Duolingo English Test Complete Guide | How to Reach 125 in Just 3 Months

Hello, I am TJ, CEO of Alpha Advisors.
Recently, we have seen a sharp increase in questions from working professionals, university students, and parents alike.

・Can Duolingo really be used to apply to overseas universities and MBA programs
・Is it possible to skip TOEFL or IELTS entirely
・Is scoring 125 or higher in a short period actually realistic
・I want to avoid wasting time on English tests and reach the required score as fast as possible

To be clear from the start, when used correctly, Duolingo is the most efficient English proficiency test available today. And achieving a score of 125 or higher within three months is absolutely realistic.

That said, taking a self directed approach often leads to failure.
In this article, we explain why Duolingo has become so important right now, and why a short term, professionally guided strategy is essential for success.

Why Duolingo English Test Matters Now

The Duolingo English Test is a four skills English assessment developed by Duolingo, a company originally known for its language learning platform.

The reason this test has expanded so rapidly is straightforward.

・Fully online and available 24 hours a day from home
・Total test time is approximately 60 minutes
・Test fee is around 40 dollars, dramatically lower than other exams
・Results are released within as little as 48 hours
・Officially accepted by over 4,000 universities and graduate schools worldwide

For MBA programs, graduate schools, and undergraduate admissions abroad, the number of institutions accepting Duolingo continues to grow every year.
For working professionals considering an MBA, the ability to build a valid English score in a short time while working full time alone makes Duolingo a compelling choice.

MBA Programs Accepting Duolingo Have Expanded Significantly | 2025 Edition

The role of English tests in MBA admissions has fundamentally changed.
The era when TOEFL or IELTS were mandatory is over, and top MBA programs accepting the Duolingo English Test have increased rapidly.

Representative MBA Programs Accepting Duolingo

※ Requirements vary by year and application type, individual confirmation is required

As shown above, Duolingo allows applications to many of the world’s leading schools.
In other words, you can complete your English testing quickly and focus your time on essays, interviews, and recommendations.

This trend extends beyond MBA programs to graduate and undergraduate admissions worldwide. That is why the core strategy today is not to spend unnecessary time on English exams, but to build a competitive Duolingo score efficiently in a short timeframe.

Understanding the Duolingo Score Structure Is the First Step

Duolingo scores are not a simple average of the four language skills. Evaluation is based on the following four dimensions.

・Literacy
・Comprehension
・Conversation
・Production

These components are combined through Duolingo’s proprietary scoring logic to produce the overall score. This means:

・You can reach a strong total score even if speaking or writing is relatively weaker
・At the same time, some areas will not improve at all if your strategy is incorrect

Whether or not you understand this scoring structure makes a significant difference in your results.
If you start studying without this knowledge, you are likely to fall into the common trap of working hard without seeing your score improve.

For Duolingo and Study Abroad Success, Work One on One with Alpha Advisors

・You want to know the score strategy that fits you best
・You want to make a 125 score in three months a reality
・You want a clear list of schools you can apply to with Duolingo
・You want to finish your English test quickly and move on to the next stage

If any of this resonates with you, speak with a professional first.

For Duolingo and study abroad success, choose Alpha Advisors one on one coaching.

With 18 years of experience, our founder TJ and our English test specialists provide intensive guidance. TJ brings a background in global business, a top tier MBA, and frontline experience in international finance, combined with deep expertise in admissions strategy.

Before taking a long and inefficient self directed path, start with a free consultation and design your fastest route forward together with us.

Free Consultation Here ＞ Free Consultation

Learn More About Our MBA Advisory Program Trusted by Successful Applicants to Top Global MBAs ＞【Alpha Advisors MBA Study Abroad Support】

【Duolingo 125+ Score Advisory】Private Tutoring for Breaking Through Duolingo 125!

【Recommended Articles】If you are considering an MBA, these resources are also highly recommended

・【2025 MBA Round 2 Application Deadlines】How to Get into Harvard, Stanford, Chicago, and Columbia

・Chicago Booth Admission Strategy 2025: Record High Applications, the Toughest GMAT in History, and Why Candidates from Japan Should Bet on the GRE

・【Thinking About an MBA?】School Choice, Career Outcomes, Cost, and Admission Reality

TJ Profile

TJ began his career at Sumitomo Corporation in Corporate Accounting, overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and performance management for more than 800 global subsidiaries, as well as IR activities. He was selected as the youngest trainee at Sumitomo Corporation of America in New York, contributing to the restructuring of a U.S. steel business. He later joined Project Finance, arranging large scale financings for international infrastructure projects and telecommunications. Chosen as a company sponsored MBA candidate.

He earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, concentrating in Finance and Entrepreneurship. He founded the University of Chicago Japanese Association and launched the school’s first Japan Trip, now an annual tradition.

TJ subsequently joined Goldman Sachs Japan Investment Banking Division, advising on M&A in the media and consumer sectors, IPOs and capital raising, and private equity and restructuring assignments.

He was selected as a fellow in the Entrepreneurial Leadership Program by Keizai Doyukai, receiving mentorship from top business leaders including H.I.S. Chairman Hideo Sawada.

As President of the Chicago Booth Alumni Association in Japan, he guided candidates to leading MBA programs and global universities. His students have secured roles at firms including Mitsubishi Corporation, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, Google, Big 4 consulting/FAS, Toyota, MUFG, and Nomura.

Renowned for rigorous one on one coaching for TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, and GRE, TJ is widely trusted for his ability to design and execute career and academic strategies with exceptional precision.