2015-2016 Test Dates for SAT and SAT Subject Tests
Saturday, October 3, 2014
Saturday, November 7, 2014
December 5, 2014
January 23, 2015
May 7, 2015
June 4, 2015
Important information for international registration deadlines that applies to students in Dubai:
The NEW SAT starts. Students taking the SAT on these dates will take a new version of the test. Students taking the SAT earlier will take the old (current) version of the test.
The SAT is NOT offered all the time. It’s offered 6 times a year for students in Dubai. So…
International registration must be completed by 12 midnight Eastern Standard Time (about 8 hours behind Dubai).
Registration usually closes the day before the next SAT.
There is no March 2016 SAT test for students in Dubai.
There’s no late registration for students in Dubai. You have to register online by the deadline.
Want even more information? Visit the College Board’s International SAT Registration page for info on policies and other tests you might need to take.
We’ve already offered 6 Free IELTS Practice Resources and 6 Free TOEFL Practice Resources, so it’s about time we offer you 6 free GMAT practice resources.
This post features at least 7 computer-based GMAT practice tests and links to tons of questions…and they won’t cost you anything!
If you’re preparing for the GMAT, you’re probably a busy working professional and don’t have a lot of time to sift through all of the information and GMAT-specific sites to test what’s good and what’s not, so we’ve done the work for you. We have used all of the following resources in the past with our own students and hope you will benefit from the accompanying advice.
Before you start studying for the GMAT, you MUST do a full length diagnostic test to figure out your baseline score (you score without any preparation, every practice test will hopefully improve upon your baseline) see what your strengths and weaknesses are. The best test available is by the makers of the GMAT: GMAT Prep Software. You can download it from mba.com, the official GMAT exam website.
The software includes 2 full-length mock GMAT exams. Do 1 as your diagnostic before you start hardcore studying and 1 as a “finisher” to give an accurate score just before you take the official GMAT.
Although there are no detailed explanations for these test questions, you may find them if you search around on the web (be sure to take a screen shot of the questions because they are not always retained in the software). Questions come from a general question bank and this test is adaptive. We often have students ask us if they should do the tests again once they have finished their 2.
We don’t recommend it because you will see a lot of the same questions again and, since you already know the answer, it won’t really help you study.
Also included in the software are 90 additional questions. Do all of them to get the most out of this great resource!
Kaplan offers this great GMAT Practice Test with Video Review for students who are interested in their courses. There’s no reason you can’t benefit from it! Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Register Now under the Self-proctored option. You’ll be taken to a shopping cart page where you can sign-up to take the test. The test is full-length and adaptive like the real GMAT.
Our students have found this test to be slightly easier than the actual GMAT. Although you get a detailed score analysis, detailed answer explanations are only provided for some questions. Still, it’s a good tool for computer based practice.
Just like Kaplan, Veritas Prep offers a free full-length, adaptive GMAT exam. This is the test we send to students to do a diagnostic because it includes detailed solutions to every question, pacing analysis, raw quantitative and verbal scores (out of 60), total overall score (out of 800), and data on how you performed versus other students.
Our students have found these tests to be harder than the actual GMAT.
You also get access to their GMAT Question Bank of questions they are testing for data. Even though the questions are not adaptive, they are excellent practice on random GMAT topics.
When you finish all your free resources and if you still need more computer based practice, we recommend buying the 6 practice tests for $49 (AED 180). We think they are totally worth it!
McGraw-Hill is a well-known publishing company but a relatively new player in the test prep industry. We have found their prep books to be too theory heavy, too long, and too light on GMAT strategy…BUT, they’ve got a few good resources at their McGraw-Hill Prep Center for the GMAT.
The site offers 2 full-length GMAT practice tests, but we question how adaptive they are. In addition, we didn’t get a raw or composite score, only the number right and wrong, when we completed the tests. The tests are great if you need more computer-based practice, but don’t read to far into the analysis. Do the questions and move on.
In case you need a review of any concepts, check out their videos covering major GMAT math and verbal topics and question types. Definitely worth your time.
Manhattan Prep offers a free GMAT Practice and GMAT flash cards to help you study for the GMAT. We like this free test because it’s full length, adaptive, and gives you the amount of time you spent of EACH question.
We have often used this test to evaluated the pacing and general test-taking strategies that our students used. Often, we discovered that it wasn’t their understanding of the concepts that hurt their scores, but the pacing! (Don’t ever spend 15 minutes on only 3 questions. It’s a score killer.)
Be sure to also check out the free GMAT flash cards. If you’re struggling with memorizing math formulas or identifying grammar errors during sentence corrections, you definitely need to work through these. You can print them, view them online, or download them to your iPhone (no Android version available yet).
If you’re one of those people who feel like you are not good at math and need a thorough review of the basic concepts, check out the worksheets on Kuta Software. We source all our worksheets for our GMAT Math Foundations lessons on this website. Here are the exact ones you need to practice (click the links):
So now you’re thinking, “But I don’t know how to do this stuff at all…” No problem. Check out Khan Academy for videos to help you master each concept.
If you don’t need GMAT math foundation help but do need some more practice with advanced concepts, check out these:
Divisibility and Factors
This worksheet offers more practice on key concepts included in arithmetic.
Factors and Factorization
For those who need more practice using factor pairs and factor trees to solve GMAT problems.
Markup, Discount, and Tax
Great practice on a few often overlooked quant concepts. After doing enough of these, you’ll be a pro.
Operations in Scientific Notation
Although not a common question type on the GMAT quantitative section, operations in scientific notation may appear. Complete this worksheet and you’ll have no problem answering the question correctly.
Review of Equations
Mastering algebraic manipulation is important for the GMAT. Practice with this worksheet.
Review of Linear Equations
For people who want more practice with coordinate geometry.
We know our stuff! We offer GMAT preparation with a native English-speaking tutor who loves to read and works math problems for fun. She can help you achieve your best score on all sections. She'll even grade your essays for free as part of your prep. Read more about our GMAT preparation and then WhatsApp us to talk.
You just got accepted to a US university and now your mom wants to know what’s next. No problem, Mom. We’ll explain everything! We’ve provided detailed information that applies to Dubai students accepted to universities (undergraduate, graduate, and MBA) in the United States.
Here are the next 10 steps in the process, taking you from acceptance to arrival.
1. Accept your university back by paying your deposit.
Once you’ve gotten accepted to a US university, you have to accept them as well. If you have received more than one acceptance and aren’t sure where you want to go, then check out our post on How to Choose Which University Acceptance to Accept.
Almost all universities complete the acceptance (or rejection) process by mid-June (for Fall semester) so you can wait a little while if you are unsure (each university will specify this date in their acceptance email).
Usually universities will put all the instructions to accept your acceptance in the email they sent you (or the 3 or more emails they will send in rapid succession after they accept you). Email them back with your confirmation or click a link to be taken to a page on their site where you submit an online enrollment form.
To make sure you’re serious, universities also usually require you to submit a deposit, about $600, online with a credit card.
2. Set up an online student account to get updates on the process.
One or more university emails will also prompt you to set up an online student account. Some universities use different ones from the account you used when you were applying, some use the same ones. No matter what, set up your online student account early in the process so you can see the updates as documents are received. There also may be things you need to do that you don’t receive an email about but should complete nevertheless.
3. Provide your financial verification.
This step is one of the most important after you get accepted to a US university because it affects just about everything that happens from here on. Every student accepted to a university in the United States is required to provide financial verification in order to receive a student visa.
The US government requires that student can prove they can pay for the entire first year of education (including tuition, fees, and housing) using liquid money sources. Basically, your parents (or sponsors) need to have that amount sitting in a bank account.
You’ll be required to provide additional documentation:
If you have scholarships, you have to provide letters and information from the scholarship authority to show you don’t need to have the money. If you scholarship is only a partial scholarship, you have to show you have cash for the remaining portion of your education.
Bank statements or letters (from banks where your parents, you, or sponsor hold an account) must show the actual amount of money available. This amount must be equal to or greater than the total cost based on 9 months listed by your university on the form.
Your sponsor(s) must complete the “Statement of Financial Responsibility & I-20 Verification Form” given you by your university (usually downloadable from their website as a PDF.)
Documents must be dated within one year of the start of your first term at the university.
Documents must be in English; translations must be verified by an appropriate bank or government official.
Some of the requirements vary from university to university. We have seen universities that require bank letters from the bank manager rather than a form. Others required the forms to be notarized by a US registered notary that you can only find at the US Consulate in Dubai. Still others may have had you complete this step in the process when you apply, rather than after you are accepted.
Returning Your Financial Verification
Once you have completed your financial verification paperwork, you have to send it back to the university. Here are our tips:
Complete 3 original sets of paperwork. You’ll need the same items for your visa interview in Dubai and they come in handy when you enter the US, so get 3 copies of bank statements and have 3 sets of forms signed. It would be really difficult to get these again later if you (or the university) lose them.
If the form asks for an address, they usually mean physical address, not PO Box. Universities send the paperwork you need for your student visa by courier, so make sure you provided a physical address like “Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Tiffany Tower, Flat 515, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 99999.” (Dubai doesn’t have zip codes so you can leave that part blank or put 99999.)
Courier your financial documents and forms. You need to make sure that the university receives them promptly and that you can track them if there are any issues. It’s better to pay Aramex or DHL to courier everything than have the university contact you later saying they did not receive the documents. Go through the Financial Aid Department’s website (or email or form) to verify the address to receive couriers. It won’t be the PO Box address.
4. Wait for your I-20 packet after getting accepted to a US university.
You completed step #3 so that you can receive an I-20 Application Packet (I-20 for short) from your university. The I-20 packet will allow you to schedule your visa interview and begin the process for you to receive a US student visa.
Keep in mind, you CANNOT schedule a visa interview before you receive this packet because you have to provide a number on a bar code from the packet.
In general, universities can issue an I-20 about 1-2 weeks after they receive your financial verification forms. Typically, they send all I-20s going to international addresses via UPS International, which usually reaches most countries within 5 business days.
5. Gather the documents for your visa interview.
Just because you’re waiting on your I-20 to arrive doesn’t mean you should be chillin’. It’s time to collect the documents for your visa interview. If you do this now, you can take the soonest interview and get this process over with quickly.
Visa Interview Documents
Here’s what you’ll need for the interview:
Passport that is valid for at least 6 months and has one blank visa page
High school transcripts or grade (mark) records (And official university transcripts if you were accepted into graduate or MBA programs)
Official SAT, SAT Subject Test, GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, and/or IELTS scores (whatever you have)
CV, Resume’, or student activities resume’ (if you have one)
Financial verification paperwork from step #3 (see we told you that you needed more originals!)
Parents’ stuff: salary statements, employment letters, UAE residence visa copies, property deeds from the UAE and your home country, additional bank statements with big balances, investment statements, and anything else that might be able to prove you have sufficient funds AND ties to your home country (or the UAE)
Why do you need all this stuff? When you apply for a non-immigrant visa, the interviewing officer is allowed to presume that you plan to permanently stay in the U.S., unless you prove otherwise by demonstrating “ties to the home country.” You must gather enough evidence showing that you have these ties, usually through your family.
Your application will likely be denied if the Consular Officer believes you intend to stay in the U.S. after your studies. The more documents you can show, the better off you’ll be.
6. Once your I-20 packet arrives, schedule your student visa interview and pay your SEVIS Fee.
Once you have your I-20, you can apply for an F-1 student visa at a US Consulate in Dubai. If you will be a student, you cannot enter the U.S. on a visa that does not allow study (such as B-2, F-2, Visa Waiver Program, etc.).
We recommend that you schedule an appointment as soon as possible after you get your I-20. Processing times for visa issuance vary and may require additional time due to security checks.
Have your I-20 with you because you need the info on it.
Be sure to save often because the application is long and you don’t want to lose your info.
When you get to the confirmation page, print one copy and PDF the same page (if you can) because you need it for the visa interview.
Read all information on the I-20 carefully. Pay special attention to page two, where your legal responsibilities as an F-1 student in the United States are explained. Sign page one of the Form I-20, and provide the information requested if under 18 years of age.
SEVIS
Universities are required to enter accepted foreign students’ names into SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitors Information System. After you receive your I-20, you are required to pay a SEVIS fee online at https://www.fmjfee.com/. The fee is $200 and paid online by credit card.
When you get to the confirmation page, print one copy and PDF the same page (if you can) because you need it for the visa interview.
After you’ve completed your DS-160 and paid your SEViS fee, you’ll be directed to the official US visa information and appointment scheduling website. Any other updates you need on your visa will be found there. Ypu can also pay the $160 student visa application fee.
7. Ace your student visa interview.
In addition to the documents you collected in step #5, you need to bring the following to your visa interview:
DS-160 online application confirmation page (good thing you PDFed)
Original I-20 form from the university
Photocopy of the I-20
Proof of payment of SEVIS Fee (good thing you PDFed it too!)
The US Consulate in Dubai has provided some great information and the video below on what happens on interview day.
Here are our tips:
Label every document you gathered with sticky notes and put them in a plastic folder so you keep everything neat and organized.
Get familiar with your paperwork beforehand. You don’t want to be confused about what or where something is when the Consular Officer is asking you questions.
Practice your interview beforehand. Here are a bunch of potential interview questions you should have answers to. The Consular Officer’s goal is to ensure you won’t stay in the US after you finish your education, so all of your answers need to support this point.
Dress in business clothes or formals to create a great first impression. They need to know you take the process seriously.
Don’t be nervous! You’re where you’re supposed to be and doing what you’re supposed to be doing so you’re probably going to get a visa.
Approved, Refused, or Pending Further Review?
You will find you that day if you have been approved, refused, or pending further review. In the past, our approved students gave their passports the same day and received the passport with visa stamp at home by courier 3 to 5 business days later.
If your application is marked pending, it could take a few weeks to a few months for the US Consulate to complete their review. Be sure to send an email to your university to keep them notified of the process. If you aren’t approved for a visa by the time school starts, you can start the next term or defer your admission and start the next Fall.
8. Pay your housing deposit.
As soon as you receive an email from the Housing Department, pay your housing deposit. Getting university housing is an extremely competitive process and their is a chronic shortage of student housing. Although some universities guarantee all incoming freshmen a space in university housing if they want it, the best dorms always go first.
Do not get stuck with the old dorms on the dodgy side of campus. So, pay your deposit (usually about $600) as soon as you can.
9. Request your final transcript from your school.
You’ve been accepted to university and properly have your student visa by now. However, most universities want a record of your grades from your last term or last year of high school.
Request an official copy of your transcript is sent to your university before you leave high school for good. (This won’t be necessary if you are a graduate or MBA applicant. You should already have an official transcript ready to send to your university.)
If your school won’t send one directly, ask for a transcript in a sealed envelope with the school’s address on it. The envelope must either have the school stamp or an administrator’s signature written over the flap.
10. Graduate and take a nice long vacation!
You finally made it! Graduation day is here and you’re getting ready to go to university. We recommend that you hang out with your family, party with your friends, and take a nice long vacation. Not only did you earn it, but you need to rest up. Starting university is an emotional, exciting, and scary experience (we know). You’re going to need to be at your best.
Need help applying to universities or getting a student visa?
Whatsapp us for the FREE consultation! We’ll talk you through the process and help you understand how we can make the entire process easier for you.
A few months ago, we shared our complete methodology for how to prepare for the SAT Subject Test Chemistry. Now, we’ve decided to do the same for a test many more people take: the SAT Subject Test Math Level IIC. If some of your chosen universities require you to take this exam and you’re not sure what it is, check out this post that explains the SAT Subject Tests.
The Math IIC is NOT the same test as the Math IC! The content is not the same and the tests are not interchangeable. Math IIC contains more advanced topics not tested on Math IC. However, since the SAT Subject Tests are supposed to test you on concepts you actually learned in school, you will have seen many of the topics covered before. Math IIC is most often required for future math, science, or engineering majors.
Additional Topics Covered on the SAT Math IIC
We have written this guide and the notes assuming you have ALREADY prepared for and taken the SAT. Therefore, the notes do not cover topics in detail that are really important on the general SAT. The following topics are NOT on the general SAT:
Logarithms
Matrices
Vectors
Exponential functions
Trigonometric functions
Piecewise functions
Recursive functions
Hyperbolas
Polar coordinates
Cosines
Sines
Standard deviation
Least squares regression
Irrational numbers
Here’s how we get students started and, if you’re prepping on your own, we recommend you go about your preparation:
Complete the review exercises at the end of the Sparknotes chapter. Time yourself giving 1 minute per question (e.g., if there are 10 questions, you get 10 minutes). At the end of the time, mark where you stopped and keep working. Be faster next time. On the actual test, you have 60 minutes to complete 50 questions.
As you review at the beginning of your next session, review only the powerpoint (PDF) notes.
SAT Subject Test Math 2C Practice Tests
Take a diagnostic test BEFORE you start preparing. This score is your baseline score and let’s you know what you would get if you took the SAT Subject Math IIC now. You’ll need to write down and try to improve upon this score.
You MUST take practice tests if you intend to score over a 600 (this is a good score on the subject tests), so you’ll need supplemental material. We recommend you use the Kaplan SAT Subject Test Math Level 2 book. It’s also a great resource if you need more help on a certain subject. You can buy the Kaplan book at Book World by Kinokuniya in Dubai Mall. If the book isn’t available, you can buy the Barron’s SAT Subject Test Math Level 2 instead.
SAT Subject Test Math 2C Study Schedule
Since you probably have a lot of school work, we recommend you reserve one day a week to study for the SAT Subject Math IIC. Each session will take about 3 hours (practice tests only require 1 hour). Here’s the schedule to prepare over 7 weeks. If you have less time, you’ll have to do 2 days a week.
Week 1: Math IIC Fundamentals and Algebra (There are no strategy notes for the fundamentals because much of this information was included in your SAT prep. You should fly through these first 2 chapters.)
Week 6: Statistics and Miscellaneous Math; Practice Test #3
Week 7: Review notes; Practice Test #4
Our Expert Advice
You don’t have to know everything to do well on this exam. Concentrate your studying on the topics in weeks 1 to 5 because these concepts will allow you to answer a bulk of the questions.
You won’t be able to answer every question on the exam. You have 50 minutes to answer 60 questions. Some of them require calculations and some of them require a lot of thinking. It’s fine to leave questions blank.
In order to decide what to leave blank, do the test in two passes. On your first pass, complete everything you know. Circle questions you skip in the answer book. Bubble in the ones you complete on the answer sheet after you finish each page.
It’s okay not to do work on a problem. Normally, we would say always show your work, but some questions are so easy that you don’t need to worry about it.
Study regularly for the best results. Cramming won’t allow you to master the subject matter or be able to apply it well.
That’s everything you need!
Need help preparing for the SAT Subject Test Math 2C?
Whatsapp us! We’ve helped lots of students score about a 600 on this test and move on to more challenging parts of the application.
If you’re planning to apply to university, we recommend getting your English language requirement out of the way. It will be one less thing to think about as you prepare for the SAT or begin the application process. You may be able to get a TOEFL or IELTS waiver if you fall in certain categories.
Do I Really Have to Prove I Speak English?
You might be thinking “I don’t have to take an exam to prove I speak English because I went to an English speaking school.” Unfortunately, almost all universities in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia will still require you to prove you speak English.
The English language requirement may be waived if the applicant is a native of or studied in full-time status for at least one academic year within the last five years in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or English medium universities in Canada or South Africa. Students who studied in English in other countries, for example, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc., are not exempt from the English language requirement.
From the last sentence, we can see that the United Arab Emirates will fall into the same category as Hong Kong, Singapore, etc. If you went to school in Dubai and don’t have a passport from the US, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or South Africa, you’ll have to take the TOEFL or IELTS.
I Went to School in the UAE and I Don’t Have a “Western” Passport
So what score do you need? Well, that varies by university and by program. Some require only a 70 or above. However, the following requirements from the University of Chicago are pretty typical:
Applicants whose total score on the four-part TOEFL falls below 90 (or IELTS falls below 7) will not normally be admitted unless other demonstrable evidence of proficiency in English is available. Individual departments may set higher standards for these scores, and applicants should consult the specific program web sites for details.
I Went to School in the UAE and I Don’t Have a “Western” Passport: The Exception
There is one exception to the requirement we just mentioned: a high score on the SAT Reading section. Many universities will not require you to take the TOEFL or IELTS even if you went to school in the UAE and don’t have a “Western” passport IF you earned a high score on the SAT Reading section. Here are the example requirements from Cornell University:
The TOEFL and/or IELTS requirement for international applicants is waived for students achieving a score of at least 670 on the Critical Reading section of the SAT exam.
The score you need varies based on university (usually 620 and above) so be sure to read EVERYTHING on the International Applicants section of the website of EACH university to which you are applying. If you meet the university’s requirements, they will automatically waive the requirement for you so you don’t need to email them.
I Went to School in the UAE and I Don’t Have a “Western” Passport: Applying to the UK
If you went to school in the UAE and don’t have a “Western” passport but you are applying to the UK, you must take the IELTS. You have to meet the requirements of the university and course you are applying to AND the UK Government to qualify for a Tier 4 (General) student visa. If you’re applying to both UK and US universities, take the IELTS Academic module. It will meet everyone’s requirements.
I Went to School in the UAE and I Do Have a “Western” Passport. Do I need an IELTS waiver?
If you went to high school in Dubai and have a passport from the US, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or South Africa, you can qualify for a “TOEFL Waiver.” You don’t have to have lived there. It is also some times called an English language requirement waiver or a TOEFL/IELTS waiver. However, TOEFL waiver is the most common term. Here’s how to get one from your universities:
How to Apply for a TOEFL or IELTS Waiver
Image: Unsplash
1. Apply to the university via its website or through the Common Application. The university will not be apply to access your file to provide the credit until they have actually received the application. You can only apply for a TOEFL Waiver to universities in the US (and international universities in Dubai).
2. Wait for a confirmation email from the university. It may take 2-3 days after the deadline has passed for you to receive this email. It will include information for sending other parts of your application and provide an email address to apply for a TOEFL waiver. If you don’t get an email from the Admissions Department within a week of submitting your application, go to the next step.
3. Send an email to the Admissions Department requesting a TOEFL waiver. Here’s a sample that you can cut, paste, and change:
Subject: TOEFL Waiver
Good morning,
I recently submitted my application to (university name) for Fall 2015. Here is my information to help you find my application:
– First and last names as they appear on the application – Email address used on your application – Date of birth – Application number (if received in confirmation email)
I would like to request a TOEFL waiver. I am a native English speaker and hold a passport from (country). My situation meets the requirements shown on the university website. I have attached my passport copy as proof.
Please email me once my TOEFL waiver has been granted.
Thank you,
Your name
4. Wait for about 2 weeks for a response from the university. If no one replies, check the online application system for the university. You can also call the admissions office or email the admissions office again.
Congratulations…now you can start preparing for the SAT!
If you haven’t been on top of things lately or have been rejected/waitlisted by the universities on your college shortlist, don’t panic! We’ve got a list of 20 US universities that have late deadlines (April 1st or later).
A university with a late deadline is NOT the same as one that has rolling admissions. Rolling admissions means university takes students until it has accepted the number of students it wants. If admissions staff find enough students to accept before the deadline, then the incoming class is full and additional students are only accepted in rare instances. Basically, with rolling admissions, you have a better chance of getting accepted if you apply as close to when the application OPENS (becomes available early in the year) not close to the deadline. The universities we’ve listed below have true late deadlines, so you pretty much have the same chances as the other applicants.
We have only provided universities with deadlines up to and including July 1st. Many UAE students forget that after they are accepted, they have to wait for their student visa paper work to come from the university and then apply for a student. This process can take up to 3 months! Around July 1st is the last, last, last date when you can apply for university and still get your student visa in time to walk on to campus in September (or late August).
Add a couple of the universities below to your shortlist if you’re unsure about your acceptance to universities you’ve already applied to or if you’re running behind in the application process.
Be sure to double check the admissions deadline for any university to which you are applying on that university’s website. Some universities may have a special “International Priority Date” or “International Student Deadline” that is earlier for the deadline for other incoming freshmen. And don’t forget…a rolling deadline isn’t the same as a late deadline. NOW GET STARTED!
Need help applying to universities?
Whatsapp us to set up a free consultation to find out more about the university application process and how we can help you get accepted!
Running short on time in your senior year for university applications?
Have all your friends been accepted to universities but you’re still applying?
Been rejected from your top choice schools and need to pull together some applications quickly?
NO PROBLEM!
We’ve got a list of good (in our opinion) universities from the 2014-2015 Common App that don’t require a supplement. That means these universities don’t require additional essays as part of supplement to submit your application. They will accept the essays you’ve written a part of the standard Common Application. (If you plan to study art, there may be a second supplement, so check each school’s requirements before you commit.)
Use this list to help you apply to more colleges without doing more work! Just add these to your list of universities in your profile, pay the application fees, and submit. It’s that easy!
Common App Universities with No Essay
Boston University
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Chicago State University
Colorado State University
University of Denver
Emory University
Florida Institute of Technology
Fordham University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia State University
Illinois Institute of Technology
Mercer University
University of Miami
University of Michigan
New Jersey Institute of Technology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Northeastern University
Northeastern University
The Ohio State University
Pace University
Pepperdine University
Purdue University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Seton Hall University
Stanford University
Syracuse University
University of Virginia
Yale University
Be sure to check any other requirements the universities may have based on your specific degree program.
Are there any universities that you feel should be added to this list? Leave it in the comments!
Need help applying to universities?
Whatsapp us for help! We’ll schedule a free consultation to give you the information you need and plot the quickest path to get you accepted.
We were going through some of the materials in our archives, stumbled on this gem, and thought we would share it with you. Here are 185 Official TOEFL iBT Writing Topics for the Independent Writing Task. Yup, this is all of them. Almost most all of our students have had a TOEFL writing topic that came from this list.
How to Use This TOEFL iBT Writing Topics List
The last thing you want to do with this list is start writing essays for 185 topics. Here’s our recommendation for how to boost your score with these official TOEFL topics:
Choose 20 hard ones to outline.
Outlining (jotting down your opinion and 2 supporting reasons or examples) takes about 3 minutes and if you outline about 5 or 6 every time you start studying for the writing section, you’ll finish 20 in no time. The point of this exercise is to get you thinking about what you would write about on test day. A bit of brainstorming never hurt anyone.
Read through the whole list. Yes, all 185. Reading the entire list will give you an idea of the flavor of topics you can expect on the real TOEFL.
Choose 5 different ones to write.
Of the 20 hard ones you outlined, choose 5 to write sample essays for. Ideally, you should start to develop a pattern for how you write each essay. In general, each essay should have an introduction, 2 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Choose 10 different TOEFL iBT writing topics to use for the speaking section.
Many of these questions also have the exact same format as the first 2 independent speaking tasks. Choose some to practice your speaking with (15 seconds to prepare, 45 seconds to speak.) Here are our recommendations:
Directions: The TOEFL iBT writing topics in the following list may appear in your actual test. You should become familiar with this list before you take the computer-based TOEFL test. Remember that when you take the test you will not have a choice of topics. You must write only on the topic that is assigned to you.
People attend college or university for many different reasons (for example, new experiences, career preparation, increased knowledge). Why do you think people attend college or university? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Nowadays, food has become easier to prepare. Has this change improved the way people live? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
It has been said, “Not everything that is learned is contained in books.” Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?
A company has announced that it wishes to build a large factory near your community. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this new influence on your community. Do you support or oppose the factory? Explain your position.
If you could change one important thing about your hometown, what would you change? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
How do movies or television influence people’s behavior? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television has destroyed communication among friends and family. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Some people prefer to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city. Which place would you prefer to live in? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
“When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do with success.” Do you agree or disagree with the quotation above? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your position.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Universities should give the same amount of money to their students’ sports activities as they give to their university libraries. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Many people visit museums when they travel to new places. Why do you think people visit museums? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. Other people prefer to prepare and eat food at home. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Some people believe that university students should be required to attend classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional for students. Which point of view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.
Neighbors are the people who live near us. In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good neighbor? Use specific details and examples in your answer.
It has recently been announced that a new restaurant may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher. Others think that it is always better to have a teacher. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons to develop your essay.
What are some important qualities of a good supervisor (boss)? Use specific details and examples to explain why these qualities are important.
Should governments spend more money on improving roads and highways, or should governments spend more money on improving public transportation (buses, trains, subways)? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.
It is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to develop your essay.
In general, people are living longer now. Discuss the causes of this phenomenon. Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.
We all work or will work in our jobs with many different kinds of people. In your opinion, what are some important characteristics of a co-worker (someone you work closely with)? Use reasons and specific examples to explain why these characteristics are important.
In some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students. Do you think this is a good idea? Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details.
A person you know is planning to move to your town or city. What do you think this person would like and dislike about living in your town or city? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.
It has recently been announced that a large shopping center may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
It has recently been announced that a new movie theater may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People should sometimes do things that they do not enjoy doing. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television, newspapers, magazines, and other media pay too much attention to the personal lives of famous people such as public figures and celebrities. Use specific reasons and details to explain your opinion.
Some people believe that the Earth is being harmed (damaged) by human activity. Others feel that human activity makes the Earth a better place to live. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
It has recently been announced that a new high school may be built in your community. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details in your answer.
Some people spend their entire lives in one place. Others move a number of times throughout their lives, looking for a better job, house, community, or even climate. Which do you prefer: staying in one place or moving in search of another place? Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion.
Is it better to enjoy your money when you earn it or is it better to save your money for some time in the future? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
You have received a gift of money. The money is enough to buy either a piece of jewelry you like or tickets to a concert you want to attend. Which would you buy? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Businesses should hire employees for their entire lives. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Attending a live performance (for example, a play, concert, or sporting event) is more enjoyable than watching the same event on television. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Choose one of the following transportation vehicles and explain why you think it has changed people’s lives: automobiles, bicycles, airplanes. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree that progress is always good? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Learning about the past has no value for those of us living in the present. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? With the help of technology, students nowadays can learn more information and learn it more quickly. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
The expression “Never, never give up” means to keep trying and never stop working for your goals. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Some people think that human needs for farmland, housing, and industry are more important than saving land for endangered animals. Do you agree or disagree with this point of view? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
What is a very important skill a person should learn in order to be successful in the world today? Choose one skill and use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
Why do you think some people are attracted to dangerous sports or other dangerous activities? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Some people like to travel with a companion. Other people prefer to travel alone. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
Some people prefer to get up early in the morning and start the day’s work. Others prefer to get up later in the day and work until late at night. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
What are the important qualities of a good son or daughter? Have these qualities changed or remained the same over time in your culture? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Some people prefer to work for a large company. Others prefer to work for a small company. Which would you prefer? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
People work because they need money to live. What are some other reasons that people work? Discuss one or more of these reasons. Use specific examples and details to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Face-to-face communication is better than other types of communication, such as letters, email, or telephone calls. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Some people like to do only what they already do well. Other people prefer to try new things and take risks. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
Some people believe that success in life comes from taking risks or chances. Others believe that success results from careful planning. In your opinion, what does success come from? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
What change would make your hometown more appealing to people your age? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The most important aspect of a job is the money a person earns. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? One should never judge a person by external appearances. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A person should never make an important decision alone. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
A company is going to give some money either to support the arts or to protect the environment. Which do you think the company should choose? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Some movies are serious, designed to make the audience think. Other movies are designed primarily to amuse and entertain. Which type of movie do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Businesses should do anything they can to make a profit. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Some people are always in a hurry to go places and get things done. Other people prefer to take their time and live life at a slower pace. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Games are as important for adults as they are for children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents or other adult relatives should make important decisions for their older (15 to 18 year-old) teenage children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
What do you want most in a friend — someone who is intelligent, or someone who has a sense of humor, or someone who is reliable? Which one of these characteristics is most important to you? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your choice.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Most experiences in our lives that seemed difficult at the time become valuable lessons for the future. Use reasons and specific examples to support our answer.
Some people prefer to work for themselves or own a business. Others prefer to work for an employer. Would you rather be self-employed, work for someone else, or own a business? Use specific reasons to explain your choice.
Should a city try to preserve its old, historic buildings or destroy them and replace them with modern buildings? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Classmates are a more important influence than parents on a child’s success in school. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
If you were an employer, which kind of worker would you prefer to hire: an inexperienced worker at a lower salary or an experienced worker at a higher salary? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Many teachers assign homework to students every day. Do you think that daily homework is necessary for students? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
If you could study a subject that you have never had the opportunity to study, what would you choose? Explain your choice, using specific reasons and details.
Some people think that the automobile has improved modern life. Others think that the automobile has caused serious problems. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Which would you choose: a high-paying job with long hours that would give you little time with family and friends or a lower-paying job with shorter hours that would give you more time with family and friends? Explain your choice, using specific reasons and details.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Grades (marks) encourage students to learn. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Some people say that computers have made life easier and more convenient. Other people say that computers have made life more complex and stressful. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The best way to travel is in a group led by a tour guide. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Some universities require students to take classes in many subjects. Other universities require students to specialize in one subject. Which is better? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children should begin learning a foreign language as soon as they start school. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Boys and girls should attend separate schools. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Is it more important to be able to work with a group of people on a team or to work independently? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
Your city has decided to build a statue or monument to honor a famous person in your country. Who would you choose? Use reasons and specific examples to support your choice.
Describe a custom from your country that you would like people from other countries to adopt. Explain your choice, using specific reasons and examples.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Technology has made the world a better place to live. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Advertising can tell you a lot about a country. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Modern technology is creating a single world culture. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Some people say that the Internet provides people with a lot of valuable information. Others think access to so much information creates problems. Which view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
A foreign visitor has only one day to spend in your country. Where should this visitor go on that day? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
If you could go back to some time and place in the past, when and where would you go? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
What discovery in the last 100 years has been most beneficial for people in your country? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Telephones and email have made communication between people less personal. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
If you could travel back in time to meet a famous person from history, what person would you like to meet? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
If you could meet a famous entertainer or athlete, who would that be, and why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
If you could ask a famous person one question, what would you ask? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Some people prefer to live in places that have the same weather or climate all year long. Others like to live in areas where the weather changes several times a year. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
Many students have to live with roommates while going to school or university. What are some of the important qualities of a good roommate? Use specific reasons and examples to explain why these qualities are important.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Dancing plays an important role in a culture. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Some people think governments should spend as much money as possible exploring outer space (for example, traveling to the Moon and to other planets). Other people disagree and think governments should spend this money for our basic needs on Earth. Which of these two opinions do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
People have different ways of escaping the stress and difficulties of modern life. Some read; some exercise; others work in their gardens. What do you think are the best ways of reducing stress? Use specific details and examples in your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Teachers should be paid according to how much their students learn. Give specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
If you were asked to send one thing representing your country to an international exhibition, what would you choose? Why? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
You have been told that dormitory rooms at your university must be shared by two students. Would you rather have the university assign a student to share a room with you, or would you rather choose your own roommate? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.
Some people think that governments should spend as much money as possible on developing or buying computer technology. Other people disagree and think that this money should be spent on more basic needs. Which one of these opinions do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Some people like doing work by hand. Others prefer using machines. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Schools should ask students to evaluate their teachers. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
In your opinion, what is the most important characteristic (for example, honesty, intelligence, a sense of humor) that a person can have to be successful in life? Use specific reasons and examples from your experience to explain your answer. When you write your answer, you are not limited to the examples listed in the question.
It is generally agreed that society benefits from the work of its members. Compare the contributions of artists to society with the contributions of scientists to society. Which type of contribution do you think is valued more by your society? Give specific reasons to support your answer.
Students at universities often have a choice of places to live. They may choose to live in university dormitories, or they may choose to live in apartments in the community. Compare the advantages of living in university housing with the advantages of living in an apartment in the community. Where would you prefer to live? Give reasons for your preference.
You need to travel from your home to a place 40 miles (64 kilometers) away. Compare the different kinds of transportation you could use. Tell which method of travel you would choose. Give specific reasons for your choice.
Some people believe that a college or university education should be available to all students. Others believe that higher education should be available only to good students. Discuss these views. Which view do you agree with? Explain why.
Some people believe that the best way of learning about life is by listening to the advice of family and friends. Other people believe that the best way of learning about life is through personal experience. Compare the advantages of these two different ways of learning about life. Which do you think is preferable? Use specific examples to support your preference.
When people move to another country, some of them decide to follow the customs of the new country. Others prefer to keep their own customs. Compare these two choices. Which one do you prefer? Support your answer with specific details.
Some people prefer to spend most of their time alone. Others like to be with friends most of the time. Do you prefer to spend your time alone or with friends? Use specific reasons to support your answer.
Some people prefer to spend time with one or two close friends. Others choose to spend time with a large number of friends. Compare the advantages of each choice. Which of these two ways of spending time do you prefer? Use specific reasons to support your answer.
Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age and should spend most of their time on school studies. Others believe that young children should spend most of their time playing. Compare these two views. Which view do you agree with? Why?
The government has announced that it plans to build a new university. Some people think that your community would be a good place to locate the university. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of establishing a new university in your community. Use specific details in your discussion.
Some people think that the family is the most important influence on young adults. Other people think that friends are the most important influence on young adults. Which view do you agree with? Use examples to support your position.
Some people prefer to plan activities for their free time very carefully. Others choose not to make any plans at all for their free time. Compare the benefits of planning free-time activities with the benefits of not making plans. Which do you prefer — planning or not planning for your leisure time? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your choice.
People learn in different ways. Some people learn by doing things; other people learn by reading about things; others learn by listening to people talk about things. Which of these methods of learning is best for you? Use specific examples to support your choice.
Some people choose friends who are different from themselves. Others choose friends who are similar to themselves. Compare the advantages of having friends who are different from you with the advantages of having friends who are similar to you. Which kind of friend do you prefer for yourself? Why?
Some people enjoy change, and they look forward to new experiences. Others like their lives to stay the same, and they do not change their usual habits. Compare these two approaches to life. Which approach do you prefer? Explain why.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People behave differently when they wear different clothes. Do you agree that different clothes influence the way people behave? Use specific examples to support your answer.
Decisions can be made quickly, or they can be made after careful thought. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The decisions that people make quickly are always wrong. Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion.
Some people trust their first impressions about a person’s character because they believe these judgments are generally correct. Other people do not judge a person’s character quickly because they believe first impressions are often wrong. Compare these two attitudes. Which attitude do you agree with? Support your choice with specific examples.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People are never satisfied with what they have; they always want something more or something different. Use specific reasons to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People should read only those books that are about real events, real people, and established facts. Use specific reasons and details to support your opinion.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is more important for students to study history and literature than it is for them to study science and mathematics. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? All students should be required to study art and music in secondary school. Use specific reasons to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? There is nothing that young people can teach older people. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Reading fiction (such as novels and short stories) is more enjoyable than watching movies. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your position.
Some people say that physical exercise should be a required part of every school day. Other people believe that students should spend the whole school day on academic studies. Which opinion do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
A university plans to develop a new research center in your country. Some people want a center for business research. Other people want a center for research in agriculture (farming). Which of these two kinds of research centers do you recommend for your country? Use specific reasons in your recommendation.
Some young children spend a great amount of their time practicing sports. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Only people who earn a lot of money are successful. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
If you could invent something new, what product would you develop? Use specific details to explain why this invention is needed.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A person’s childhood years (the time from birth to twelve years of age) are the most important years of a person’s life. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children should be required to help with household tasks as soon as they are able to do so. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Some high schools require all students to wear school uniforms. Other high schools permit students to decide what to wear to school. Which of these two school policies do you think is better? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Playing a game is fun only when you win. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? High schools should allow students to study the courses that students want to study. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is better to be a member of a group than to be the leader of a group. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
What do you consider to be the most important room in a house? Why is this room more important to you than any other room? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Some items (such as clothes or furniture) can be made by hand or by machine. Which do you prefer — items made by hand or items made by machine? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your choice.
If you could make one important change in a school that you attended, what change would you make? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
A gift (such as a camera, a soccer ball, or an animal) can contribute to a child’s development. What gift would you give to help a child develop? Why? Use reasons and specific examples to support your choice.
Some people believe that students should be given one long vacation each year. Others believe that students should have several short vacations throughout the year. Which viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
Would you prefer to live in a traditional house or in a modern apartment building? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things we really do not need. Others say that advertisements tell us about new products that may improve our lives. Which viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Some people prefer to spend their free time outdoors. Other people prefer to spend their leisure time indoors. Would you prefer to be outside or would you prefer to be inside for your leisure activities? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your choice.
Your school has received a gift of money. What do you think is the best way for your school to spend this money? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Playing games teaches us about life. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Imagine that you have received some land to use as you wish. How would you use this land? Use specific details to explain your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Watching television is bad for children. Use specific details and examples to support your answer.
What is the most important animal in your country? Why is the animal important? Use reasons and specific details to explain your answer.
Many parts of the world are losing important natural resources, such as forests, animals, or clean water. Choose one resource that is disappearing and explain why it needs to be saved. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A zoo has no useful purpose. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.
In some countries, people are no longer allowed to smoke in many public places and office buildings. Do you think this is a good rule or a bad rule? Use specific reasons and details to support your position.
Plants can provide food, shelter, clothing, or medicine. What is one kind of plant that is important to you or the people in your country? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
You have the opportunity to visit a foreign country for two weeks. Which country would you like to visit? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
In the future, students may have the choice of studying at home by using technology such as computers or television or of studying at traditional schools. Which would you prefer? Use reasons and specific details to explain your choice.
When famous people such as actors, athletes and rock stars give their opinions, many people listen. Do you think we should pay attention to these opinions? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
The twentieth century saw great change. In your opinion, what is one change that should be remembered about the twentieth century? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
When people need to complain about a product or poor service, some prefer to complain in writing and others prefer to complain in person. Which way do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
People remember special gifts or presents that they have received. Why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Some famous athletes and entertainers earn millions of dollars every year. Do you think these people deserve such high salaries? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Is the ability to read and write more important today than in the past? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
People do many different things to stay healthy. What do you do for good health? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
You have decided to give several hours of your time each month to improve the community where you live. What is one thing you will do to improve your community? Why? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
People recognize a difference between children and adults. What events (experiences or ceremonies) make a person an adult? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.
Your school has enough money to purchase either computers for students or books for the library. Which should your school choose to buy –computers or books? Use specific reasons and examples to support your recommendation.
Many students choose to attend schools or universities outside their home countries. Why do some students study abroad? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.
People listen to music for different reasons and at different times. Why is music important to many people? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
Groups or organizations are an important part of some people’s lives. Why are groups or organizations important to people? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.
Imagine that you are preparing for a trip. You plan to be away from your home for a year. In addition to clothing and personal care items, you can take one additional thing. What would you take and why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
When students move to a new school, they sometimes face problems. How can schools help these students with their problems? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.
It is sometimes said that borrowing money from a friend can harm or damage the friendship. Do you agree? Why or why not? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your answer.
Every generation of people is different in important ways. How is your generation different from your parents’ generation? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.
Some students like classes where teachers lecture (do all of the talking) in class. Other students prefer classes where the students do some of the talking. Which type of class do you prefer? Give specific reasons and details to support your choice.
Holidays honor people or events. If you could create a new holiday, what person or event would it honor and how would you want people to celebrate it? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
A friend of yours has received some money and plans to use all of it either to go on vacation or to buy a car. Your friend has asked you for advice. Compare your friend’s two choices and explain which one you think your friend should choose. Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
The 21st century has begun. What changes do you think this new century will bring? Use examples and details in your answer.
What are some of the qualities of a good parent? Use specific details and examples to explain your answer.
Movies are popular all over the world. Explain why movies are so popular. Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
In your country, is there more need for land to be left in its natural condition or is there more need for land to be developed for housing and industry? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Many people have a close relationship with their pets. These people treat their birds, cats, or other animals as members of their family. In your opinion, are such relationships good? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Films can tell us a lot about the country where they were made. What have you learned about a country from watching its movies? Use specific examples and details to support your response.
Some students prefer to study alone. Others prefer to study with a group of students. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
You have enough money to purchase either a house or a business. Which would you choose to buy? Give specific reasons to explain your choice.
In our previous post, we offered 6 Free TOEFL Practice Resources that you can find online to help you prepare IF you have already taken the SAT. In case you have decided to take the IELTS instead (good idea because it’s easier than the TOEFL for most people and test dates are more widely available in Dubai), we have 6 free IELTS practice resources you should use.
How to Prepare for the IELTS
Our advice for TOEFL prep also applies here, but with a few changes:
Don’t take a complete prep course.
Many schools and churches around Dubai are offering free (or cheap) IELTS prep courses. Don’t do them! Once you agree to do the course, now you have to sit through the tedious lectures, do the homework, and labor through poorly administered practice tests. If you already took the SAT, taking a free or low-cost course is a waste of your time! You should either be preparing for SAT Subject Tests or studying to ensure that your grades from 11th and 12th boost your profile to colleges. You should not be over studying for tests that you can do well on with minimal effort.
Take a free IELTS practice test.
You have two goals for taking the practice test: 1) Get familiar with the format of the exam and 2) Pinpoint your weaknesses. If you scored higher than 7 on the practice test, you’re done! (Have a parent or friend grade the essay and do the speaking interview with you.) Register for the IELTS and take the test as soon as possible. If you scored between a 6 and 7 on the practice test, note the sections you scored less than 7 on and do at least 3 more practice tests focused on these sections. Be sure to track your score for each test to be sure that your score is increasing each time. If you score less than a 6 on the practice test, see below…
Study for a couple of weekends if necessary.
If you scored less than an 6 on the IELTS practice test but more than a 450 on the reading section of the SAT, you probably just need a bit more familiarity with the exam (but still not a full prep course!). We recommend you call us so we can focus your efforts and make sure your preparation is done quickly and efficiently. We offer 4 hours of IELTS prep for only AED 800 that you can complete in only 2 sessions! We’ll assess your strengths, weaknesses, and determine how to you’re current test taking strategies are working against you. You’ll have extensive practice with an American tutor so that you’re prepared for the accents on test day. Whatsapp us for more info.
Free IELTS Practice to Start Prepping with Now
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Here are a few resources available on the web to get your IELTS preparation started:
This test is an awesome resource for your IELTS prep because it: a) is from the official makers of the test, b) is full length, c) includes actual listening audio (a lot of online resources don’t), and d) includes the actual IELTS style forms you use (this is very important because this is a written test!). You should use this test as your diagnostic to assess what your score would be on the real IELTS. You need the Academic module for university admission so use the following sections IN THIS ORDER:
One of the administrator’s of the IELTS, British Council, has developed a great online tool to give you more computer based IELTS practice. While this tool is awesome for the listening audio and sample answers to different test sections, we highly recommend that you print the test answer sheets (listening answer sheet, reading answer sheet, and writing answer sheets Task 1-use the same one for Task 2 since the website is down) and you use them in addition to putting the answers into the computer. You want to ensure that you are prepared to WRITE ON PAPER come test day. If you register for the IELTS through the British Council, you get FREE access to their Last Minute prep, which has even more IELTS activities and exercises.
This site has a wealth of practice for your IELTS prep (just ignore the ads). One the right side of the page you should see a menu for IELTS practice tests. Click those links and you’ll find:
This is a weird little site from Hong Kong Polytechnic University that turns out to offer some pretty solid IELTS practice. Click the links off the main site for lots of practice with decent audio and some answer examples that the university has produced on its own. A great resource if you’ve finished all the material from IELTS, British Council, and Exam English.
A decent collection of IELTS study materials. For exam prep, scroll to the bottom of the page and look for menus on the right side. Otherwise, you might get lost in the sea of ads!
Yet another decent online resource for IELTS prep. Check each test to make sure there is no overlap in tests you’ve done before.
Need help preparing for the IELTS?
We offer 4 hours of IELTS prep for only AED 800 that you can complete in only 2 sessions! Free IELTS practice resources are great, especially if you use them with expert guidance. Get oriented to the test and score a band 7.0 or higher the FIRST TIME! Whatsapp us for more info!
If you’ve already taken the SAT this year, it’s time to start preparing for the TOEFL! We’ve got 6 free TOEFL practice resources just for you.
Unless you scored a 600 or higher on the reading section of the SAT, you’ll be required to take an exam to prove you speak English (either the TOEFL or the IELTS). Be sure to check the TOEFL waiver requirements of the universities you’re applying to…requirements vary!
If you’ve decided to take the TOEFL, even though the IELTS is easier and it’s easier to get a test date in Dubai, you need to do a little bit of preparation so you can get the best score possible (and don’t freak out on test day).
How to Prepare for the TOEFL
Here are our recommendations for how SAT test takers should prepare for the TOEFL:
1. Take a practice test using the free TOEFL resources.
You have two goals for taking the practice test: 1) Get familiar with the format of the exam and 2) Pinpoint your weaknesses. If you scored higher than 90 on the practice test, you’re done! Register for the TOEFL and take the test as soon as possible. If you scored between an 80 and 89 on the practice test, note the sections you scored less than 20 on and do at least 3 more practice tests focused on these sections. Be sure to track your score for each test to be sure that your score is increasing each time. If you score less than an 80 on the practice test, see below…
2. Study for a couple of weekends if necessary.
If you scored less than an 80 on the TOEFL practice test but more than a 450 on the reading section of the SAT, you probably just need a bit more familiarity with the exam (but still not a full prep course!). We recommend you Whatsapp us so we can focus your efforts and make sure your preparation is done quickly and efficiently. We’ll assess your strengths, weaknesses, and determine how your current test-taking strategies are working against you. You’ll have extensive practice with an American tutor so that you’re prepared for the accent on test day. Email us at eden@apply-me.com for more info.
3. Don’t take a complete prep course.
Yes, we are test prep experts but we advise you to prepare smart instead of hard. Sitting through another 40-hour prep course AFTER you’ve done one for SAT is completely unnecessary. If you’ve been able to get above a 450 on the reading section of the SAT, your English is more than good enough to score above an 80 on the TOEFL. You’ve got schoolwork, university applications, and SAT Subject Tests to worry about. Extensive TOEFL prep shouldn’t be on your list of priorities.
6 Free TOEFL Practice Resources to Start Prepping with Now
Here are a few resources available on the web to get your TOEFL preparation started:
You can do a full-length test’s worth of practice on this site. Keep in mind that the format DOES NOT follow the actual exam. In the reading section, there should be 13 (not 10) questions and each passage with questions ends with a table or classification question. In the listening section, there will be 2 academic lectures and 1 campus conversation, not 4 lectures and 3 conversations.
Here’s yet another great tool from ETS that includes real retired TOEFL test questions. Use volumes 3 and 4 because you need the audio for the listening and speaking. Between the two volumes, you’ll get 6 listening practice sets, 6 speaking practice sets, and 1 writing practice set.
Ok, this isn’t a full test, but these are sample questions from the makers of the TOEFL. They offer the best wording and insight into the test because they are old retired questions. Do them after you complete a full-length test.
A so-so download that isn’t a full-length practice test but can get you used to the TOEFL interface. (The real TOEFL takes about 4 hours NOT 55 minutes.) You can also download this application from download.com.
This site provides a complete list of all the possible TOEFL independent writing topics (essay #2 of the writing section). Be sure to read over it so you understand the different styles of questions, write a few essays in 30 minutes to get the feel of writing under timed conditions, and outline a bunch to stimulate your creativity. Just remember, the independent writing task is a different essay from the SAT essay. The focus should be on reasons, rather than examples, to support your argument. You can also use all personal examples if you like.
