Minimum IELTS Scores Required for USA Universities

When it comes to your aspirations to  study abroad , especially in the USA, achieving a good score in the English language proficiency tests like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a must. 

International students can measure their English language competency for studying abroad by taking the IELTS test, which is a language-based exam and skill ability exam. The US colleges and  universities in the USA  use this language test to assess a student's proficiency in the English language. The   IELTS score for USA varies as per the university but most universities accept a minimum of  6-6.5 band score. However, for top US Universities, you need to get at least a 7-7.5 band score.

Read this article to learn more about minimum IELTS score for USA universities and more.
 

IELTS Scoring Scale

Each section of the  IELTS  is graded on a scale from 1.0 to 9.0. The four sections are Reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The overall IELTS score is calculated by adding the individual scores obtained in each section. If you get a 6.25, your score will be 6.5; for those who receive a 6.75, their score will be 7. But if you get 6.1, it will come down to 6. 

The table below shows the score scale for each band:

IELTS Band Score Requirement to Study in the USA

The minimum IELTS score for USA universities is  6.0 to 6.5,  but if you aim to study at top universities, you need to score higher band scores.

List of Universities Accepting 6-7 IELTS Scores for USA

Take a look at the  minimum IELTS requirement for USA to help you decide on the institutions to apply to as per your eligibility. If you plan to take the IELTS exam you can get a general idea of the optimal score needed to get admitted to the top higher-education institutes to  study in USA  . 
 

What if your IELTS Band Score is lower than required?  

If you did not obtain the desired IELTS Score for USA in that case, you can contact the admissions staff at the university of your choice and ask them if there are any exemptions and whether they will accept you based only on your existing score. You can also look for a program at any university that requires a lower IELTS score. 

However, the other option is to apply to institutions with lenient IELTS score requirements. Otherwise, it is best to retake the exam for a better IELTS band score or take the  TOEFL  or Duolingo test as several US universities regularly accept these exams.
 

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IELTS 5.5 Bands Accepting Universities USA     

Getting admission to a top university may be difficult, with a 5.5 IELTS score. That being said, there are a few universities that will accept the 5.5 IELTS band for the USA, provided you score well in other parameters. In addition to the test, universities use your  GPA ,  statement of purpose ,  letter of recommendation , and extracurricular activities.

If you have an IELTS score of 5.5, it is unlikely to grab the attention of universities for admissions in the United States.

Check out universities that accept 5.5 IELTS scores for USA:

IELTS Band Requirement for Student Visa for USA

To get a student visa, you need a minimum 6.0 IELTS score for USA in each of the four modules with an overall band score of 6.5. Before applying for a student visa, you must receive either an I-20 or a DS-2019 form from your college/university.

How to send your IELTS score to US universities?

International students who take the IELTS exam have the option to send their scores to up to five colleges of their choice during the registration process. Here are the steps to register for the exam and send your scores to US universities:

1. Go to the official IELTS website.

2. Select "Take an exam" and "IELTS" and click on "IELTS registration."

3. Select "Register for IELTS now."

4. Complete the form properly to view available test dates.

5. Select for a test date and click "Apply."

6. Read the terms and conditions and agree to them.

7. Provide personal information on the next page.

8. Decide to send your scores to other universities and select "Yes" if desired.

9. After completing all required fields, click "Continue"..

10. Select the universities you want to send your scores.

You can send your IELTS scorecard through the Test Report Form (TRF), a copy of your Score Card. You will be able to receive your TRF no later than 13 days after taking the exam and get it at any IDP IELTS office near you. You ought to carry the same identification proof that you used during the registration process.

Additionally, it usually takes around five business days to send your IELTS results to colleges via online mode. On the contrary, if you opt for a hard copy scorecard delivery, it might take five to ten business days for the universities to receive it.

Conclusion

As of now, there is no rigid requirement for a minimum IELTS Score for USA Universities to get admission. However, each university has its eligibility criteria but the majority of US universities accept between 6 and 6.5 IELTS score for USA. However, the student has to score at least 7 to secure admission to top-tier universities in the USA.

Students get anxious about having a poor IELTS score as it can be an obstacle to enrolling in a dream program in the USA. Even though having a 5.5 IELTS band for USA may limit your options, you do not have to give up as some universities accept this score. If you plan to study abroad, get in touch with one of our Edmissions consultants at edmissions.com to fulfill your dreams of studying abroad.

Always feel free to contact our Edmissions specialists with any queries or worries you may have. Reach us at [email protected] and start your  study abroad  journey with us! We like hearing from our students very much.

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