When it comes to proving English proficiency for university admissions, students and counselors know the stakes are high—and the choices can be overwhelming. But how do students really feel about the available testing options? And what factors shape their choices?
To explore these questions, we surveyed 48 students and 65 educational counselors from diverse international backgrounds, many of whom work with students planning to study in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Europe. The survey focused on test preferences, experiences with specific exams, and the impact of test requirements on university choices.
The survey results offered us a detailed look at how convenience, cost, and test recognition influence decisions—especially in contexts where access to traditional testing centers may be limited.
What test would students choose, if they could?
When asked which English proficiency test they would choose if all were accepted equally, an overwhelming 90% of students (out of 48 respondents surveyed) said they would take the Duolingo English Test (DET).
Why? Because DET is convenient, affordable, and easy to access at home, even in places where test centers are few and far between.
“Getting an appointment slot for [a traditional test] in Nepal was difficult, and the exam center... was horrible and noisy, which impacted my performance on the test,” one student shared. “Duolingo, however, provided the option for me to appear for the test from home itself, which is super convenient.”
Counselors agree. Among the 65 surveyed, more than two-thirds said they recommend DET over other tests. Their reasons were strikingly consistent: it’s faster, more flexible, and easier for students to access, especially in places where traditional test centers are limited.
As one counselor put it: “Most of my students live at inconvenient distances from test centers. Also—price.”
Access shapes application choices
Although the DET is designed to remove barriers, not all institutions accept it—and that’s having a real impact. Over half of the counselors surveyed said that test requirements have prevented students from applying to certain universities.
Many students echoed that frustration. One explained, “I tend to go for the [universities] with more test options. I already took the Duolingo English Test, so if it is not accepted, I won’t even bother to apply.”
Others described having to prepare for multiple exams—not out of preference, but out of necessity. One counselor shared, “Some would like to take both the Duolingo and [one of the legacy tests], but it is just too time consuming to prepare for both.”
Another noted that when test centers are scarce, students often choose DET first—if their target institutions accept it.
The trend is clear: more students are choosing the DET
Nearly every counselor we surveyed said they’ve seen more students submitting applications with DET scores over the past few years. Many cited cost and convenience as key reasons—especially in areas with limited access to traditional test centers. As one counselor summed it up: “It’s quick, accessible, cheap. What more could you want?”
Students are also increasingly choosing to take their tests at home. When asked about their preferred testing location, most said they feel more confident, less anxious, and better able to concentrate in a familiar space.
A shift in testing, led by students
A simple question we wanted answered was, “If all tests were accepted everywhere, which one would you want to take?” Based on the results of this survey, students and counselors around the world are calling for English testing that fits their realities—not the other way around. The DET is meeting that call with a flexible, affordable, and student-friendly alternative.
But there's still work to do. For many students, institutional English proficiency test requirements remain a barrier—not to proving their English ability, but to accessing opportunity. The more universities embrace inclusive testing options, the more doors they’ll open for qualified, motivated students everywhere.