English is one of the oldest and ever-growing languages in modern civilization at use. Born from the rich Latin language, English will surely take its sweet time, continuously growing and evolving with an enriched vocabulary of around more than a million words. The importance of English language for students cannot be overstated in today's globalized world.
Developed from the islands of England, today, the language of the kings has become one of the most widespread and used languages all over the world, not only because of the colonization of the English that started in the early 5th Century, but also the basic utility it provides as a language. In today's modern world, almost 1.35 billion people speak English. With such a large number of language users on hand, naturally, the English language has become the most common means of the tool for education all over the world.
While strong English language skills are important for college & career success, this article is primarily focused on the importance of language proficiency for university admission success. Understanding why is English language important is crucial for prospective international students.
Role Of English Proficiency In Admission To Top International Universities
Almost all the Ivy League and top colleges require 4 years of High school coursework in English irrespective of the chosen field of study. All the aspects of language, especially academic reading & academic writing are important elements for admission success. The majority of the colleges under the top-notch Universities have adopted English-medium instruction for learning and education. International universities accept international students with different languages as their mother tongue from all over the world.
Because of this non-avoidable diversity of languages, English has been acknowledged as the primary medium for higher education in many renowned and prestigious Universities. That's why learning English and developing language proficiency levels has become such a crucial necessity for another step towards academic achievement in life. A lot of Universities nowadays demand at least 4 years of English study as admissions criteria for various undergraduate studies they offer.
Admission Tests And Forums
The majority of the admission tests that Universities conduct are taken as a form of written tests and interviews where the language skills and competence of the examinee over the English language are tested which is acknowledged as qualification criteria. These English language tests require a detailed and firm grasp of the language – both Grammar and academic vocabulary and their application. That too makes proper knowledge of English a necessity for an academically successful carrier. Strong score in language proficiency tests – TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, and some country-specific tests are basic qualifying criteria for admission to top universities globally.
Varied Other Courses Require English Too
Some courses like Science and Medicine especially require a stronghold knowledge of English as translated books are often referred for syllabus in these courses with updates of current researches on a daily basis – all in English as the language is already well established and easy to use in the field of science. English for academic purposes, especially expository writing is crucial for few professional degrees like medicine post-graduate studies degrees, especially in the US & Canada.
Role in Humanitarian and Commerce stream
English in Humanitarian and Commerce courses has been popular for a long time as a learning medium language. The language itself as a subject provides a lot of carrier opportunities and chances to explore the literature. Effective communication & English language skills are prerequisites for getting maximum major interviews, in both overseas education as well as inland.
Usage In business affairs mostly overseas
English is the most widely used subject in Business and Management courses. International business dealings, in maximum overseas education presentations- everything is done in English for clarification and avoiding mistakes or misunderstandings due to the language barriers between the parties. That's why International Commerce and Management Universities require skills and adequate understanding of the language.
Personal necessities
Writing skills of personal letters, applications, statements, notices, essays, etc. are pre-requisite for most of the bachelor courses under prestigious Universities as jobs demand writing Skills on a daily basis. Because of the clarity, simplicity, and easy apprehension of the language, all document works are done in English in Government as well as Private Sectors. Personal statement / Essay / Letter of motivation is one of the pivotal aspects of the college admission process for Bachelor's courses across the world's top universities. A personal statement gives an edge to the international student admission prospects and helps the application stand out. Effective writing skills are a prelude to writing a personal statement that is authentic and unique.
How To Improve Your English Proficiency?
So, what you as a students should do to increase your English proficiency while your are still in high school? Developing language learning motivation and confidence is key to overcoming linguistic challenges.
Start and build your reading habit early middle school or early high school. Read books out of your syllabus or the ones which expand on the interest you are exploring through extracurricular or possibly biographies of the people who inspire you. Another area in which students should work while in High school is to build their writing skills, especially creative writing. Take workshops, summer programs, online courses. These academic language skills will give ample ammunition to maximize your admission chances to Ivy league or top colleges.
To enhance your English proficiency, consider the following strategies:
- Practice reading comprehension with diverse materials
- Improve your listening skills through podcasts and English-language media
- Enhance your speaking skills through conversation groups or language exchange programs
- Develop critical thinking abilities in English through debates and discussions
- Prepare for standardized tests like TOEFL and IELTS
- Utilize resources at language centers, such as the plutus academy IELTS program
- Engage in research skills development to improve academic writing
- Manage academic stress through time management and study techniques
- Familiarize yourself with university admissions processes and admission requirements
- Consider pre-sessional courses to boost your academic English before university
Remember, achieving academic success in an English-speaking environment requires more than just language skills. It involves adapting to new teaching methods, engaging in classroom participation, and seeking language support when needed. By focusing on these areas, you can overcome potential language barriers and improve your overall academic performance.
The importance of English language teaching cannot be overstated in preparing students for global higher education. As you work on your English proficiency, you'll not only enhance your chances of admission but also set a strong foundation for your future academic and professional endeavors.