For an undergraduate application, the applicant should ask the receiving college or university which tests, if any, are required; whether an English-language exam applies; and what test, score, reporting and deadline rules it recognizes. EducationUSA states that undergraduate admissions testing policies vary by institution. It also says that most U.S. colleges and universities require an English-language exam when English is not an applicant’s native language. These are general statements, not confirmation of a particular institution’s policy.
Questions to send
| Question | What the available guidance establishes |
|---|---|
| Which tests, if any, are required for this undergraduate application? | EducationUSA says admissions testing policies vary by institution, so the receiving institution must confirm its own requirements. |
| Does an English-language exam apply to this applicant? | When English is not the applicant’s native language, EducationUSA says most U.S. colleges and universities require one, but this does not determine the answer for every institution. |
| Which tests, test versions or levels will the institution accept? | The cited guidance does not provide an institution-specific list. |
| Is there a minimum score or required score range? | No score requirement can be inferred from the general guidance. |
| Must the result be sent directly by the testing service, or is another submission method accepted? | The cited guidance does not state a score-reporting method. |
| What testing and result-submission deadlines apply? | The cited guidance does not provide deadlines. |
| Are there any institution-specific testing fees, waivers or refund terms? | The cited guidance states no fee, waiver or refund conditions. |
How to check the answer
The applicant should match the response to the exact college or university and compare it with the institution’s current application instructions. If those instructions do not resolve a question, the applicant should seek confirmation in writing and retain the response for later reference.
A general statement about “most” institutions cannot establish what one institution requires. Nor does the cited statement say that applicants whose native language is English are automatically exempt from testing. Each requirement should therefore be checked against the receiving institution’s own materials.
What still needs confirmation
EducationUSA’s guidance answers only two broad points: testing policies differ between institutions, and English-language exams are commonly required when English is not an applicant’s native language. It does not establish whether a particular test is required, which score is sufficient, how the result must be delivered, when it is due, or whether any testing-related fees or waivers apply. Those details remain for the receiving institution—or another relevant authority named by it—to confirm.