Frequently Asked Questions.

Q. What is TOEFL?

A. TOEFL is: Test of English as a Foreign Language. Its purpose is to test the English proficiency of people who are non-native speakers of the language. Many American universities require foreign students to take the TOEFL to ensure that their English is sufficient. The test has three parts: Listening Comprehension; Structure and Written Expression; Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension. Most schools require a 500 or higher test score. Graduate programs require 550-600 or higher. For further information contact: TOEFL Program Office, PO Box 6155, Princeton, New Jersey 08541, USA.

Q. If my TOEFL score is good enough for the University I wish to attend, can I be sure that my English is good enough?

A. Not necessarily. Your speaking and writing skills may not be good enough. Many American professors require students to give oral presentations and discuss the material they study in class. Consult with an English teacher in your country to see if you are ready. Many universities and language centers have programs to help foreign students before they begin their university program.

Q. If a university has an English language program, does this guarantee that I will be admitted into the university?

A. Not automatically. Your English must meet the university's requirements and you must apply separately to the college or university for admission.

Q. How and when do I apply to a university?

A. Contact the admission office where you wish to attend. Usually you must send letters of recommendation, high school or university transcripts and statements of financial support. Apply as soon as you have selected the university. You may need to apply 3-9 months before the date you wish to attend.

Q. Can I enter a university only in September?

A. No. Most universities allow students to enter at the beginning of the fall (August-September), winter (January), spring (March-April) or summer (May-June) term or semester. Fall is when most students enter.

Q. Is there another test besides the TOEFL that I need to take to be accepted into a degree program?

A. Usually. It is best to contact the university you wish to attend to find out which tests they require and what minimum scores are necessary to be admitted. Bachelors programs may require the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or the ACT (Achievement Test). Masters and Doctorate programs may require the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) or the GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) or the LSAT (Law Scholastic Aptitude Test).

Q. Is it difficult to be admitted into an American University?

A. If you have average test scores and can pay the tuition, it is not difficult to be admitted into most American universities. The better universities such as MIT, Princeton, and Harvard are very competitive. But for most universities, your biggest difficulty may be a high enough TOEFL score. But some universities will admit a student without the TOEFL test.

Q. I want to go to the best university possible. How do I find out which is the best university?

A. First, you must determine what you want to major or specialize in. A university may have a very good engineering program but a poor business program. So if you are interested in studying business, you may not want to go to that university, even though it has a good reputation overall. Also, a university may have had a good reputation 20 years ago, but today it may not. For more information, consult these resources:

• The College Handbook Foreign Student Supplement , 320 pages, $16.
• The College Handbook, 1,696 pages, $20.
  Both are published by: College Board Publications, Box 886, New York, New York 10101-0886.

If you still have a specific question concerning the American university system, studying English or preparing for the TOEFL exam, contact us at Conversa Language Center.

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American University and English as a Second Language Information Service , How to apply