IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges in USA: Every student who wants to study in the United States works for a high IELTS score. However, due to the exam's complexity, some students may find it difficult to earn the desired score. On the IELTS exam, several aspirants do not earn a score of greater than 5.5.
The IELTS band score is likely to be the most troublesome element for such students, as it has a significant impact on their chances of studying abroad. However, many US universities, to their surprise, accept international students with low IELTS scores.
If you are among the thousands of students who wish to study in USA but get disheartened because of their low IELTS scores, then here is a list of IELTS 5.5 band colleges in USA that will surely help you out.
How is the IELTS Scored?
Before showcasing the IELTS 5.5 band colleges in USA right away, readers need to have a basic understanding of the IELTS scoring system. Each section of the test will be graded on a scale of 1 to 9. Your overall IELTS band score is determined by your average score, and you can be evaluated on full or half points.
Since each component of the test - Writing, Speaking, Reading, and Listening - is assigned a separate score, your total IELTS exam result will include a score for each component as well as an overall band score. The average of the four individual band scores yields the overall band score.
IELTS Band Score |
Score Descriptor |
---|---|
Band 9 |
Expert user |
Band 8 |
Very good user |
Band 7 |
Good user |
Band 6 |
Competent user |
Band 5 |
Modest user |
Band 4 |
Limited user |
Band 3 |
Extremely limited user |
Band 2 |
Intermittent user |
Band 1 |
Non-user |
Band 0 |
Did not attempt the test |
Related Reads:
Universities in Australia Accepting Low IELTS Scores | UK Universities for Indian Students with Low IELTS Scores |
Canadian Universities Accepting Low IELTS Scores |
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IELTS Band Requirements to Study in USA
With over 85,000 Indian students studying in the US, the country possesses the world's best universities and education system! It is considered the greatest destination to learn because of the high quality of education provided. Given that English is the official language of the US, it is not difficult for overseas students to adapt.
Language proficiency is one of the most important characteristics that American universities and colleges assess before accepting a foreign student. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the most widely used English test in the US with over 3,400 universities recognising it. Students can gain a spot at their favourite institute, depending upon their IELTS scores.
Most universities in the US require an average IELTS score of 6.5 or 6. However, for elite universities, the IELTS band score must be at least 7. The bands required for IELTS are valid for two years.
What to Do if Your IELTS Scores are Insufficient?
There is a possibility that your IELTS scores will be lower than the required level.You can contact the admissions office of your preferred university and chat with the admission officer/counsellor for more information. Check to discover if you will be approved based on your current score and if any exemptions are available.
Once published, the IELTS score is valid for two years from the date of the result declaration for US universities. You can also apply to other universities that have minimal IELTS score requirements. You may be able to locate an alternate programme that requires a lower IELTS score or a similar programme at another university. If you do not have a high IELTS score, you can take another English proficiency exam such as the TOEFL exam or Duolingo English Test. These exams are frequently approved by various universities in the US.
Should I Retake the IELTS Exam?
Though there are US universities that grant admission to students with a score of 5.5, you may consider re-taking the exam to increase your scores. This will put you in a position to apply to more universities that getting restricted by the list of universities accepting 5.5 bands.
Also, you must consider re-taking the IELTS exam only after a month of dedicated practice and training in the English language. Taking the test immediately may not benefit you as your knowledge base has not improved to that level, which will enable you to score a higher band score. Therefore, you should improve your skills in all four key areas and then take the exam again.
Besides, taking the IELTS exam for the second time puts a lot of mental pressure. You must overcome your nervousness regarding the IELTS exam and then resit for it. Practice IELTS question papers and mock tests to gain confidence.
Furthermore, there are a bunch of universities in the USA that accept students with low IELTS scores or that do not require an IELTS score as an admission requirement at all. These universities are enlisted below.
List of IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges in USA
Let us now look at some of the IELTS 5.5 band colleges in USA for international students:
Universities |
Average Accepted IELTS Scores |
---|---|
5.5 |
|
5.5 |
|
Cambridge College |
5.5 |
5.5 |
|
5.5 |
|
Friends University |
5.5 |
National University |
5.5 |
5.5 |
|
University of Hawaii, Hilo |
5.5 |
University of Missouri |
5.5 (or TOEFL 61) |
Ohio University (Conditional Admission) |
5.5 (or TOEFL 61) |
5.5 (or TOEFL iBT-71; PBT-525) |
|
Central Michigan University (Conditional Admission) |
5.5 (or TOEFL iBT 61 to 78; PBT 500 to 549) |
5.5 (or TOEFL iBT-71; PBT-530) |
|
5.5 (or TOEFL score CBT-197; iBT-71; PBT-530) |
|
5.5 (or TOEFL score PBT-525; CBT-197; iBT-71) |
|
5.5 |
|
5.5 |
|
5.5 |
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How to Study in USA Without IELTS?
If you think that your IELTS scores are not the best to get admission to a US university or above mentioned IELTS 5.5 band colleges in USA, then certain colleges and universities do not have IELTS band requirements. Having said that, students must check whatever English language assessment they require and who may be excluded from providing any English certificate at all before selecting any college.
Numerous institutions will enable you to study in the US without IELTS (or a comparable evaluation) if you have previously attended an English language medium school and many use a Conditional Admissions Programme (CAP).
A CAP is a university-specific initiative that allows qualified international students to enrol on the condition that they attend the college's own English language programme or another Intensive English Language Program (IELP).
As highlighted before also, there are approximately 4,000 universities in the US, and English language assessment criteria vary from year to year and degree to degree. However, here is a short list of the top 10 US colleges that admit students without IELTS. We have also included a list of the alternative English language proficiency tests recognised at each college.
University |
Alternate for IELTS Exam |
---|---|
American University, Washington DC |
TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo English Test |
Conditional (IELP), ACT, SAT |
|
Conditional (IELP), TOEFL, iTEP, PTE, SAT, ACT, Duolingo English Test |
|
TOEFL, PTE |
|
TOEFL |
|
TOEFL, SAT, ACT, Duolingo |
|
TOEFL, Duolingo, ACT, SAT |
|
TOEFL, Conditional (IELP) |
|
Conditional (IELP), TOEFL, Duolingo |
|
TOEFL, Duolingo |
Documents Required for Applying to IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges in USA
If you aspire to study in one of the IELTS 5.5 band colleges in USA, then here is a list of all the important and necessary documents that you will be needing during your application process to study in USA:
-
Valid passport
-
Satisfactory English language proficiency score
-
All academic marksheets and transcripts rom class X onwards
-
Entrance test scores (SAT/ACT/GRE/GMAT)
-
Evidence of funds
-
Statement of Purpose, AcademicEssays, and Personal Statements
US Student Visa Process with IELTS 5.5 Band Score
The IELTS is valid for two years in the US. Candidates, however, do not need to meet any US Study Visa IELTS band requirements. In other words, there is no federal requirement for students in the United States to have IELTS. However, one of the particular student visas would be necessary, which candidates must apply for at the US embassy in their home country.
-
The F-1 Student Visa is for those who desire to study at an accredited university in the US. This also applies to candidates interested in studying in an English language institute.
-
J Exchange visas are issued to students who take part in exchange programmes.
-
M Student Visas are issued to students who wish to study or train in the United States.
Before applying to any US university, it is generally a good idea to look into the IELTS score requirements. This will assist you in finalising universities based on your eligibility. At the same time, those taking the IELTS exam will soon know the ideal target score for admission to top universities.
If you have any further questions regarding the IELTS 5.5 band colleges in USA, then reach out to our experts via abroad@collegedekho.com.
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