Common Myths About the Duolingo English Test

If you’ve heard mixed things about the Duolingo English Test, you’re not alone. Some say it’s not accepted, others say it’s too new, and a few still think it’s “just an app.” 🙄

Let’s clear things up.

In this post, we’ll break down the most common myths about the DET — and show you why more students (and universities) are choosing it every year. Ready to separate fact from fiction? Let’s go 👇

Table of Contents

• Myth 1: Universities don’t really accept the Duolingo English Test.
• Myth 2: The Duolingo English Test is not preferred by admission officers.
• Myth 3: The Duolingo English Test can’t be trusted because it’s so new.

Myth 1: Universities don’t really accept the Duolingo English Test.

5,700+ academic programs around the world accept the DET. It’s accepted by the vast majority of U.S. and Irish universities.

All eight Ivy league schools accept the DET. It’s also accepted by top universities in other countries, like McGill University (Canada), Hong Kong University, and the University of Hamburg (Germany). In China, it’s accepted by Tsinghua University, Wuhan University, and Xi’an Jiaotong University. In the UK, it’s accepted by Warwick University, Imperial College London, and the London School of Economics.

These are just some examples. You can see all the programs that accept the Duolingo English Test here.

Myth 2: The Duolingo English Test is not preferred by admission officers.

Universities wouldn't list a test on their official page if they weren't 100% confident in it. The DET is backed by extensive research and Duolingo works hard to make sure that DET scores align with scores on other tests like TOEFL and IELTS. Admissions officers know that the DET is trustworthy. Some universities even ask international students to take the DET regularly so that they can measure the effectiveness of their ESL courses!

Admissions officers like that the DET provides scores to students much faster than other tests. This makes it easier for students to submit their applications before the deadline. This is why admissions officers often recommend that applicants take the DET over other tests.

If you don’t see the DET listed in a program’s application requirements, it could mean that the program actually does accept the DET, but they haven’t updated their webpage. You should always check with the admissions office. They typically provide an email address that you can write to.

Myth 3: The Duolingo English Test can’t be trusted because it’s so new.

Since the DET was launched in 2016, over 2 million students have taken it.

Compared to TOEFL and IELTS – which are 61 and 45 years old, respectively – yes, the DET is new. However, this doesn’t mean it is untrustworthy. More and more universities are accepting the DET, and more and more students are choosing it over TOEFL and IELTS.

The Duolingo English Test is designed by a team of world-renowned experts who are trying to design the best test for students. The team behind the DET is leveraging the latest research and technology to create a test that is far more affordable and convenient.

If you are preparing for the Duolingo English Test, you should check out Arno. We give you unlimited practice questions for every question type for free. We also have instant, estimated scores on writing and speaking responses as well as detailed feedback on your grammar and vocabulary. We also have a sophisticated Vocabulary Builder and full mock tests with feedback on each of your responses.

In short, Arno has everything you need to get ready for the Duolingo English Fast quickly 😁 To create your free account, just click here.