Duolingo English Test: The Perfect Fit for Busy Students

Duolingo

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Updated on Dec 3, 2024 18:01 IST

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a great option for working professionals. Its flexible format allows you to take the test at your own convenience, fitting it into your busy schedule. There is no need to travel on a specific test centre. DET minimizes disruptions to your work commitments. Additionally, its rapid results provide timely feedback for visa applications or job opportunities.

Duolingo English Test: The Perfect Fit for Busy Students

Applying to universities abroad is an exciting journey but it often comes with the daunting task of proving English proficiency. Traditional English proficiency tests like TOEFL and IELTS, while long-established, can be expensive, time-consuming and filled with hidden fees. In contrast, the Duolingo English Test (DET), a pioneer in digital English Proficiency testing trusted by over 3 million students worldwide, is faster, more flexible and cost-effective for students today.

With the DET now accepted by over 5,500 institutions worldwide, including top universities in the US, UK, Europe and beyond, it’s no surprise that more students are switching from traditional tests. Here's why DET is leading the way as the preferred choice for university applications.

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Save Time and Effort

Traditional English proficiency tests often require months of preparation, complex registration processes, and hours of test-taking. A typical TOEFL test or IELTS exam takes around 3 hours, not counting the additional commute time to and from a test centre.








DET, by comparison, is designed with simplicity in mind. The test takes just 60 minutes to complete and can be taken from the comfort of your home. There’s no need to spend days preparing for complex formats or lengthy question types. Its AI-powered adaptive format evaluates your English proficiency efficiently, cutting through unnecessary repetition. By reducing the time and effort required, DET allows students to focus on more critical aspects of their university applications, such as writing essays, securing recommendations or preparing for interviews.







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Immediate Flexibility

One of the major drawbacks of traditional tests is their rigid schedules. Testing dates often need to be booked weeks or even months in advance, which can be challenging for students managing tight timelines or last-minute applications. Moreover, rescheduling can incur hefty fees and add unnecessary stress.

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DET offers unparalleled flexibility. You can take the test on-demand, at any time and from anywhere in the world. Whether it’s early in the morning or late at night, DET fits into your schedule. This is particularly useful for students juggling busy lives, multiple deadlines, or overlapping academic responsibilities.

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No Hidden Costs

One of the most common complaints about traditional tests is their hidden expenses. While the TOEFL cost and IELTS cost ranges from $180 to $250, additional charges can quickly add up. For example, TOEFL charges around $20 per institution to send your scores after the first four, while IELTS charges $25-$40 for each additional score report.

DET, on the other hand, is refreshingly transparent. Priced at just $69 (less than INR 5500), it allows you to send your scores to an unlimited number of institutions without any extra fees. For students applying to multiple universities, this feature alone can save hundreds of dollars. The affordability of the Duolingo English Test fee ensures that students from all financial backgrounds can access the opportunities they deserve without worrying about breaking the bank.

Fewer Test-Day Hassles

Traditional test days can be stressful. You’re required to travel to a test centre, navigate unfamiliar environments and follow strict protocols. Many students report feeling overwhelmed by the pressure, which can affect their performance.

DET removes these stressors entirely. Since the test is conducted online, you can take it from a comfortable, familiar environment - your home. All you need is a quiet room, a computer with a webcam, and a stable internet connection. By eliminating the need for travel and creating a relaxed testing atmosphere, DET enables students to perform their best without unnecessary distractions or anxiety.

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Faster Results for Time-Sensitive Applications

Traditional tests like IELTS and TOEFL take anywhere from 6 to 13 days to deliver results and delays can further complicate the process. DET, however, provides your scores within just 48 hours, making it ideal for students with time-sensitive applications.

This speed gives students a significant advantage, allowing them to meet deadlines and make decisions faster. Whether you’re applying for rolling admissions or need to submit scores for a scholarship, DET ensures you don’t miss out due to slow processing times.

For students seeking a test that values their time, budget and convenience, DET is the clear winner. With its growing acceptance at top universities worldwide, DET ensures that proving your English proficiency is no longer a hurdle, but a stepping stone to achieving your academic goals.

About the Author

Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test is a modern English proficiency assessment for today’s international students and institutions. The test is available online, on demand. You don’t have to make an appointment or travel to a test centre—you can take the test from your home via a computer and webcam.  The test is administered using computer adaptive technology, meaning that the question difficulty adapts to each test taker. The test also integrates a video interview and writing sample, which are sent to an institution along with your proficiency score when you send your results. The entire test experience takes just under an hour. Test results are certified within two days, and they can be shared with an unlimited number of institutions.

Q:   Is Duolingo English Test harder than IELTS?

A:

Duolingo English Test is entirely online and adaptive while the students can take IELTS exam in computer-based and paper-based test. The difficulty level of any exam depends on individual strengths and weaknesses. It's often perceived that the Duolingo English Test is easier than IELTS Exam. Here are some reasons behind this:

  1. Duolingo English Test is shorter than IELTS exam.
  2. Duolingo question difficulty adjust based on your performance of the last answer. DET primarily assesses practical language skills and communication while IELTS exams a wider range of language abilities, including academic English.
  3. Traditional IELTS format emphasis on academic English, which might be more challenging for someone who is not proficient enough.

Q:   What is Duolingo English Test?

A:

Duolingo English Test is similar to IELTS examination. In easier words, it is a test to judge a candidate's ability to read, speak, listen and write various operations in English Language. The result of this test is accepted by most widely known universities and institutions. 

This examination is conducted within one hour only, and can be taken from any part of the world behind the desktop or a laptop screen .

The examination is divided into four sections, which is same as IELTS - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. 

Students can check their results for this examination within two days after appearing for the examination.

The fees for this examination is 59 dollars which is INR 5,000. 

To know more about the examination, refer to the official website of Duolingo.

Q:   What is the pattern of the Duolingo English Test?

A:

Duolingo Is an English test for non native English speaking students to check their proficiency in English language. This examination is widely accepted by many colleges and University is across the world. 

The duration of this examination is 1 hour long. Divided into Introduction (five minutes), the Adaptive test (45 minutes), and Writing and Speaking sample (ten minutes). 

 This examination is divided into four sections - Reading, listening, speaking and writing. 

Mode of the examination is online only. Test can be given through computer and the result can be shared anywhere across the world.

The results are valid till 2 years after the examination is given.  After which candidates are expected to renew the result by the applying for examination. 

To know more about it, candidates can refer to the official website. 

Q:   What is a good Duolingo score out of 160?

A:

A Duolingo English Test score of 120 or above is generally considered good. However, the best Duolingo score depends on the university requirements to which you are applying.

A score equal to or above 120 often meets the English proficiency requirements of many universities and institutions worldwide. It may be possible that some institutions might have higher requirements.

Q:   How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?

A:

Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.

  • Know the exam pattern
  • Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
  • Solve previous year question papers
  • Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
  • Revise regularly
  • Figure out weaker areas and learn them well

With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.

Q:   How to prepare for Duolingo exam at home without tuitions?

A:

To prepare for the Duolingo English Test at home, here are some tips that can helpful for you:

  • The official Duolingo website/app offers a free practice test that gives you a sample of the question format and scoring system. It will help you to do self evaluation.
  • Consume English media like news articles, novels, or blogs regularly, watch English movies & TV shows, podcasts and audiobooks to improve vocabulory.
  • Practice writing regularly in English, such as start a journal, and write short stories.
  • Attempt mock tests, or communicate with friends to practice speaking English under pressure.

Q:   How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?

A:

The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses: 

The Undergraduate Application Process:  

Step 1:  You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.

Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.

Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.

Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements. 

Check out:  tips to improve your SOP

Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS. 

Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.

Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.

The Postgraduate application process: 

Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\

Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.

Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.

Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course. 

To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application. 

Step 5:  If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester. 

Q:   What is University of Wales, Trinity Saint famous for?

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  • Top Ranked University: The UWTSD is not ranked by any major ranking body, however as per the university ranking given on the official website of the university, it is ranked among:
  1. #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Film Production and Photography
  2. #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Fashion and Textiles
  3. #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Graphic Design
  4. #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Education
  5. #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Sports Science
  6. #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Mechanical Engineering
  7. #1st in Wales for Fine Arts
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  • Highly distinguished and learned faculties: the faculty at UWTSD    is highly learned and distinguished which enables students to be the best in their field of study.
  • High Placements: According to Graduate Outcome data 2019-2020 quoted by the UWTSD, more than 95% of its graduates were found to be employed within 15 Months of graduation. The average salary of a graduate is not explicitly released by UWTSD, however, as per some unofficial sources the average salary of the graduates of UWTSD is approximately INR 30-35L. with the highest salary being reported as high as INR 66.5L for jobs in Financial Services.
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