University preparation in San Francisco, California 2024

San Francisco as California's tech capital and cultural hub is renowned for its incredible vistas and progressive youth culture.

What exams are recognized in best universities in San Francisco?

For admission to universities in San Francisco, a TOEFL certificate is required. In addition to TOEFL, some US universities also accept the international IELTS certificate. In addition, applicants and undergraduate students of domestic universities who decide to continue their studies in America must be tested according to the SAT or ACT system.

As for the language certificates required to continue higher education abroad, these are the same certificates, but the requirements for results may be higher. So, for admission to the MBA (Master of Business Administration) program at leading business schools, you will need at least 250 TOEFL points according to the new system or 600 points according to the "paper" one. In addition, to enter the graduate school of an American university, you need to pass the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (General Management Admission Test).

What level is sufficient for admission to TOP universities in San Francisco?

When passing the TOEFL exam, the average acceptable score for admission to the new, computer system is 215 points (550 points of the "paper" TOEFL), although in different institutions it can be 170 - 250 (500-600) points and higher, depending on the school's rating .

A language proficiency exam is necessary to assess whether a prospective student speaks it at a sufficient level for successful study. The degree of proficiency in the language in which education will be conducted is always assessed. For example, if a student has chosen an English-language program in Germany, then he needs to take an English proficiency test.

Which test to choose depends on the requirements of the university in San Francisco. There are universities that accept the results of several international exams, but many consider only one. Therefore, first of all, you need to find out about the entrance requirements for admission to the chosen university.

International language tests usually assess:

• reading;
• listening comprehension;
• letter;
• colloquial speech.

University preparation in San Francisco: English proficiency exams

There are two main international certificates for knowledge of English - TOEFL and IELTS. The first is carried out electronically, the second - using paper examination forms. Both tests test reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, but the tasks are different. For example, when passing TOEFL, the speech is recorded and sent to the assessment center, and when passing IELTS, the student personally communicates with the examiner.

TOEFL
Required for admission to universities in Europe, USA, Canada, Asia. It is currently the most widely used English proficiency test in the world. It is accepted by about 9 thousand universities around the world. The exam is taken in accredited centers. The TOEFL fee is $255. The test certificate is valid for two years.

IELTS
Required for admission to universities in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, USA. The exam has a special module for those who go to a university abroad - Academic. Like TOEFL, the IELTS exam can be taken at accredited centers. The certificate is valid for two years. 

CAE and CPE
Cambridge Advanced (CAE) and Proficiency (CPE) language exams. Cambridge language exam certificates testify to a high level of English proficiency. They are required for admission to a number of top universities in the UK. Testing can be taken at accredited language schools. The validity of CAE and CPE certificates is not limited.

Assessment of knowledge in American universities

While studying in San Francisco, university students receive grades. Each teacher has his own requirements, but it is mandatory for everyone to participate in discussions, especially during seminars.

Mid-year exams are usually taken right during classes at the university according to the schedule. Students submit one or two term papers, publish the results of a laboratory study, and undergo small tests.

It happens that teachers arrange unplanned tests and surveys. The results of such checks rarely affect the grade in the diploma, but, as teachers of higher educational institutions in the United States admit, they keep students in good shape and stimulate attendance.

Before the final exam in any university in San Francisco, a general meeting is necessarily held, at which they talk in detail about the rules, pronounce disciplinary points, and can also analyze typical tasks.

Preparing for admission to an American university takes time, requires some effort and financial investment. Yes, sometimes it can feel like everyone is against you. But there is no need to despair! The game is worth the candle, especially since the example of thousands of foreign students entering and graduating from American colleges and universities is inspiring.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What advice do you have for applicants who plan to enter US universities? Let's say they have 3-4 years to prepare.

Learn, learn and learn again! Almost the most important is good grades (usually from the last 3 years in secondary school). Of course, high school must be completed. Even at school, I advise you to determine which subjects and directions interest you more than others, in which you are especially good and talented. This will answer the question of which career is right for you.

Do not forget about extracurricular activities, just do not overwork yourself, do not load too much on your shoulders, otherwise you will get tired beyond measure.

Of course, work on your English: it should be as fluent as possible.

Remember that the education system in the United States is very flexible: in many colleges and institutes, you can choose a specialization not immediately, but by the end of the second year.