What test should I take? IELTS or TOEFL

It is really confusing to select and attempt a foreign language proficiency test while seeking admission in an overseas university.  A variety of tests are conducted globally and students who want to apply in different countries could not decide which test to choose and which to leave. Both IELTS and TOEFEL are language proficiency exams and are among the most popular and picked tests attempted by millions of students every year applying in foreign universities.

To decide which test is more preferable to attempt, let’s have an overview of some parameters affecting these choices.

What is IELTS?

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an international language test conducted under the administration of British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English.

If you are opting to pursue your career or education in a European or an overseas nation other than America, your IELTS scores will matter a lot in educational and professional fields to judge your language proficiency. This test is also required if you are applying for immigration .The general format and scores of IELTS are accepted by more than 10,000 institutions globally.

What is TOEFL?

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is taken under the supervision of Educational Testing Service (ETS) which is a non-profit private organization. TOEFL could be said to be more academically specified testing program as it test your ability to communicate in English in universities and other institutional settings. More than 8000 institutions across 130 countries and world’s top universities accept TOEFL .The major difference between IELTS and TOEFL is that TOEFL scores are highly accepted in American Universities.

To choose between these two tests, you have to ponder upon two factors:

• The requirement of the specific country or institution you are applying for:
• Which sort of questions you can proficiently answer

The Foreign Requirements:

Suppose you have applied in a British university then it is better to take IELTS as generally British universities prefer IELTS score over TOEL, in contrast, to seek admission in an American university the prospective student should go for TOEFL.

This is the most crucial factor I the university have signified any specific test then it’s no use to consider the other option. It is clearly mentioned in the admission requirement area which test the university will accept and if you are applying in several universities then take an average that which type of exam will cover most of the universities’ admission requirements.

The Fees:

It all depends on your pocket also; the cost for each test is considerably high. Both exams approximately cost about $200-$250.It would be very expensive if you travel abroad to attempt these exams .If these exams are conducted in your own country check which one is cheaper and for which test you can get prepared in minimum. You can check the organizations’ websites to find the real cost for each test.

Exam Centers:

If you have both choices in your hand ,then check out which exam center is located in your city and is easily accessible .Distance do matter in many cases therefore go for the facilitated option. Also check for available test dates, to take a final decision. Check the available test dates and test locations for the upcoming TOEFL or IELTS exams.

Another major factor that really matters is your own strength ability or you can call learning skills to choose between IELTS and TOEFL

Your Learning and Writing Skills:

1. Test format is the key difference between these exams; TOEFL is based completely on a multiple choice format while IELTS have different sections in writing. For example in the Reading and Listening sections, you’ll have to write your own answers in IELTS. The TOEFL questions on these sections are mostly multiple-choice, and for the ones that are not multiple choices, you won’t have to give your own answers. 
                                                                                                         
2. Another difference is the computer versus pen option; TOEFL is generally attempted on computer while IELTS could be attempted on both computers as well as on paper. It depends on your hand writing and typing speed to select the best option.
3. Another thing to keep in mind is that the Speaking section of TOEFL is done over the computer. You’ll answer recorded questions into a microphone, while during IELTS; you are speaking in front of a human figure. Likewise the reading text passage and the composition’s word count also matters therefore it’s up to your strength and ability that which test you can complete more profoundly in the given time.

Conclusively, to decide between TOEFL and IELTS, the following things matters:

• Which exam is accepted in your preferred country or institution?
• How proficiently you can answer the type of questions asked
• The location of exam and the price