been bothered by TOEFL’s old policy, fearing it discouraged applications from the third world.)
Continue Reading the article----
June 6, 2007
Taking On TOEFL
June 2, 2007
University of Montana Regents to debate waiver of GRE test
Regents will also discuss whether to give each graduate program in the university system the flexibility to drop the Graduate Record Examination as a mandatory requirement for student admission. If regents approve the new admissions requirements, the policy will allow each graduate program in the state to establish admission standards appropriate to the program.
As explained in the agenda item: “In a world of lifelong learning and multiple career changes, many graduate students are returning for additional graduate credentials. Other students are contemplating their first graduate degree after years in a successful career that more than prepares them for graduate education. The mandatory GRE especially is unnecessary for many of these students, when they have already demonstrated their ability to do graduate work or succeed in a high-pressured, competitive environment.”
August 7, 2006
Is GRE Required. Is it worthwhile to go to a University not insisting on it?
I do not encourage students to go to colleges which are not asking for GRE
scores.
Why?
1.A college which does not ask for GRE is normally rated low in America.
2. It is difficult to get USA visa without a GRE score.
Why So?
Some colleges may not demand for GRE scores from local candidates but they
do ask for it from International students for it helps their decision
process as they are able to compare various academic standards with a
comparable yardstick.
Same is the case with Visa officer. It makes his decision easy and he gets
an easy excuse to grant you a visa. Every visa officer has to ensure that
you are a genuine student and having a GRE score is counted towards that.
Now about some specific problems.
I believe that a student looks for universities not requiring GRE because he has a low score.
What is the purpose of your going abroad, spending
time and money?
Improving your career prospects is or should be your primary purpose.
After spending your money and time do you want to realize that the degree you obtained does not offer you good future prospects.
If after reading this you still want to know the names of colleges not demanding GRE scores please let me know. This information shall be provided to you by email and will cost you some money in order to test your seriousness.
The information about these colleges is readily available with us but is not
divulged in the larger interest of student community for we want them to go
to better colleges.
Good Luck
NBS
August 5, 2006
TOEFL Cut Off Scores second list
The following is the Minimum TOEFL scores expected from a student; please do not apply to the schools if your TOEFL score is less than required. The Cut-off scores are subjected to change every semester; so please check with the Graduate office of the respective schools.
Some of the universities may be repeated as they were mentioned in the earlier list.
Cut-off scores also vary from program-program; the following table if build
is the College of engineering Cut-off scores
Name
TOEFL
Auburn University, AL
213
Univ of Alabama-Birmingham, AL
213
Univ of Alabama-Huntsville, AL
197
Univ of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
213
Univ of Alaska, Fairbanks, Ak
213
Arizona State Univ, AZ
213
University of Arizona, AZ
213
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
213
California Institute of Technology,CA
250
Stanford University, CA
237
University of California, Berkeley
237
University of California, Davis
213
University of California, Irvine
213
University of California, Los Angles
213
University of California, Riverside
213
University of California, San Diego
213
University of California, Santa Barbara
250
University of California, Santa Cruz
240
University of Southern California, CA
ND
Colorado School of Mines, Co
213
Colorado State University, Co
213
University of Colorado, Boulder
220
University of Colorado, Springs
213
University of Colorado, Denver
197
University of Denver. Co
225
University of Connecticut, CT
213
Yale University,CT
247
University of Delaware, DE
250
George Washington University, DC
213
Howard University, DC
213
Florida Institute of Technology
213
University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
220
University of Florida, Gainesville,FL
213
University of Miami,FL
213
Georgia Institute of Technology, GA
213
University of Georgia
213
University of Hawaii, HL
197
Idaho State University, ID
213
University of Idaho,ID
213
Illinois Institute of Technology, IL
213
Northwestern University, IL
220
Southern Illinois Univ, Carbondale, IL
213
University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
250
University of Illinois, Urbana, IL
213
Purdue University- West Lafayette, IN
213
University of Notre Dame
250
Iowa State University
213
University of Iowa
213
Kansas State University, KS
213
University of Kansas, KS
227
Wichita State University, KS
213
University of kentucky,KY
213
University of Louisville,KY
213
Louisiana State University, LA
213
Louisiana Tech University, LA
213
Tulane University, A
213
University of Lousiana, Lafeyette, LA
213
University of New Orleans, LA
213
University of Maine, ME
213
Johns Hopkins University, MD
250
University of Maryland- College Park, MD
237
Boston University, MA
213
Harvard University, MA
213
Massachusetts Inst of Tech, MA
240
Northeastern University, MA
213
Tufts University, MA
213
University of Massachusetts- Amhrest, MA
213
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, MA
213
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA
213
Michigan State University, MI
213
Michigan Technological University, MI
213
Oakland University, MI
213
University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI
237
Wayne State University
200
Western Michigan University
213
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN
213
Mississippi State University, MS
213
University of Mississippi, MS
213
University of Missouri- Columbia, Mo
213
University of Missouri-Kansas City
213
University of Missouri Rolla
213
Washington University in St.Lious
213
Montana State University, MT
213
University of Nebraska -Lincoln, NE
197
University of Nevada, Reno, NV
213
Dartmouth College, NH
250
New Jersey Institute of Technology, NJ
213
Princeton University, NJ
250
Rutgers State Univ, New Brunswick, NJ
213
Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ
213
New Mexico Inst of Mining & Tech, NM
210
New Mexico State University, NM
200
University of New Mexico, NM
247
Clarkson University, NY
213
Columbia University, NY
220
Cornell University, NY
213
CUNY, NY
197
Polytechnic University, NY
213
Rensselear Polytechnic Institute, NY
230
SUNY Binghamton, NY
213
SUNY - Stony Brook, NY
213
Syracuse University
213
University of Buffalo- SUNY,NY
213
University of Rochester, NY
250
Duke University, NC
213
North Carolina State University, NC
213
University of North Carolina, Chapel hill
213
University of North Carolina Charlotte, NC
213
North Dakota State University, ND
213
Case Western Reserve university, OH
213
Ohio State University, OH
213
Ohio University, Athens, OH
213
University of Akron, OH
213
University of Cincinnati
213
University of Dayton
213
University of Toledo, OH
213
Wright State University, OH
213
Oklahoma state University, Ok
213
University of Oklahoma
213
University of Tulsa, Ok
213
OGI School of Science & Engg, OR
213
Oregon State University, OR
213
Portland State University, OR
213
Carnegie Melon University, PA
ND
Drexel University, PA
213
Lehigh University, PA
213
Pennsylvania State Univ- Univ Park, PA
213
Temple University, PA
240
University of Pennsylvania, PA
250
University of Pittsburgh, PA
213
Brown University, RI
250
University of Rohde Island, RI
237
Clemson University, Sc
197
University of South Carolina, SC
230
South Dakota School of Mines & Tech , SD
200
South Dakota State University
213
Tennessee Tech University,TN
213
University of Memphis, TN
213
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
213
Vanderbilt University, TN
213
Lamar University, TX
203
Rice University, TX
250
Southern Methodist University, TX
213
Texas A & M University- College Station, TX
213
Texas Tech University, TX
213
University of Houston, TX
213
University of Texas, Arlington, TX
213
University of Texas, Austin, TX
213
University of Texas, Dallas, TX
213
Brigham Young University, UT
213
University of Utah, UT
197
Utah State University, UT
213
George Mason University, VA
230
Old Dominion University, VA
213
University of Virginia, VA
250
Virginia Commonwealth University, VA
250
Virginia Tech, VA
213
University of Washington, WA
197
Washington State University, WA
210
West Virginia University, WV
213
Marquette University, WI
213
University of Wisconsin- Madison, WI
240
University of Wyoming
213
July 13, 2006
TOEFL Cut-Off Scores
The following is the Minimum TOEFL score expected from a student. Please do not
apply to the schools if your TOEFL score is less than required. The Cut-off
scores are subject to change. Please check with the Graduate Schools.
Cut-off scores also vary from program to program. The following scores are for
Engineering and Computer Science progarms
TOEFL 197
Univ of Alabama-Huntsville
University of Colorado, Denver
University of Hawaii
University of Nebraska -Lincoln
CUNY, NY
Clemson University
University of Utah
University of Washington
TOEFL 200
Wayne State University
New Mexico State University
South Dakota School of Mines & Tech
TOEFL 203
Lamar University
TOEFL 210
New Mexico Inst of Mining & Tech
Washington State University
TOEFL 213
Auburn University
Univ of Alabama-Birmingham
Univ of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
Univ of Alaska, Fairbanks
Arizona State Univ
University of Arizona
University of Arkansas
University of California, Davis
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Los Angles
University of California, Riverside
University of California, San Diego
University of Southern California
Colorado School of Mines
Colorado State University
University of Colorado, Springs
University of Connecticut
George Washington University
Howard University
Florida Institute of Technology
University of Florida
University of Miami
Georgia Institute of Technology
University of Georgia
Idaho State University
University of Idaho
Illinois Institute of Technology
Southern Illinois Univ, Carbondale
University of Illinois, Urbana
Purdue University- West Lafayette
Iowa State University
University of Iowa
Kansas State University
Wichita State University
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Louisiana State University
Louisiana Tech University
Tulane University
University of Louisiana
University of New Orleans
University of Maine
Boston University
Harvard University
Northeastern University
Tufts University
University of Massachusetts- Amherst
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Michigan State University
Michigan Technological University
Oakland University
Western Michigan University
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Mississippi State University
University of Mississippi
University of Missouri- Columbia
University of Missouri-Kansas City
University of Missouri Rolla
Washington University in St.Louis
Montana State University
University of Nevada
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Rutgers State Univ, New Brunswick
Stevens Institute of Technology
Clarkson University
Cornell University
Polytechnic University
SUNY Binghamton
SUNY - Stony Brook
Syracuse University
University of Buffalo- SUNY
Duke University
North Carolina State University
University of North Carolina, Chapel hill
University of North Carolina Charlotte
North Dakota State University
Case Western Reserve University
Ohio State University
Ohio University
University of Akron
University of Cincinnati
University of Dayton
University of Toledo
Wright State University
Oklahoma State University
University of Oklahoma
University of Tulsa
OGI School of Science & Engg
Oregon State University
Portland State University
Drexel University
Lehigh University
Pennsylvania State Univ- Univ Park
University of Pittsburgh
South Dakota State University
Tennessee Tech University
University of Memphis
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Vanderbilt University
Southern Methodist University
Texas A & M University- College Station
Texas Tech University
University of Houston
University of Texas, Arlington
University of Texas, Austin
University of Texas, Dallas
Brigham Young University
Utah State University
Old Dominion University
Virginia Tech
West Virginia University
Marquette University
University of Wyoming
TOEFL 220
University of Colorado, Boulder
University of Central Florida
Northwestern University
Columbia University
TOEFL 225
University of Denver
TOEFL 227
University of Kansas
TOEFL 230
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
University of South Carolina
George Mason University
TOEFL 237
Stanford University
University of California, Berkeley
University of Maryland- College Park
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
University of Rohde Island
TOEFL 240
University of California, Santa Cruz
Massachusetts Inst of Tech
Temple University
University of Wisconsin- Madison
TOEFL 247
Yale University
University of New Mexico
TOEFL 250
California Institute of Technology,CA
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of Delaware
University of Illinois, Chicago
University of Notre Dame
Johns Hopkins University
Dartmouth College
Princeton University
Carnegie Melon University
University of Rochester
University of Pennsylvania
Brown University
Rice University
University of Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University
June 22, 2006
What is a Good TOEFL Score
Most of the universities require at least 212 on a computer based test.
Better ones ask for atleast 250.
Some also consider a score of 200.
The importance of TOEFL is decided by the program of your choice. If you are applying to a English language program then certainly TOEFL score plays an important part.
Please keep in mind that TOEFL is not the only deciding factor for an admission decision.However it allows your application to pass the initial screening.
You will appreciate this better if you know as to how your application is processed.
ADMISSION PROCESS
Admission process is not a mathematical formula where you input certain things and the output is a forgone conclusion.
When we advice that certain norms should be observed while applying it only implies that from experience we have observed that the probability of admission increases if one adheres to them.
Admission process involves:
1. Certain Objective Factors
2. And some Subjective Ones
3. Lastly university's admission environment at the time of your applying.
The objective ones are your GPA,GRE/SAT and TOEFL scores.To this I will also add your selection of the university or program compatible to your credentials.
The subjective factors are SOP, recommendations.
Both of the above are explained in detail in my earlier mails i this forum.
The 3rd factor of Univs admission environment is explained here.This can be understood by citing some examples.
There are times when a student with top class credentials is rejected by a university like Kent State University but he is accepted by NCSU or CMU.Why?This can be understood if you view this from each university's perspective.
What does a university take in consideration while deciding about an application?
Now again there are factors which are
A.Apparent
B.Hidden Agenda
A. The Apparent Factors are 1 and 2 stated above and these are the ones which the university states when asked.The web sites of the universities will tell you what minimum GPA or GRE or TOEFL scores they need. They will also tell you about the SOP and Recos but will never tell about their hidden agenda.
B. What is the Hidden Agenda?
Universities will like to have a diversified community they will never like to have all or majority of students from the same geographical region or economical standing.
A university may be cash strap and may have decided to cut down on recruitment of students.
There may not be a professor available or willing to take you under him.This means either your type of research is not being carried out or the professor who is conducting it is not accepting additional students.
Lastly what is the competition saying? If there are students having a better match with the universities requirements then your candidature shall be overlooked.This competitive position is not static so it will change each year.You may be rejected one year but may be offered admission next year.
Thus you will see that admission process like any thing in life is neither a science so that it be governed by a mathematical formula nor it is an art.I feel that it is an art of using science to help you.
Good Luck
NBS
May 30, 2006
Some Good GRE Preparation Sites
www.west.net/~stewart/gre/grtestv.htm
www.800score.com/gre-index.html
gre.graduateshotline.com
www.syvum.com/gre/
www.kagi.com/edicom/v_test1.html
www.4tests.com/exams/examdetail.asp?eid=11
ftp.ets.org/pub/gre/14614.pdf
www.microedu.com/gretest/freetest.htm
www.vocaboly.com/vocabulary-test/
Some Good TOEFL Preparation Sites
http://www.englishtestprep.com/toefl/tests/index.htm
http://www.testu.com/products/toefldemo/minitest/minitest1.asp
http://www.gettoefl.com/twe/essay.htm
http://www.gettoefl.com/listening-sample.htm
also see testmagic.com
dethi.com/forum
http://www.learn4good.com/languages/spec_english_toefl.htm
http://www.4tests.com/exams/examdetail.asp?eid=57
http://www.free-toefl.com/Tools/Tests.aspx
http://www.testu.com/products/toefldemo/introduction.asp
http://www.esl-lab.com/
www.4tests.com/exams/examdetail
www.testmagic.com/Knowledge_Base/TOEFL/Structure/index.htm
www.gettoefl.com/practice.htm
www.esl.about.com/library/quiz/
http://ilc2.doshisha.ac.jp/users/kkitao/class/material/quiz/#toefl
