IELTS is the most recognised high stakes English proficiency test in the world and is often a prerequisite to enter most schools in major cities overseas. This is especially relevant in countries like the US, where English is the first language. Are you considering applying to a university in the US as an international student? If so, you may be wondering about the minimum IELTS score for USA.
Many universities in the US accept IELTS scores as part of their admission requirements. However, the minimum IELTS band score for USA can vary depending on the university and program. In this blog, we will discuss the recommended IELTS scores for USA universities, providing you with valuable information to help you prepare for your study in USA journey.
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Minimum IELTS score for USA universities
The average minimum IELTS band score for USA is between 6.0 to 6.5, through which potential students can enter most universities across the country.
However, students who have the desire to enter some of the worldâs top universities need to aim for a band score that is slightly above average.
Given the international standards and reputation of these educational institutions, it can be quite competitive but certainly not impossible.
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings in 2024
Times Higher Education (THE) is one of the three most established organisations responsible for the publication of global university rankings each year.
The organisation boasts highly extensive and sophisticated performance indicators to provide the most balanced and objective comparisons across all eligible universities in that particular year.
Five key performance indicators can be categorised into five aspects: teaching, research quality, research environment, industry income, and international outlook.
In the 2024 rankings this year, nine US universities retain their spots in the global top 15. This includes powerhouse institutions such as Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale, to name a few.
Hereâs a more in-depth look into the minimum IELTS requirements for the top universities under the 2024 THE World University Rankings.
Rank | University | Global rank | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programs) | IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Stanford University | 2 | Not available | Not available |
2 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 3 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
3 | Harvard University | 4 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
4 | Princeton University | 6 | 8.0 | 8.0 |
5 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 7 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
6 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 9 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
7 | Yale University | 10 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
8 | University of Chicago | 13 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
9 | Johns Hopkins University | 15 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
10 | University of Pennsylvania | 16 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
11 | Columbia University | 17 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
12 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 18 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
13 | Cornell University | 20 | 7.5 | 7.0 |
14 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 23 | 7.0 | 6.5 |
15 | Carnegie Mellon University | 24 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
16 | University of Washington | 25 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
17 | Duke University | 26 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
18 | New York University | 27 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
19 | Northwestern University | 28 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
20 | University of California, San Diego | 34 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
QS World University Rankings in 2024
Alongside Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings is also among the top three most established and internationally acclaimed ranking systems.
This ranking system has a different set of assessment criteria that contribute to a universityâs final score in the global performance tables.
Its eight key metrics include academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per faculty, faculty-to-student ratio, international student ratio and international faculty ratio, international research network, employment outcomes, and sustainability. All of these play a crucial part in determining how an institution is perceived on a global scale.
In 2024, 10 universities made it to the top 20 of QS World University Rankings including Ivy League universities such as the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, Yale, and Columbia.
Here are the minimum IELTS requirements for American universities according to the QS world ranking system.
Rank | University | Global rank | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programs) | IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
2 | Harvard University | 4 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
3 | Stanford University | 5 | Not available | Not available |
4 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 10 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
5 | University of Chicago | 11 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
6 | University of Pennsylvania | 12 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
7 | Cornell University | 13 | 7.5 | 7.0 |
8 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 15 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
9 | Yale University | 16 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
10 | Princeton University | 17 | 8.0 | 8.0 |
11 | Columbia University | 23 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
12 | Johns Hopkins University | 28 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
13 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 29 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
14 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 33 | 7.0 | 6.5 |
15 | New York University | 38 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
16 | Northwestern University | 47 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
17 | Carnegie Mellon University | 52 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
18 | Duke University | 57 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
19 | University of Texas at Austin | 58 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
20 | University of California, San Diego | 62 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
Please note that the specific requirements for IELTS band scores, universities, and colleges in the USA may vary and it's always recommended to check with the individual institutions or consult with an education advisor for up-to-date and accurate information.
IELTS scoring scale
Understanding the IELTS scoring scale is essential for test-takers looking to prepare for the test. IELTS scores are used by universities in the US to assess an individual's English language skills. The IELTS test is scored on a scale from 0 to 9, with half-point increments, providing a comprehensive evaluation of a test-taker's abilities in four key language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Here is a skill-level scoring of the IELTS test:
Skill level | Score |
|---|---|
Expert | 9 |
Very good | 8.5 |
Very good | 8 |
Good | 7.5 |
Good | 7 |
Competent | 6.5 |
Competent | 6 |
Modest | 5.5 |
What are the steps to take if the IELTS band score falls below the desired level?
If your IELTS band score is not high enough to meet your desired level, here are some steps you can take:
Identify your weaknesses: Review your test results to identify which sections or skills you struggled with the most. It could be reading, writing, listening, or speaking. Understanding your weaknesses will help you focus your efforts on improving those specific areas.
Review the test format: Familiarise yourself with the format of the IELTS test, including the types of questions, timing, and scoring criteria. This will help you understand what to expect and how to approach each section of the test effectively.
Work on your weaknesses: Once you have identified your weaknesses, focus on improving them. For example, if you struggle with reading, practice reading comprehension exercises and work on strategies to improve your reading speed and accuracy.
Seek guidance: Consider enrolling in an IELTS preparation course or working with a qualified English language tutor who can provide you with feedback, guidance, and strategies to improve your performance. They can also help you identify and work on your weaknesses more effectively.
Manage your time: Time management is crucial in the IELTS test. Practice managing your time effectively during your practice tests to ensure that you have enough time to complete all sections of the test. Use techniques such as skimming and scanning to quickly locate information in reading passages and practice writing within the time limits.
Stay updated with test changes: Keep yourself updated with any changes or updates to the IELTS test format or scoring criteria. Visit the official IELTS website or contact the then IELTS test centre for the latest information.
Further your studies in the USA with IDP IELTS!
Now that you have an idea of the minimum IELTS score for USA, itâs time to start preparing for the IELTS test!
If you donât know where to start, weâre here to guide you each step of the way.
As a joint owner of the IELTS test, IDP has decades of experience in helping students to prepare for and take the test.
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