Universities Accepting Duolingo Test In USA for 2024 Admissions

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is one of the most popular English proficiency tests recognized by universities globally. In the USA, many universities have started accepting the Duolingo test to enroll international students.

This test gained prominence when institutes could not conduct IELTS and TOEFL tests during the global lockdown. If you are a study abroad aspirant, securing impressive Duolingo scores can open doors to renowned universities in the USA.

Read more to learn about Duolingo accepting universities in the USA in detail.

What is Duolingo Test Used for

The Duolingo test is a computer-based English proficiency examination considered at par with Cambridge English Exams, PTE and TOEFL. It is simple to conduct and is affordable for students seeking admission abroad. 

The test-takers are provided a link to the official certificate, which includes their overall scores and subscores that are reflective of their proficiency in different areas.

Advantages of Duolingo English Test

Certifying your English proficiency has never been easier. Numerous universities accept Duolingo in the USA  due to its various advantages and its easy-to-use platform. Some advantages of taking your test from Duolingo are:

On-Demand Tests: Duolingo lets you take your tests anytime from the comfort of your home. There is no need to make an appointment or visit a test center.
Short test duration and quick results: The test takes only one hour to complete, and the results of your proficiency test are usually delivered within two days of taking the test.
Wide acceptance: The test results are widely accepted throughout the world by around 5000+ universities.

Duolingo English Test Requirements

Duolingo lets you take the test anywhere you want to, and hence, there aren't many requirements for you to ponder about. You only need certain equipment and have to set up the space from where you will be taking the test.

1. Equipment and documentation you need:

• Computer with a Webcam, working Mic, and speakers.
• Stable internet connection with a minimum of 2 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload speed for a seamless experience.
• Original government-issued photo ID

2. Setting up your space:

• A quiet and comfortable space
• Good lighting, as proctors should be able to see you clearly throughout the test.

Duolingo Scores Break-up 

The DET score ranges between 10 and 160. There is a basic, intermediate, upper-intermediate, and advanced scores. These scores are per the Common European Framework of Reference. Let's understand the score breakdown here.

Score Range	Description
10-55	Basic
60-85	Intermediate
90-115	Upper-Intermediate
125-160	Advanced

To understand the student's command over the English language, Duolingo analyzes various facets. These are called sub-scores and are as follows - 

• Literacy 
• Comprehension 
• Conversation 
• Production

Universities in USA that Accept Duolingo Test

As mentioned earlier, there are numerous universities that accept Duolingo in the USA. Here is a list of top universities that use Duolingo scores as a parameter to assess students' English language proficiency.

1. Boston college
2. University of Pittsburgh
3. New York University
4. Harvard University
5. University of Colorado
6. Pennsylvania State University
7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
8. John Hopkins University
9. Cornell University
10. Yale University
11. University of Kentucky
12. Rice University
13. Indiana University
14. Washington University
15. University of California Berkeley
16. Kent State University
17. University of Alabama
18. University of Cincinnati
19. University of Vermont
20. Utah University 
21. Northeastern University
22. Southeastern University
23. Iowa state university
24. California State University
25. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 
26. Illinois Institute of Technology 
27. Arizona State University 
28. George Mason University 
29. San Jose State University
30. University of West Florida

Duolingo 85 Score Accepting Universities in USA

Here are the universities in the USA requiring a minimum Duolingo score of 85. 

University Name	Duolingo Score	QS World University Rankings 2024
Alliant International University	85	Not Available

Duolingo 95 Score Accepting Universities in USA

Here are the universities in the USA requiring a minimum Duolingo score of 95.

University Name	Duolingo Score	QS World University Rankings 2024
Arizona State University	95	179
Illinois Institute	95 or higher	469
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth	95	151
California State University	95 or higher	1401
San Jose State University	95	1201

Duolingo 100 Score Accepting Universities in USA

Here are the universities in the USA requiring a minimum Duolingo score of 100.

University Name	Duolingo Score	QS World University Rankings 2024
Iowa state university	100	400
The University of Oklahoma	100	641–650

Duolingo 105 Score Accepting Universities in USA

Here are the universities in the USA requiring a minimum Duolingo score of 105.

University Name	Duolingo Score	QS World University Rankings 2024
University of Utah	105	441
Northeastern University	105	375

Duolingo 110 Score Accepting Universities in USA

Here are the universities in the USA requiring a minimum Duolingo score of 110.

University Name	Duolingo Score	QS World University Rankings 2024
University of Vermont	110	901–950
University of Cincinnati	110	691–700
Kent State University	110	1001–1200

Duolingo Score for USA Student Visas

Most of the universities in the US acknowledge the DET score for admissions, yet it is not a direct requirement for a US visa. If the institution to which you’re applying accepts the Duolingo English Test as part of their application process, you may not have to take any other English tests to obtain a study permit.

Tips to Achieve Your Desired Duolingo Score

Here are a few tips to get you ready for your Duolingo English Test (DET):

1. The Duolingo  English Test is designed to test your English proficiency and hence you shouldn’t try to memorize sentences. 
2. Understand the DET test format and prepare accordingly.
3. Practice writing to help you with your speech. Doing this will also help with your grammar and help you identify spelling errors and other issues. 
4. Try to communicate with your family and friends in English to enhance your pronunciation and vocabulary.

 

What are the Various Parts of the Exam?

Before you begin the exam, you will have to log in and check if your microphone and camera are working properly to take the test. Also, you will need to take a picture for your identification, document your face, and agree to the test security rules. 
Duolingo will provide instructions at every step. The DET consists of three parts - introduction,  adaptive test, writing and speaking sample. Let's look at each part in a bit more detail. 

Introduction

In this part of the examination, you will be informed about the rules and regulations of the test. You will also be asked personal questions like full name, contact details, and gender. This typically lasts for 5 minutes.

Adaptive Test 

The next part of the exam is an adaptive test where you will be tested for your speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills. This section holds the maximum weightage and the difficulty of questions change based on performance. The duration for this section is 45 minutes. You might have to answer the following type of questions - 

• Write the statement after hearing its recording.
• Select the correct English words.
• Reading out a sentence aloud.
• Answering short essay-type questions.
• Describe an image in one or two sentences.
• Fill in the missing letters to complete a sentence.
• Say a statement and record it.
• Write a description of a given image in 60 seconds.

After you complete the test, you will receive a score between 10 and 160.

Writing and Speaking Test 

This is the final part of the examination, where Duolingo will test your speaking and writing skills. The duration of this section is 10 minutes. You will be given prompts and asked to respond in detail.

For the writing part, students will have 3–5 minutes to respond. It  might include the following types of questions -

• Write about a specific topic.
• Describe a particular person or event that has left an impression on your life.

You have to answer these questions within the time frame provided by Duolingo. 

In the next speaking or interview part of the test, you have to answer a particular question in detail. Like the previous section, you will have to complete it within a set timeframe, that is 1–3 minutes.

How Many Times Can Student Take DET

You can take the test as many times as you want. However, you can't take the test more than three times within 30 days. So, if you are unsatisfied with your results, Duolingo offers unlimited chances to get the score you want.  

Who Conducts the Duolingo English Test(DET) Test? 

The Duolingo online learning platform conducts the Duolingo English Test. It will cost you only $65( INR5427)*.

Alternatives to Duolingo English Test(DET)

Although the Duolingo English Test (DET) offers an easy and reliable option for showcasing your English proficiency, it may not be suitable for everyone. Let's explore other test options that are widely accepted by universities in the USA:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): It is one of the widely known English proficiency tests worldwide. TOEFL is offered in both paper and computer-based formats.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS):  The test is accepted by over 12,000 organizations worldwide and can be used for academic, jobs, or visa purposes. 
Common European Framework for Reference of Languages (CEFR): This test describes six levels of English proficiency, each with increasing complexity.
Pearson Test of English (PTE): It focuses more on real-world English communication and is a Computer-based test.

Conclusion

The acceptance of the Duolingo English Test by universities in the USA marks a significant shift towards embracing modern, accessible, and efficient methods of assessing English proficiency for international students. 

This innovative approach not only simplifies the application process but also opens up new avenues for students worldwide to pursue higher education in the United States. 

As more institutions recognize the Duolingo Test, it underscores the evolving landscape of academic admissions, reflecting a commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and the global mobility of knowledge and talent. 

For prospective students, this development signifies a promising opportunity to fulfill their academic aspirations in the USA with greater ease and flexibility.

* "Disclaimer! All course fees/salaries/expenses are indicative."