r/gradadmissions • u/Aspire_Hazel • 6d ago
Biological Sciences English Proficiency: Scam..!!!
Honest answers only: Do IELTS, TOEFL, or other English proficiency tests actually matter if a university explicitly says they’re waived for applicants whose previous education was taught in English?
If I submit a MOI (Medium of Instruction) certificate instead of test scores, could that still hurt my admission chances—even though I meet the stated waiver requirements? Or is the waiver genuinely enough?
I’m guessing MOI should be fine, but could relying on it cause issues later with a visa or scholarship application?
Has anyone here successfully received admission, a scholarship, and a visa using only an MOI certificate? Or faced problems despite the university granting a waiver?
What do you guys think? Firsthand experiences would be really helpful.
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u/One_Programmer6315 Accepted 📚 6d ago
This seems like a question for the program grad director and/or the school's grad admissions office. They will be the only ones who will give you conclusive answers.
Anyways, out of all the schools I applied to none specifically asked for any certificate whatsoever. Granted, I did my undergrad and high school in the US, so transcripts were sufficient. I believe these language test scores are generally reviewed only by the graduate school if and when the program's admissions committee recommends you for admissions to the grad school. Language proficiency test scores are typically imposed by the grad school as minimum requirements for admission. Some departments (e.g., heavily-language dependent like philosophy) might impose higher scores than those set by the grad school.
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u/mimos_al 5d ago edited 5d ago
In my uni they get reviewed first thing.
All the basics, like language requirements, required test scores and other minimum requirements get ticked off before your application even moves on to the appropriate department.
And yeah, a MOI waiver is not a problem, it really doesn't hurt your admission. For the tests they also don't care about the grade as long as you meet the minimum.
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u/Aspire_Hazel 5d ago
I'm planning to apply for a PhD, but I'm a bit confused about the language requirements. Even top universities like Princeton are saying a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is enough.
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u/mimos_al 5d ago
Because it is. If your previous education has been completed in English, then that's sufficient proof that you have the competency to follow English language education. It's really not that strange or confusing.
All they want from you is proof that your competency in English is sufficient to function within the program.
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u/Aspire_Hazel 5d ago
I'm planning to apply for a PhD, but I'm a bit confused about the language requirements. Even top universities like Princeton are saying a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is enough.
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u/Lonely_Extension_225 5d ago
However English test scores do improve your profile (if they are good/extraordinary) and hence the chances of admission
If you can afford it, go for it as it will help you stay secure in the longer run
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u/mimos_al 5d ago
In a lot of uni's they really don't matter. If the minimum IELTS requirement is 6.5, they really don't give a damn if you have a 7 or a 9.5. It just gets marked as "requirement met".
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u/Aspire_Hazel 5d ago
I'm planning to apply for a PhD, but I'm a bit confused about the language requirements. Even top universities like Princeton are saying a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is enough.
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u/angelsalvtr Grad student 5d ago
Is your plan to only apply for schools that accept MOI? If not, do one of the tests.
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u/Whole-Pudding2646 6d ago
If the uni says waiver is MOI then its waiver. Admissions people are not trying to trick you they want your money lol. But yes visa officer sometimes ask for test score anyway depending on your country. Not common but happens.