If you’re concerned about language exam requirements when applying to transfer to U.S. universities, you’re not alone. Since TOEFL and IELTS scores are only valid for two years, many students face the challenge of their scores expiring by the time they apply. Here’s what you need to know about situations where you might be able to skip submitting language test scores for your transfer application.
1. You hold citizenship or residency in the U.S. or another English-speaking country
If you are a U.S. citizen or have long-term residency in an English-speaking country, many universities will waive the language exam requirements. For example:
- Cornell University: U.S. citizens or green card holders can be exempted.
- Rice University: U.S. citizens can be exempted.
- Vanderbilt University: U.S. citizens or green card holders can be exempted.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: U.S. citizens or green card holders can be exempted.
- Ohio State University: Citizens of English-speaking countries can be exempted.
2. You have completed studies in an English-medium school
If you have studied in a high school or university where English is the primary language of instruction for a certain period (typically two years or more), many U.S. universities will waive the English proficiency exam requirement. For example:
- Princeton University: Will waive the requirement if you are currently enrolled in an English-medium school.
- Johns Hopkins University: Will waive the requirement if you have attended an English-medium school for the past three years.
- Cornell University: Will waive the requirement if you have attended an English-medium school for the past four years.
- Rice University: Will waive the requirement if you have attended an English-medium school for the past two years.
- Dartmouth College: Will waive the requirement if your high school or university uses English as the language of instruction.
3. You have experience living in an English-speaking country
Some universities may waive the language exam requirement if you have lived in an English-speaking country for a certain number of years, whether for study or work. For example:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Will waive the exam requirement if you have lived in an English-speaking country for 5+ years.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Will waive the exam requirement if you have lived in an English-speaking country for 4+ years.
4. You have completed college-level English courses
If you have completed 1-2 semesters of university-level English courses (such as Academic Writing or English Composition) with sufficient grades (typically B or higher), many universities will waive the English exam requirement. For example:
- Georgia Institute of Technology: Will waive the English exam requirement upon completing two 3-credit university writing courses.
- University of Wisconsin-Madison: Will waive the English exam requirement upon completing one English writing course at a U.S. university (except overseas campuses).
- Rutgers University: Will waive the English exam requirement upon completing one English writing course at a U.S. university with a grade of B or higher (excluding overseas campuses or ESL courses).
5. High SAT or ACT Scores
If your SAT Reading and Writing (evidence-based reading and writing) or ACT Reading and English scores are high enough, certain universities may accept these as proof of English proficiency instead of requiring TOEFL or IELTS scores. For example:
- Johns Hopkins University: SAT ERW above 690 or ACT Reading and English both above 30 accepted as proof of English proficiency.
- Columbia University: SAT ERW above 700 or ACT Reading and English both above 29 accepted as proof of English proficiency.
- Cornell University: SAT ERW above 650 or ACT Reading and English both above 30 accepted as proof of English proficiency.
- Vanderbilt University: SAT ERW above 630 or ACT English above 26.
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor: SAT ERW above 650 or ACT Reading and English both above 27 accepted as proof of English proficiency.
6. Duolingo English Test (DET) scores
An increasing number of U.S. universities are accepting the Duolingo English Test (DET) as an alternative to TOEFL or IELTS. Over 90% of the top 80 U.S. universities now accept DET scores, and it has become widely recognized.
Compared to traditional English exams, DET offers significant advantages in flexibility, cost, and time. For example, you can take the DET at home or anywhere with an internet connection, and the results are usually available within 48 hours. Additionally, the test is generally less expensive than TOEFL or IELTS.
Top 10 U.S. Universities’ Transfer English Exam Waiver Conditions
Princeton University
- Language test requirement: Required.
- Specific requirements:
- TOEFL: No minimum requirement.
- IELTS: No minimum requirement.
- Duolingo: Not accepted.
- Waiver condition: If the current school uses English as the medium of instruction.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Language test requirement: Strongly recommended.
- Specific requirements:
- TOEFL: Minimum 90, recommended 100.
- IELTS: Minimum 7.0, recommended 7.5.
- Duolingo: Minimum 120, recommended 125.
- Waiver condition: If you have used English for 5+ years.
Harvard University
- Language test requirement: Not required, but can be submitted.
- Specific requirements:
- TOEFL: No minimum requirement.
- IELTS: No minimum requirement.
- Duolingo: No minimum requirement.
- Waiver condition: None.
Stanford University
- Language test requirement: Not required, but can be submitted.
- Specific requirements:
- TOEFL: No minimum requirement.
- IELTS: No minimum requirement.
- Duolingo: No minimum requirement.
- Waiver condition: None.
Yale University
- Language test requirement: Required.
- Specific requirements:
- TOEFL: Recommended 100.
- IELTS: Recommended 7.0.
- Duolingo: Recommended 120.
- Waiver condition: None.
University of Pennsylvania
- Language test requirement: Required.
- Specific requirements:
- TOEFL: No minimum requirement.
- IELTS: No minimum requirement.
- Duolingo: No minimum requirement.
- Waiver condition: If your high school used English as the primary language of instruction.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- Language test requirement: Required.
- Specific requirements:
- TOEFL: Minimum 100 overall, with no less than 25 in each section.
- IELTS: Minimum 7.0 overall, with no less than 7.0 in each section.
- Duolingo: Minimum 130 overall, with no less than 130 in each section.
- Waiver condition: If your high school and university used English as the primary language of instruction.
Duke University
- Language test requirement: Not required, but can be submitted.
- Specific requirements:
- TOEFL: No minimum requirement.
- IELTS: No minimum requirement.
- Duolingo: No minimum requirement.
- Waiver condition: None.
Brown University
- Language test requirement: Strongly recommended.
- Specific requirements:
- TOEFL: Minimum 105.
- IELTS: Minimum 8.0.
- Duolingo: Minimum 130.
- Waiver condition: None.
Johns Hopkins University
- Language test requirement: Required.
- Specific requirements:
- TOEFL: Minimum 100 overall.
- IELTS: No less than 7.0 in each section.
- Duolingo: Minimum 120, with specific recommended sub-scores.
- Waiver condition: ERW score above 690 or ACT Reading and English above 30, or if you have attended an English-medium school for the past three years.
Navigating the language exam requirements for transfer applications to U.S. universities can seem overwhelming, especially with deadlines and the potential expiration of TOEFL or IELTS scores. However, there are multiple conditions under which you can bypass submitting language test scores, depending on your background and experiences.
Many universities offer flexibility in their language proficiency expectations, whether you meet citizenship requirements, studied in English-medium schools, or completed relevant coursework.
If you’re unsure about how these rules apply to your situation or need guidance in navigating the transfer process, we’re here to help. Reach out to Ivy Talent for personalized advice and support on your transfer application. Let’s work together to help you achieve your goals.
Date: May 21st, 2025