Go to Top MBA Schools Without TOEFL/IELTS! Harvard, Chicago & Wharton Now Accept Duolingo!

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Duolingo Test Replacing TOEFL/IELTS

A significant transformation is taking place in the MBA application process. The Duolingo English Test (DET) is emerging as a major English proficiency test, replacing traditional TOEFL and IELTS. This change enables MBA applicants to substantially reduce the effort spent on test preparation.

Today, I will explain why MBA schools are beginning to adopt DET, what kind of test DET is, and application strategies in this new environment.

Top Business Schools Accelerating Duolingo Adoption

World-class business schools such as Harvard Business School, Chicago Booth, Wharton, and Kellogg are successively adding the Duolingo English Test to their application requirements. This is not merely an addition of another option but represents a shift towards a more flexible and efficient application process.

Notably, these schools recognize Duolingo as equivalent to other English proficiency tests. For example, Harvard Business School accepts Duolingo scores alongside TOEFL and IELTS, with clear minimum score requirements. Similarly, Chicago Booth and Wharton School recognize Duolingo as an official proof of English proficiency.

This trend is not limited to North American business schools but is spreading to major European business schools like HEC Paris. Furthermore, at the undergraduate level, more than 4,000 higher education institutions, including Stanford University and Harvard University, have adopted Duolingo, demonstrating the test's reliability and practicality.

Innovative Features and Benefits of the Duolingo Test

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online test that comprehensively evaluates test-takers' English proficiency. The test is adaptive, adjusting question difficulty based on responses, enabling more accurate measurement of English ability.

The test evaluates four skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Specific question formats include fill-in-the-blank passages, word completion, audio transcription, and oral responses to questions.

A notable feature is that rather than traditional English tests with long reading comprehension and extended listening sections, it adopts shorter, more efficient question formats.

①Test Duration:
・Approximately 45-60 minutes total (significantly shorter than TOEFL or IELTS's 2-3 hours)
・Completed in one sitting without breaks between sections
・Speaking and writing sections take only a few minutes each

②Test Format:
・Fully online testing (can be taken from home)
・Uses computer camera and microphone
・Identity verification through passport or ID photo capture
・Adaptive testing method (question difficulty changes based on responses)
・Hybrid proctoring system using AI and human supervision

③Cost:
・Test fee is $65, significantly cheaper than other English tests
・Score report distribution is free (no additional fees)
・Early results notification option available within 12 hours (additional fee required)

④Difficulty Level:
・Total score ranges from 0-160 points
・MBA applications typically require 110-130 points
・DET 130 points equates to TOEFL iBT 100 points or IELTS 7.5
・Fewer long reading passages compared to traditional tests, with more shorter questions

For international students, studying for GMAT/GRE plus an English test has been a significant burden. However, DET is cheaper, shorter, and easier compared to TOEFL or IELTS. At Alpha Advisors, many students achieve their target scores within 3 months.

Schools Accepting Duolingo English Test (DET)

Business Schools Accepting DET

・Harvard Business School
・Chicago Booth School of Business
・The Wharton School - University of Pennsylvania
・Kellogg School of Management - Northwestern University
・NYU Stern School of Business
・Babson College
・Carnegie Mellon University Tepper
・Vanderbilt University
・HEC Paris

Business Schools Waiving English Test Requirements

・Columbia Business School
・MIT Sloan School of Management
・Duke University

MBA Application Strategy: An Efficient Approach

Maximize Results with Minimal Effort on English Tests!

With DET now accepted, excessive investment in English tests for MBA applications should be avoided. It's a waste of time, and you can now apply to top schools like Columbia in the shortest possible time.

Spending too much time on English tests reduces preparation time for essays, which are the true differentiating factor in applications. Consider these points:

・English tests have become easier, making them ineffective for differentiation
・Essays are the only opportunity to stand out from other applicants
・They allow expression of personal experiences, vision, and values
・Build your unique story that scores alone cannot convey
・Clearly explain alignment between career goals and school choice
・Carefully explain specific reasons for choosing that school

Now that test scores no longer differentiate candidates, the most important aspect is your career vision expressed through essays - your values, long-term goals, what social impact you want to make, what you've done toward these goals, and why an MBA is necessary.

Let's create the best essays that are logical, powerful, and moving.

What makes a good essay? It's one that "moves admission officers to tears." This is entirely possible when you convey your career values and desired social impact effectively.

A good essay isn't just logical. What business schools truly seek are essays that are emotionally moving and touch the heart.

Efficient Preparation Schedule

Let's plan your schedule with a focus on minimizing preparation time.

1. English Test Preparation (2-3 months)
・Achieve required scores as quickly as possible using DET
・Secure scores that can be used for multiple schools

2. Essay Preparation (4-6 months)
・Ensure sufficient time for self-analysis and school research
・Develop high-quality content through multiple revisions

3. Other Preparations (2-3 months)
・Request and coordinate recommendation letters
・Create resume
・Prepare for interviews

The key is to avoid spending too much time on test preparation. Essays are the elements that most effectively showcase your personality and capabilities. Test scores only need to be good enough to pass the "minimum requirements." Use your time for the truly important preparations that come after.

By clearing the English test requirement early, you can dedicate more time and energy to essays and other application materials. This is the efficient application strategy that leads to success.

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 16:40:52 +0900

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