USA is the fastest growing market for the IELTS test, followed by East Asia, according to a recent statement by IELTS.  

More than 1.7 million people sat the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test in 2011, according to a recent IELTS statement. However, the report also states that hundreds of thousands of students applying to study in the USA registered to take IELTS, making this exam the world’s most popular English language test for education and emigration.

Stephen Carey, Marketing Manager for IELTS at the British Council, says that the number of international students enrolling in US higher education is rapidly increasing whilst the number of US higher education institutions accepting IELTS scores is also rapidly increasing.

Over 3,000 institutions and programs in the USA accept IELTS scores as proof of English language skills.

How can I make the most of my IELTS test?

IELTS offers many advantages to those looking to take the test:

• Easy to book: IELTS is available at over 800 locations in over 130 countries, up to once a week
• It doesn’t take too long: you will complete your IELTS test in less than 3 hours
• You can ask IELTS to send your test score to the school you have selected
• You can choose from over 3,000 institutions and programs, including all the Ivy League schools
• IELTS Academic is especially designed for entry to higher education: it includes a face-to-face speaking test with a trained, qualified examiner – the nearest you can get to a real-life conversation with your teachers at your chosen school

But the most important thing is that you have a clear action plan for your university applications: you will need to think about when it’s best for you to take IELTS exam, and then decide how much preparation you will need.

There are plenty of general English courses of all types in order to help you improve your level of English as much as possible. But every English test has a specific format: it is advisable to study the format of the test, the timings of each section, and do as much practice as possible as well as take an IELTS preparation course.

You can access preparation materials on the British council website:

• Practice tests, in order that you can estimate your approximate English level, and decide how much you need to study
• Practice activities through video and audio
• Information on practice books and other materials
• Tips and ideas to help you on exam day

Related content:

Learn more about IELTS in our article.

Check our IELTS preparation course database to find out more.

Each year there are over 1.5 million IELTS tests in over 130 countries – Find IELTS exams available in your location here.