When you think of the IELTS in terms of numbers, it sounds impressive: millions of people take it every year, hundreds of countries around the world require a mid-range or high level score, the test itself lasts for almost 3 hours! But what many forget is that the IELTS is not a Math test, it’s an English Language test.

Many students and parents worry about taking the exam and look for preparation courses anywhere they can find them, thinking that a quick cram will be enough to get the necessary score. There are many centers and institutes out there promising the ‘score you want’ but reality is quite different.

Before signing up for a preparation course or for the exam itself, people should carefully consider the timing of the whole process. You can sign up at any time to take the IELTS in a few different locations across Hong Kong and there are exams happening several times a month (for more details please check the IDP Australia or British Council websites). So what should parents consider? First of all, students and parents should be well informed about the schedule of the application process for universities abroad. Don’t rush to get the IELTS done! If you have time, leave it for later. Why? As an English Language test, students need to prepare themselves appropriately and some need to further develop their English language skills. Tricks and tips will get you nowhere. Most Hong Kong students end high school with enough English to score between 4 and 5 on the IELTS, which can be a problem since most universities nowadays require at least a 6. That might seem like a small difference but depending on the student’s abilities, it can take months of hard work to improve!

Give yourself at least a few months of intensive preparation. If you take the IELTS more than once, then give yourself at least a month and a half in between takes so you can receive the score and analyze what happened. You will then be better prepared to retake the exam, knowing exactly where you need to improve and your chances or scoring higher will also improve.

Taking the IELTS costs money, so don’t just go back week after week in hopes of getting lucky. If you are not able to score higher than a 5 in one exam, you will never magically achieve the 6.5 you need. That’s just not how it works. Find yourself a reliable tutor who can guide you through every detail of the exam and give you the preparation you need to succeed.