I read that California State University – East Bay has updated its list of acceptable English tests for international students (note that each campus in the California State University system can set its own requirements). A few things are notable:
- Pearson’s PTE Academic test has been added to the list.
- Michigan Language Assessment’s MET has also been added. Good for them!
- It is specifically mentioned that the DET, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS one-skill retake, and TOEFL MyBestScores are not accepted.
- The university now accepts a handful of scores from tests not explicitly designed for this purpose. Namely: AP English (not sure which one), SAT Verbal (aka “reading and writing”), ACT English, and IB English.
I’m always curious about the use of things like the SAT and the ACT for the purpose of admissions. As mentioned above, they aren’t really designed for that purpose… and sometimes include less production than tests that are. Note that the SAT no longer includes an essay.
It is also worth mentioning that the there hasn’t been a “Verbal” section of the SAT for many years. Nor has there been a test called “AP English.” Cal State should do a bit better when it comes to terminology.
Fun fact: Between 1997 and 2002, ETS & The College Board did offer an Advanced Placement test designed with this purpose in mind – the AP International English Language test. It was affordable.