The IELTS can help validate your English level for various work, visa, or academic reasons. Though the test is not graded, a higher score will help any employer, visa official or school/university know that you are well-prepared for your duties. A score of 7 or above is considered high in many countries and establishes that you can read, speak, write, and listen to English at an exemplary level.
So why is a high IELTS score so important?
- Many visa requirements have a minimum English level requirement, but having a higher score gives you the confidence to know you will be eligible for the visa you need.. A high level of English lets foreign governments know that you will not need extra help when you arrive and that you can be an independent citizen. Some countries also use a points system to approve of visas or residency applications. A higher IELTS score will allow you to get more points as you work your way through the immigration process you’ve chosen.
- If you are interested in studying abroad, a high IELTS score will allow you to choose top colleges. Some study abroad or university programs are competitive due to their high demands, others offer rigorous classes that require you to have an above-average level of English. A high score can also help you get into specialized programs that have a specific jargon. Competitive programs may also be more likely to accept you if you have a higher score because they may weed out students with weaker scores due to the high number of applications they receive.
- The IELTS is also used to help people find work or be a part of job training programs. If you want to apply to a job that has many responsibilities, is very competitive, or is very difficult, then a higher score will let employers know that you are capable of doing that job in English.
If your score isn’t as high as you would like, there are no limits to how many times you can retake the test. It’s important for you to study before retaking the test so you can get a better score. In such cases, a group classes or individual tutoring may help you identify areas in which you need to improve. Remember that even though a very high score will allow you to have the best options, some places may accept an average score. It is up to you to be familiar with minimum English language requirements before applying to work, visa or academic programs.
