As an international student, there are placement tests that must be taken prior to being granted an F-1 visa, and right before enrolling in a course.
Unless you are enrolling into a Language Learning program, you must speak English in order to obtain an F-1 visa. English proficiency is a requirement, and depending on your country of origin, you may be asked to take an English Proficiency test in order to be admitted into the college or university you wish to attend.
If English is not your native language, you may take a test such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)Â – This type of test will assess your ability to listen, read, write and speak in English.
Once you are admitted into a US school, you will take additional placement tests. The purpose of these tests is to make sure you can register for the best classes for you. Each school will have specific requirements for graduation. For example, college-level Mathematics and English.Â
Because international students come from different parts of the world, these placement tests help as a general guideline to give your academic counselor a better idea of how your education level and skills would translate into American school standards. With this, you can benefit by being placed in the class level that will best serve your academic goals.Â
The best thing about placement tests is that they can help you save money! This is because by taking a placement test, you won’t be mistakenly put in a class that could be too easy or too hard for you, therefore will prevent that you take an unnecessary class you might find boring because it’s too easy, and in the worst case scenario, it can also prevent you from failing a class that is too advanced for you, then having to retake it.
If you’ve taken advanced classes in your home country, you may not be required to take a placement test for this specific subject. But of course, this will depend on your academic counselor’s advice and your college or university requirements for international students.
The required skill level for each test will vary depending on your field of study. For example, your Math skills will be more relevant if you want to be an engineer than if you want to study Art or English Literature.
International students come from a wide variety of cultural and educational backgrounds. While one student may score highly in Math and low in English, another student’s score could be the opposite. Everyone is different and the goal for placement tests is to ensure you receive the best educational plan that is personalized for you and your goals.
Hopefully this guide can help you understand how placement tests can help you and your academic advisor set you up for success. Remember that each international student’s experience is unique, and that every school may have a different set of requirements when it comes to placement testing.