English Exam for USA: Cost, UG & PG Scores

Veda Burman Study Abroad Content Specialist

Study Abroad Content Specialist

English exams for USA are necessary to prove proficiency in English as a part of the application process. The universities in USA commonly accept standardized English exams such as TOEFL, IELTS, DET, and PTE along with few other tests. However, the accepted exams and score requirements are university-specific.

TOEFL is the most commonly accepted English proficiency test in USA. For admission to the UG courses in USA, universities often expect a TOEFL iBT score of 80-100 or equivalent. For graduate courses, universities accept minimum scores between 54 and 100. However, a score above 80 is considered competitive in most of the average universities. Details of the English proficiency tests to study in USA are provided below.

Table of Contents

How to Choose the English Tests in USA?
English Exams for UG Admission in USA
English Exams for PG Admission in USA
Cost of English Exams for USA
FAQs

How to Choose the English Tests in USA?

When selecting an English exam, consider the following factors to make the best choice:

Accepted Tests: Not all universities accept every test. TOEFL and IELTS are widely accepted in USA, but some programs may also accept DET or PTE. Before applying to the university, make sure the test you are choosing is accepted by the institution.
Minimum vs. Recommended Scores: Aim for recommended scores if provided, as they increase the chances of admission. Try to communicate with recent students or alumni to know the average score of the accepted candidates.
Sectional Scores: Universities like Princeton and Cornell specify minimum section scores. You must satisfy each test component to be eligible for admission.
Multiple Attempts: Most exams accepted in the universities in USA allow multiple attempts. TOEFL and IELTS can be retaken within a few days to a week, depending on the test.

English Exams for UG Admission in USA

Top US universities have specific English proficiency score requirements for admission to the undergraduate programs. Here are some renowned US universities and their respective English proficiency test score requirements:

University	TOEFL Score	IELTS Score	DET Score	PTE Score
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	Min. 90 \| Recommended: 100	Min. 7 \| Recommended: 7.5	Min. 120 \| Recommended: 125	Min. 65 \| Recommended: 70
Harvard University	80	6.5	NA	NA
Stanford University	NA	NA	NA	NA
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	100	7.0	NA	NA
University of Pennsylvania	100	7.5	NA	NA
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	80 (100 preferred)	6.5	115	NA
Cornell University	Speaking: 22, Listening: 15, Reading & Writing: 20	7.0	NA	NA
University of Chicago	100	7.0	NA	NA
Princeton University	90-100	8.0	NA	NA
Yale University	100	7.0	NA	NA
Johns Hopkins University	100	7.0	NA	NA
Columbia University	105	7.5	135	NA
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	87	7.0	NA	NA
New York University (NYU)	100	7.5	135	70
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor	100	7.0	NA	68

English Exams for PG Admission in USA

The English proficiency requirements for PG courses in the US universities are comparatively less than the UG courses. Check out the test score requirements across some popular US universities:

University	TOEFL Score	IELTS Score	DET Score	PTE Score
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	90	7.0	NA	NA
Harvard University	80	6.5	NA	NA
Stanford University	89-100	(7.0 in few schools)	NA	(68 in few schools)
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	100-110	7.0-7.5	130	NA
University of Pennsylvania	80	6.5	NA	NA
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	80	6.5	115	NA
Cornell University	Speaking: 22, Listening: 15, Reading & Writing: 20	7.0	NA	NA
University of Chicago	90-104	7.0-7.5	NA	NA
Princeton University	27 in speaking	8.0	125	NA
Yale University	100	7.0	120	NA
Johns Hopkins University	100	7.0	NA	NA
Columbia University	80	6.5	NA	NA
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	54	5.0	80	42
New York University (NYU)	100	7.5	135	70
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor	84	6.5	NA	NA

Cost of English Exams for USA

A comparison of the application fees for the common English proficiency tests in USA is provided in the following table:

Test	Application Fee (INR)
IELTS	17,000
TOEFL	16,900
PTE	17,000
DET	5,480

English proficiency tests are an integral part of the admission requirements in USA across all academic levels. You must choose the universities first and check the common tests accepted. Try to score above the average to increase your chances of admission. Careful planning, and sufficient preparation can be crucial to secure a place in your dream university in USA.

FAQs

Ques. How to select the right English proficiency test for USA?

Ans. Indian students should select an English test based on the accepted tests at your target universities. TOEFL and IELTS are widely accepted across the USA, while DET and PTE are recognized by select institutions. Aim for recommended scores if provided, and consider section-specific requirements if applicable.

Ques. What are the English exams required by US universities?

Ans. The most common English exams for admission to US universities is TOEFL. Most universities accept TOEFL and IELTS, but some also consider DET and PTE. Always check specific university requirements, as accepted tests can vary by institution.

Ques. What are the score requirements for undergraduate admissions in USA?

Ans. For undergraduate programs, universities in the USA generally require a TOEFL score of 80-100, an IELTS score of 6.5-7.5, or equivalent scores on other tests. Some universities specify section-wise minimum scores or have preferred scores, so it's important to review each university's requirements in detail.

Ques. What is the score difference between UG and PG courses in USA?

Ans. Yes, postgraduate programs may have slightly lower or similar score requirements compared to undergraduate programs. For example, PG programs might accept a minimum TOEFL score of 54 to 100, but meeting a score above 80 is usually more competitive for both UG and PG levels.