Duolingo English Test and US College Admissions: What You Need to Know

Many US universities require proof that you have a sufficient level of English. This ability is usually demonstrated by taking English language tests such as the SAT, ACT, or TOEFL. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, several of these tests have largely been put on hold.

If you need an English proficiency test, don't worry. Some universities in the US and UK now accept the Duolingo English Test, a 60-minute online test that gives you results quickly.

It is worth noting that some of the original test providers have also launched special at-home editions of their English tests, such as the TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition.

What Is the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test is an English proficiency exam created by Duolingo, the popular language-learning platform.

The Duolingo English Test gives you a certified proficiency score, a video interview, and a writing sample. The test is very affordable at $49, and it takes less than an hour to complete. It is designed so that if you answer one question correctly, the next one becomes harder.

You will receive your results within 48 hours of finishing the test, and those results can be shared immediately with any university.

How to Take the Duolingo English Test

To take the Duolingo English Test, you need:

• Some form of identification. This can be your passport, driver's license, or government ID.
• A reliable internet connection
• A computer. Your laptop or desktop must have a front-facing camera, a microphone, and speakers
• A quiet, well-lit room to complete the test

What the Duolingo English Test Includes

The Duolingo English Test has three main sections: setup, adaptive test, and video interview/writing sample.

Setup

The first stage is a quick 5-minute setup that lets you try the test before you buy it. Once you decide you are ready to take the test, you will receive instructions on how to download the app to your computer.

You will then be asked to go through a few preparation steps, such as checking that your microphone and camera work and submitting your ID. Duolingo will then walk you through the test rules and requirements.

Adaptive Test

Once you begin the exam, you will be asked to complete an adaptive test. This is the graded section of the exam and evaluates your reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills.

In this section, you will be asked to complete various short tasks.

Here are a few things you may be asked to do:

• Type phrases that someone reads aloud to you
• Write what you see in an image
• Answer a short prompt out loud
• Choose real English words from a list of real and fake words
• Complete a sentence with a missing letter
• Read a sentence aloud
• Answer a question in writing

The test is scored primarily by a computer; however, after you finish, a human reviewer will watch your test recording.

Once you complete the test, you will receive a score ranging from 10 to 160 within 48 hours, along with a full section-by-section score report.

Video Interview and Writing Sample

After you complete the adaptive test, you will be asked to record a video interview and complete a writing sample. This part of the exam is not scored, but it will be shared with any institution that receives your score.

Video Interview

In the video interview, you will be given two topics to choose from, and you will need to speak for one to three minutes.

Examples provided by Duolingo include:

Topic 1: Do you think parents should be responsible if their children cause trouble at school or in public? Why or why not?

Topic 2: What do you like most about your personality? How has this quality helped you succeed or be a good friend to others? Is this a quality everyone should have?

Once you make your choice, a three-minute timer will begin, and you can talk about your chosen topic for as long as you like within that time.

Writing Sample

After that, you will be asked to choose one of two topics to write about for three to five minutes.

Examples from the writing section include:

Topic 1: Who is someone you have influenced in your life? What impact did you have on that person, and how did you have it?

Topic 2: Describe the last time you enjoyed yourself in nature. Do you think people should spend more time outdoors? How would that affect quality of life?

Again, once you choose your topic, your three-minute timer will start, and you can answer the question you selected.

Which Schools Accept the Duolingo English Test?

Currently, 1,415 schools accept the Duolingo English Test, including the business schools of Yale University, NYU Stern School of Business, Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management, and the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

You can view the full list of schools that accept the test here.

We spoke with Jeff Tousignant, Duolingo English Test’s marketing lead, about the future of online exams. See what he had to say here.