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Are you a non-native English speaker wondering whether you’ll need to take an English proficiency exam in order to get into a top business school?
Many of the world’s top MBA programs conduct classes primarily or exclusively in English. Admissions committees want to be certain that they are admitting students who will do in a challenging English-language academic environment. English proficiency exams are one important way they gauge applicants.
In the previous two installments of this series, we took a look at the TOEFL and the IELTS. This week, we’re looking at the PTE, or Pearson Test of English.
Here’s 3 things every MBA applicant should know about the PTE.
Let’s get started.
PTE Tip #1: Format of the PTE
Like the IELTS, the PTE is available in both an Academic and a General version, as well as a Young Learners version designed for students ages six through 13. Most MBA programs require results from the Academic version, but you should always check with your target schools to be sure.
The PTE Academic test is a three hour computer-delivered test. It is designed to assess the test-taker’s English reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities.
| Section | Time | Score range | Content & tasks |
| Speaking and Writing | 77 to 93 minutes | 10 to 90 | Demonstrate listening and speaking abilities by reading sentences aloud, repeating sentences from a brief recording, summarizing short texts or speeches, answering questions, describing images, and writing a short essay. |
| Reading | 32 to 41 minutes | 10 to 90 | Demonstrate understanding of written English by reading several texts and answering multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions, as well as re-ordering paragraphs to improve passage construction. |
| Listening | 45 to 57 minutes | 10 to 90 | Demonstrate comprehension of spoken English through multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions, summarizing short speeches, and writing a dictated sentence. |
| Total test | 2 hr, 34 min to 3 hr, 11 min | 10 to 90 |
PTE Tip #2: Scoring of the PTE
All sections of the PTE are scored by machine. In addition to an overall score, ranging from 10 to 90, and sub-scores in the same range for Speaking, Reading, Listening, and Writing, the PTE also reports scores for several additional skills. These are referred to on the score report as Enabling Skills:
– Grammar
– Oral Fluency
– Pronunciation
– Spelling
– Vocabulary
– Written Discourse
It is also important to note that while speaking and writing are tested together in a single section on the test, they are reported as separate scores. The overall score given for the PTE is weighted for different factors, and is not a direct composite of the four section scores.
Getting used to the test’s format can be challenging – students are asked to complete 20 different types of tasks throughout the test. Spoken sentences and passages on the test can only be played one time, and students are not able to re-record any of their answers on the speaking portions of the test.
PTE Tip #3: Who Should Take The PTE?
The PTE is a newer test, having been established in 2009, and is not yet accepted by all universities. Even where it is accepted, some schools may have specific minimum score requirements, while others do not.
International applicants to Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, for example, are encouraged but not required to submit scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. There is no minimum required score, and the school notes that they accept applicants with a wide range of test scores.
On the other hand, Harvard Business School stresses the importance of English proficiency for all students, and, while they do not have an actual minimum score requirement, they actively discourage students from applying if their PTE score is lower than 75.
The PTE is currently available in more than 50 countries. However, test centers have widely varying availability for appointments, so it is important to check your local centers carefully before deciding which test is the best fit for your needs.
Fortunately, scores on the PTE are valid for two years after the test date, so students have time to find a date that works for their schedule. Pearson does make some free PTE practice materials available on their website, so students can see if the test content and format is a good fit for their skills.
Your Turn
Want to know whether your MBA application makes you a shoo-in or a long shot for the top-ranked b-schools where you want to apply? Sometimes it can be hard to tell without a little outside perspective.
The free MBA application assessment from Expartus offers exactly that. We’ll do a thorough analysis of your background and experience, and help you put together a plan of action for showcasing your personal brand.
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