Studying abroad, in a foreign country is always an exciting and scintillating experience. Yet there are a few ‘hurdles’ standing in the way of international students when it comes to gaining admission into a good university abroad. These are the placement tests required to prove one’s aptitude and capability in order to get admission into any program in the chosen university. Many countries all around the globe require applicants to appear for placement tests before they can get admission into them. The United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada and many other countries with some of the top most universities in the world carry the requirement of taking placement tests.
Although there are various tests, the most important ones are those related to language proficiency and knowledge. Since English is one of the most common international languages of the world, they are also the medium of communication, curriculum, examination and interaction in foreign countries, such as Canada. Therefore, all international students, especially those coming from countries where the mother tongue and native language is other than English, it is imperative for them to appear for such placement tests.
IELTS and TOEFL are two such placements tests that are required for admission to a Canadian university by international students. These tests are crucial in judging the admission of any student into a university abroad as they measure the English language skills in students. IELTS or International English Language Testing System is a test to judge a student’s proficiency in English. It makes use of all four skills that are important in the English language, that is, reading, writing, listening and speaking (Rao , 2015). The purpose of the test is to ensure that any international student applying for admission to a Canadian university is prepared to face an environment that strictly makes use of English as a common language of communication (Rao , 2015). There are two categories of IELTS tests; the General Training IELTS test or the Academic IELTS test. These are taken for purposes of either getting a visa or taking admission into a program at the university.
TOEFL is an abbreviation for Test of English as a Foreign Language. This test is one of the most needed tests to be appeared in, in order to get admission into a foreign university (Rao , 2015). There are test scores which are marked for testing the proficiency of the students in the English language. The basic reason for taking these tests is to ascertain whether or not international students are grounded enough in the native language of the country they are going to study in, for example, Canada, where the medium of language will be strictly English. Many students do not obtain the required scores needed for admission, for which they have to reappear for their TOEFL (Rao , 2015).
The preparation for these placement tests such as IELTS, TOEFL and some others such as GRE, GAT, and such others, depending on the program they are applying for. Firstly, it is important for international students to familiarize themselves with that they are entering into. A know-how of the test they are about to prepare for and appear in is very important. They must know the course, requirements as well as the methodology of the test (TestDEN & Ltd, 1997).
Many of the students are unaware of the purpose of the placement tests and what exactly needs to be covered. Studying a lot may prove to be unnecessary and studying too less might leave a student unprepared. Thus, they need to know the syllabus and purchase books or attend classes at places that teach or provide tuitions for placement tests. Moreover, it is about ambition and motivation; students need to take these tests seriously because a high score on these tests can determine a guaranteed admission into the university of their choice (TestDEN & Ltd, 1997).
The best way to study is by following the outline of questions and queries usually given in the exams. Sample tests are best for this purpose and going through old tests, solving them and checking answers as they go on by, is the best way to prepare (TestDEN & Ltd, 1997). Knowing the format of the questions and the concepts undertaken for setting the exam are equally important in order to get through with it. It is important that the placement tests with a timed structure, such as IELTS or TOEFL are practiced regularly, so there is no lag in preparation and time management does not become a problem during the actual exam. There are specific placement tests for specific programs, so students need to take into account the kind of test they need to appear for (TestDEN & Ltd, 1997).
Moreover, for tests such as IELTS and TOEFL, the best way to prepare is to repeatedly give these exams, perhaps at a center for preparation. The teachers and instructors are trained, and they help international students with their progress, and they help them with any problems they have regarding preparation. As far as the speaking portion of the tests is concerned, international students can practice by speaking out their answers aloud which can help them with language fluency and also provide the ability to improve their answers every time they speak (TestDEN & Ltd, 1997). Computerized tests are a little more complex to solve and can be tricky. Hence students need to put their complete focus into them, especially for subjects like Math and English (TestDEN & Ltd, 1997).
The reason why Canadian universities require a placement test for international students to get admission in them is mainly because of the language requirement. Every university requires their international students to express high demand on the language so they can succeed without failing their courses and also because students with weaker language skills suffer from great adjustment problems in the country (Rao , 2015). Universities take into account the fact that students not only need to study in the country but they also need to interact with other native citizens and survive in the country for a long period of time. Hence a good comprehension and use of English language will ultimately help them communicate and interact with others. Not just for English, but general aptitude tests and other placement tests help to establish the strength of the student in the chosen subject that can ensure that the selected candidate was a good choice for the program. An unfit candidate for a seat can not only ruin the academic life of the student but also affect the credibility of the university (Rao , 2015).
As far as the scoring and admission criteria of Canadian universities are concerned, there are varying subject scores for varying universities. However, the placement tests have a fixed scoring system for international students. The most important tests are the English proficiency tests which are strictly adhered to when an international student is admitted to a university in Canada. TOEFL, the internet based examination accepts a minimum of 90, where writing and speaking cover 25 each, at the least. IELTS has a requirement of 7.0 bands. MELAB, the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery accepts a score of 85- where 80 marks per section are required and for the co-op programs, speaking requires 3. CAEL, which is the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment, is a test which requires 70 passing marks, 60 per band, with writing and speaking at 70 each. The PTE Academic – Pearson Test of English has a passing score of 63, with writing and speaking requiring 65 each. The EFAS, English For Academic Success is another placement test where an overall 75% is required at the 400 level, thus needing 75% each in academic, oral and the written section (“English language requirements,” 2016). An assessment of these marks can assess the admission of an international student into a Canadian University.
References
English language requirements. (2016, February 26). Retrieved July 28, 2016, from
https://uwaterloo.ca/find-out-more/admissions/english-language-requirements
Rao. (2015, October 8). Rao Overseas Consultancy. Retrieved July 28, 2016, from
http://raooverseas.com/blog/index.php/the-importance-of-ielts-and-toefl/
TestDEN, & Ltd, A. 360 M. (1997). Study abroad in Canada. Retrieved July 28, 2016, from
http://www.testden.com/toefl/study-abroad-canada.htm
