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Top US Universities Accepting IELTS 6 & 6.5 Band

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Team YMGrad 17 Aug 2024    36864 views
Updated: 31 Aug 2024
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If you are applying to universities in the U.S. as an international student, you probably know that you'll need to prove your English skills. One of the most common ways to do this is by taking the IELTS exam. In this blog, we’re going to focus on universities that accept a score between 6 and 6.5 on the IELTS test. We'll also give you the lowdown on what the IELTS is all about, including how long your scores are valid for and what parts the test covers. So, let’s dive in and make your application process a bit easier.


   Table of Contents



What is the IELTS exam?



Well, IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. It's a test that helps universities and employers see how well you can use English. Think of it as a way to show off your English skills! 


Here's how it works: the IELTS test checks four main areas- Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. 

  • Listening: You'll listen to some recordings and answer questions based on what you hear. 

  • Reading: You’ll read a few passages and answer questions. There are different versions for academic purposes and general training, so make sure you choose the right one for your needs.

  • Writing: You’ll complete two writing tasks. The topics depend on whether you’re taking the Academic or General Training version.

  • Speaking: This is a face-to-face interview with an examiner where you’ll chat about various topics.

The test is scored on a scale from 0 to 9, with each section getting its own score. Your overall score is the average of these individual scores. And don’t worry about your scores expiring too soon—IELTS scores are good for two years from the test date. So, if you’re planning to study or work in an English-speaking country, the IELTS is your way to show you’ve got the language skills to succeed!

Universities Accepting the 6.5-Band


1. University of Michigan - Dearborn 


As a prospective international graduate student at the University of Michigan, you should have an overall band of at least 6.5 on the IELTS. 

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2. University of Texas - Austin


If you're thinking of applying to the University of Texas - Austin, ensure that you have an overall band of at least 6.5 for the IELTS. 

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3. University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

Applicants to the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign must have a score of 6.5 on the IELTS test to be eligible.

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4. Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University requires a 6.5 score on the IELTS test from their prospective international graduate students.

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5. Arizona State University - Tempe


If you're a prospective international graduate student at Arizona State University, you should have an overall band of at least 6.5 for IELTS. 

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6. Purdue University

Generally, international applicants are required to score at least a band of 6.5 for the IELTS test, but certain departments at Purdue, like the Department of Computer Science, ask for 7.5 with no single band lower than 7.

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7. Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Rutgers University-New Brunswick considers international undergraduate applicants with an overall band of 6.5 as eligible for application in terms of language proficiency. 

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8. University of Texas-Arlington

If English isn't your first language, it's important to show that you have a good enough grasp of English to do well in your studies. The University of Texas-Arlington requires its international students to have at least a 6.5 score in IELTS. 

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9. Temple University


As an international graduate applicant to Temple University, you will be required to have scored a minimum of 6.5 on the IELTS test.

 

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10. DePaul University

DePaul's Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media requires international applicants to prove their English proficiency by scoring a minimum of 6.5 on the IELTS test. 


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Universities Accepting the 6-Band


1. University of Florida


The minimum acceptable IELTS academic score for an international student applying to the University of Florida's graduate program is 6.0 

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2. Texas A&M University


If you are thinking of applying to Texas A&M University's graduate programs, you will need a minimum IELTS academic score of 6.0. 

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3. Southern New Hampshire University


International applicants for on-campus study must have a minimum score of 6.0 to be eligible for admission at Southern New Hampshire University.


4. Emory & Henry University 

Interested in applying to Emory & Henry University? Make sure you have a minimum score of 6.0 to be eligible for admission.

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5. Northern Illinois University


As an international applicant to Northern Illinois University, you must have a minimum score of 6.0 to be eligible for its Master's programs. 


6. Cleveland State University


To be considered eligible for Cleveland State University, you must score a minimum of 6.0 or at least 5.0 in each section as an international student.

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Conclusion


And there you have it - some top US universities where a 6 or 6.5 band score on the IELTS can open doors to your academic journey! Remember, while these scores might meet the requirements for many institutions, it's always a good idea to check specific program details as they can vary. Your IELTS score is just one part of your application, so be sure to shine in other areas, too! 


We hope this guide helps you find the perfect fit for your studies and sets you on the path to success. If you have any more questions or need further guidance, don't hesitate to book a counseling session with our experts! 

This list of universities keeps getting updated! Sign up now at YMGrad to be notified via mail. 

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Frequently Asked Questions!

What is the IELTS and what does it measure?toggle

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardized test that measures English language proficiency. It assesses four key skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The test is used to evaluate how well non-native English speakers can use English in academic, professional, and everyday contexts.

Why is the IELTS important for international students?toggle

The IELTS is important for international students because it provides a standardized measure of English language proficiency, which is crucial for academic success in English-speaking environments. Many universities and colleges use IELTS scores to ensure that students can understand lectures, complete assignments, and participate in discussions effectively.

Can I get admission to top US universities with an IELTS 6.5 score?toggle

Yes, some top US universities accept an IELTS score of 6.5, although many may have higher requirements. Universities such as the University of Arizona and the University of Illinois at Chicago may accept this score, but specific programs might have stricter requirements.

What are the application requirements for US universities with an IELTS score of 6.5?toggle

Application requirements vary by university but generally include submitting your IELTS score, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and possibly a resume or CV. Some programs may also require standardized test scores like the SAT or GRE.

Do US universities require additional language tests if I have an IELTS score of 6.0?toggle

Most universities will not require additional language tests if you meet their IELTS score requirements. Still, some might request a TOEFL score or another English language assessment, especially if the IELTS score is at the lower end of their accepted range.

Are there scholarships available for students with an IELTS score of 6.5 in US universities?toggle

Yes, scholarships are available for students with an IELTS score of 6.5. Many universities offer merit-based or need-based scholarships, and some specific scholarships are aimed at international students. It’s advisable to check with each university’s financial aid office for available opportunities.

How can I improve my chances of admission to US universities with an IELTS score of 6.0?toggle

To improve your chances, consider taking additional English language courses, retaking the IELTS to achieve a higher score, or applying to universities with more flexible requirements. You can also strengthen your application with strong academic records, recommendation letters, and a compelling personal statement.

What is the minimum IELTS score required for international students at US universities?toggle

The minimum IELTS score required varies by institution and program. Generally, most US universities require a score of 6.0 to 6.5 for undergraduate programs and may require higher scores for graduate programs. Some competitive programs may set the minimum at 7.0 or above.

How often can I take the IELTS exam?toggle

You can take the IELTS exam as often as you like, as there is no limit to the number of times you can sit for the test. However, it is important to consider the preparation time needed between attempts to improve your score. Each test date depends on availability at your chosen test center.

How long are IELTS scores valid?toggle

IELTS scores are generally valid for two years from the test date. After this period, universities and other institutions may not accept the scores, as they consider language proficiency to change over time potentially. It’s best to check specific requirements with the institution you are applying to.