When to Start Preparing for IELTS or TOEFL?️‍🔥

Q: When to Start Preparing for IELTS or TOEFL?

When to Start Preparing for IELTS or TOEFL?: To get ready for the IELTS exam, it’s good to start 6-12 months before you plan to take the test. If you’re thinking about studying abroad, it’s even better to start preparing as soon as you can.

When to Start Preparing for IELTS or TOEFL?: To get ready for the IELTS exam, it’s good to start 6-12 months before you plan to take the test. If you’re thinking about studying abroad, it’s even better to start preparing as soon as you can.

Once you get the green light, you can sign up and take the test. In this article, let’s dive into more details about when to start prepping for the IELTS. Let us learn more!

When to Start Preparing for IELTS or TOEFL?

Here’s a quick recap of the important aspects of these two exams.

	IELTS	TOEFL
Conducted by	International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is conducted by the British Council, IDP IELTS Australia, and Cambridge English Language Assessment.	Test of English as a Foreign Language is conducted by Educational Testing Services (ETS)
Accepted by/ for	Across Europe, Australia, Canada as well as USA and Singapore.	Across the USA and also in Europe, Australia, and Canada but might vary from institute to institute
Test Structure	IELTS Academic Divided into 4 sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking	TOEFL is also broadly divided into Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking
Score Range	IELTS is scored on a band range of 0 – 9 with 9 being an expert user.	TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) is scored on a range of 0 – 120
Score Validity	Valid for 2 years	Valid for 2 years
Repetitions	Can be taken multiple numbers of times (on the days given)	Can be repeated multiple numbers of times provided there is a gap of 12 days between two consecutive attempts

To nail the IELTS/TOEFL, it’s key to sync your prep with when your college starts or when classes begin. Also, keep an eye on visa processing times so you can plan when to start prepping for the test and filling out visa forms.
Starting early not only boosts confidence but also hone your skills. Even if you’re already good at English, staying sharp with practice is crucial for a high score. Getting a head start usually means better results and no last-minute rush.
An important aspect to note about both the IELTS and TOEFL exams is their validity, which is two years compared to the five-year validity of GMAT/GRE scores. Considering the typical timeline for study abroad plans, which spans about 18 months from decision-making to departure, this validity period becomes crucial. Depending on the course and visa requirements, you may need to provide language proficiency scores for admission or visa purposes.
We suggest aiming to have your IELTS or TOEFL scores ready at least 12 months before your planned intake session. This gives you flexibility to apply to different session intakes across various countries where your scores are valid. Timing is key here; taking the test too early may result in needing a re-take, while waiting too long could lead to unnecessary stress.
If your chosen course doesn’t require language proficiency scores for admission but you need them for visa purposes, it’s wise to hold off until you’ve started the application process. However, avoid leaving it until the last minute, as test dates may fill up quickly, causing delays in your visa application.
In essence, it’s best to start preparing for these exams as soon as you decide to study abroad, unless your course exempts you from needing language proficiency tests. Preparing early not only ensures you’re ready for any requirements but also helps improve your language skills, which is always beneficial. So, regardless of how far away your study abroad plans are, starting to work on your language proficiency early is a smart move.

Important factors on which preparation of IELTS or TOEFL depends are:

Validity of IELTS or TOEFL

It’s crucial to note that both TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years, contrasting with the longer validity of GMAT/GRE scores, which lasts for five years. This two-year validity aligns well with the typical timeline for study abroad plans, which spans about 18 months. This validity period is significant because it covers the period from deciding to study abroad to actually embarking on the journey.

Furthermore, the timing of when you need to provide your language proficiency score varies depending on the course requirements and visa application process. For admission purposes, scores are usually required 12 to 8 months before the intended intake, allowing sufficient time for application processing. However, for visa applications, the scores are typically needed about 4 months before the session begins.

It’s advisable to be prepared with your IELTS or TOEFL scores at least 12 months in advance of your intended session. This timeframe offers flexibility to apply to various session intakes across different countries where the scores remain valid. Applying too early might necessitate a retake, while waiting too long could lead to unnecessary stress. Additionally, since different universities have varying timelines, it’s essential to have your application documents ready well in advance to meet their requirements.

VISA Purposes

If your course doesn’t require an IELTS or TOEFL score upfront and you only need it for visa purposes, it’s advisable to hold off on taking the exam until you’ve begun the application process. Once you start receiving admission letters, you can register and sit for the exam. However, it’s crucial not to procrastinate, as delaying might result in difficulty finding an available exam date, potentially causing delays in your visa application. Therefore, maintaining a 12-month timeframe before your planned departure is ideal.

In general, it’s recommended to start preparing for these exams as soon as you decide to pursue studies abroad. Even if you’ve chosen a course that exempts you from the language proficiency test, it’s wise to begin preparations early, as these exams may be required at any point during the application process. Additionally, since these exams primarily assess language skills, preparing for them can be beneficial regardless of your study plans. Focus on improving language proficiency, understanding linguistic nuances, and practicing verbal and written communication in the target language. Starting early on language preparation can be advantageous, ensuring readiness for any future study abroad endeavors.

Your prep time for the IELTS exam depends on your English level and the scores you’re aiming for. Knowing your target scores is key, and managing your time wisely can really pay off!

If you’re at an intermediate level, it usually takes about three months to get used to the IELTS format. But if you’re starting from scratch, plan for around six months to get ready for the exam.

Which IELTS test you should take depends on your goals. Let’s break it down:

IELTS General Training: This one’s for folks looking to work or live in an English-speaking country like the U.K., Australia, Canada, or New Zealand. It’s often used for job applications and immigration purposes.
IELTS Academic: If you’re aiming to study abroad for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. program taught in English, this is your go-to. Most universities worldwide accept the IELTS Academic certificate as proof of your English skills.
IELTS Life Skills: This is a newer test, mainly for those applying for visas and immigration to the U.K. It focuses on speaking and listening skills and is tailored to meet specific immigration requirements.

In conclusion, the timing for starting IELTS/TOEFL preparation hinges on various factors, including your plans for going abroad and the associated deadlines, such as visa processing. It’s crucial to consider these aspects before diving into your IELTS/TOEFL prep. You’ll need to assess which category of the IELTS/TOEFL exam suits your needs best and determine how much time you’ll require for preparation. These factors play a significant role in planning your IELTS/TOEFL journey effectively.

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