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English testing: IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo
English testing: IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo
Whether or not an English language test is required can very much depend on the country and/or university a student is applying to. The requirements can vary greatly in terms of what is accepted and when it is required. Therefore it is important that the English language requirement for universities is checked in advance.
A general rule of thumb:
UK Universities: English A (HL/SL) and English B (HL) and sometimes English B (SL) are considered sufficient at most universities, however there will be specific grade requirements for each university that will needs to be met before enrollment, this should be clearly stated on the university website. This requirement can vary depending on the course.
If a student is unsure that they can meet the grade requirement for one or some of their universities, they should take an IELTS or TOEFL to be safe, the acceptance of Duolingo varies in the UK.
US Universities: If English is not your first language, or you take English B, or do not take English, you may need to take the IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo test and have a score when you apply. These tests are designed for students whose native language is not English. In most cases, the requirement to take such a test is not affected by the student’s current level of English, nationality or the student’s English class level. It is highly recommended that you complete one of these tests before you are in your final year of secondary school.
The IELTS and TOEFL are accepted at all universities in the U.S. and Canada as proof of English proficiency.
Registration for the IELTS is at www.ielts.ch. Some students applying for student permits in the UK may be required to take the IELTS UKVI Academic
The TOEFL is computer based and given in various locations throughout Geneva. TOEFL registration is at: www.ets.org/toefl
Duolingo https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants is an online test that is now accepted by many, but not all, universities in the US and in some other countries (important to check individual university websites).
Important distinction between the US and the UK English requirements: For the UK, the English language requirement can be met after the student has applied (and been conditionally accepted), as long as the requirement has been met before August. For the US, the English language requirement needs to be met before application.
Rest of the World: Generally speaking 4 years of education in English with IB English A (HL/SL) or IB English B (HL) with a grade of 5 or above is typically sufficient to meet most English language requirements, however it is always important to double check as part of the process of checking academic requirements.
Other language testing
Other language testing
DELF (French)
Goethe Institute (German)
SAT and ACT
SAT and ACT
The SAT or ACT is required by some not all U.S. universities and can be a helpful factor in the admissions process. These tests measure critical reading, math and writing skills and are intended to supplement the secondary school record as an indicator of readiness for college level work.
A growing number of U.S. universities have test-optional or test-blind policies, meaning students do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores in applications. Students who do not wish to test should speak with the Guidance Counselors to confirm this is a good strategy.
A list of US universities currently requiring the SAT/ACT. It is important to check individual university websites for accurate testing policies.
In addition to the US, SAT scores may be used as part of admissions for universities such as Bocconi, ESADE, IE or universities in Asia.
What are the Tests?
U.S. Universities accept or require SAT or ACT scores which are used as one way to evaluate a student’s potential for academic success during the first year of university. The SATs and ACTs are offered multiple times throughout the year. SAT/ACT should be taken the first time in year 12 and can be taken again between August-December in year 13. If the college bound student is graduating in Year 12, then the first test should be taken at the end of year 11. SAT/ACT can be taken a number of times of which only the best scores are taken into consideration by most universities.
SAT www.collegeboard.com
The SAT measures a student’s ability to perform skills necessary for college coursework (math and evidence-based reading and writing). Please note that some U.S. universities require the additional Writing test, which is optional. The SAT I is intended to supplement the secondary school record and other information about the student. LGB is an SAT testing center for LGB students and College du Leman is the public center open to all. The SAT is now a computer-based test. Students will bring their own laptops to use on the test date. Paper-based SAT testing is no longer offered.
The ACT is a test designed to measure a student’s ability to perform the skills necessary for college coursework. Please note that many U.S. universities require the Writing test, which is optional. All universities will accept ACT scores instead of the SAT. Many universities will also waive SAT Subject test requirements if the ACT is submitted. The ACT is offered in limited locations internationally. We recommend that students take the SAT.
Changes to the ACT (2025)
The ACT is being updated. DETAILS HERE. LGB recommends students take the SAT because we are an SAT test center; the ACT is not available in Geneva. If you take the ACT, it is recommended to take the optional science section as some universities will require it.
How to register for the SAT and when?
Students register for the SAT on the College Board website www.sat.org. In general registration deadlines are 5 days prior to the test date. If you have special accommodations (e.g. extra time) please contact the test coordinator (chloe.gattlen-sar@ecolint.ch) as early as possible, but no later than 7-8 weeks prior to the test date to apply for accommodations. Accommodations for extra time, or other special needs, such as a reader, must be approved by the testing organization.
SAT details are available at: www.collegeboard.org
To Take the SAT at LGB: LGB is a closed test center and any Ecolint student can request to test here on dates we are offering the SAT. When completing the registration on sat.org, enter test center code 59820 on your registration form to select our test center. The other Geneva testing location is at Collège du Léman in Versoix. CDL offers more test dates.
LGB School CEEB code (enter this as your high school on your SAT registration form): 796240
2025-2026 Testing Dates @ LGB: September 13, October 4, December 6, March 14. There are additional SAT test dates in September, November, May and June offered at other SAT test centers, such as College du Leman (check SAT registration site for confirmation.) Registration deadline is usually 4-5 days prior to the test date.
2026/2027 SAT dates at LGB: September 12, October 3, December 5, March 6.
ACT dates and registration details are: www.myact.org. Please note that LGB is no longer an ACT center. There is testing at Leysin American Academy and in Zurich.
Mock SAT Testing @ LGB - Computer-based mocks November and February (specific dates and registration will be in the Guidance Newsletter)
These are proctored/invigilated practice SAT test dates. The scores are not official, but are encouraged to experience a real testing environment and receive a feedback report.
Computer-based SAT mocks will be offered at LGB in November and February. The specific dates and registration details will be published in the Guidance Newsletter (link in the Community Newsletter) and shared with students in Y11-Y12 in mentor lessons. Individual SAT mock tests can be taken at any time through Scientia Education (contact them directly admin@scientia-education.com)
SAT PREPARATION COURSES
FREE online SAT Preparation through the College Board and Khan Academy
The College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to provide free online SAT preparation which includes mock tests and online tutorials. Information available at www.khanacademy.org/sat Free mock SAT tests are on the SAT website www.sat.org
There are also test preparation books such as Princeton Review or Kaplan that provide sample tests and self-study tips. These can be ordered from Payot or online.
There are many private SAT prep companies and tutors in Geneva and online. Contact the Guidance Counselors if you have questions about selecting a test prep company.
UPCOMING TEST PREP COURSES AND MOCK SAT DATES 2025-2026
UPCOMING TEST PREP COURSES AND MOCK SAT DATES 2025-2026
SAT Mock exams at LGB (Ecolint students only) - registration details will be shared in the Guidance Newsletter in advance of the mock dates
2025-2026 mock dates will be Friday November 21 2025 and Monday February 2 (Ecolint PED days)
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