Has anyone here taken the Duolingo English Test instead of TOEFL or IELTS? I saw that some universitiess accept it and I need to aim for 110+. Just wanted to ask, is it actually easier? Also, how different is the actual exam from the duolingo practice test? Any tips to prepare smart?
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is not necessarily better than TOEFL or IELTS each test has its own strengths and is suited for different needs. Here’s a comparison to help you decide:
**Duolingo English Test (DET) – Pros & Cons
Pros:
Convenient & Fast:** Can be taken from home; results in 48 hours.
Cheaper:** Around $59 (vs $185–$250 for TOEFL/IELTS).
Shorter Duration:** Only about 1 hour.
Widely Accepted:** Accepted by 4,000+ institutions, including top U.S. universities.
Cons:
Not Universally Accepted:** Still not accepted by some universities, especially in the UK or for visas.
Less Traditional:** Newer test; some institutions prefer TOEFL/IELTS.
Adaptive Format: Difficulty changes based on your answers—some find this stressful.
TOEFL – Pros & Cons
Pros:
Widely Accepted:** Especially in the U.S. and Canada.
Academic Focus:** Good for university admissions.
Online & Test Center Options:** Flexibility in format.
Cons:
Longer Test Time:** Around 2–3 hours.
More Expensive:** $190+.
Less Convenient:** May need to visit a test center.
IELTS – Pros & Cons
Pros:
Globally Recognized:** Especially in UK, Australia, Europe.
General & Academic Options:** Useful for immigration and study.
In-Person Speaking Test:** Some prefer face-to-face interaction.
Cons:
Higher Cost:** Around $200–$250.
Paper-Based Option Can Be Slower:** Results take longer than Duolingo.
Not Fully Online (for some formats):** May require physical presence.
Hello @uday505sharma ,
Some universities accept the Duolingo English Test, but it’s not as widely accepted as IELTS or TOEFL. Duolingo is shorter and can be easier, but I would suggest, for better acceptance and more reliable results, it’s safer to go with IELTS or TOEFL if possible.