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General standardized tests

Choosing the right standardized test for college admissions can be a crucial step in your academic journey. Both the SAT and ACT are widely accepted by colleges and universities across the United States, but they offer different formats, content, and testing experiences. Understanding the key differences and the specific strengths of each test can help you decide which one aligns best with your skills and college aspirations.

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T
TOEFL
Duolingo English Test
IELTS
Format
Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
Adaptive reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
Duration
~3 hours
~1 hour
~2 hours 45 minutes
Cost
$180 - $250
$50
$215 - $250
Scoring Range
0 - 120
10 - 160
1 - 9
Acceptance
11 000+ universities worldwide
3000+ universities worldwide, but accepted by most US schools
10 000+ universities worldwide
Official Tutoring Services
ETS offers official preparation materials, practice tests, sample questions, online courses
Duolingo offers free practice tests and sample questions on their website
British Council and IDP offer official preparation materials, practice tests, sample questions, online courses
Test Centers
At home or at a TOEFL testing center
Only at home on own device
IELTS testing centers
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