Why is English the deciding factor from the entrance exam to the actual start of classes?
For students aged 15–19, English is no longer just a subject in school, but a skill that impacts every step of their university preparation, from entrance exams and applications to the actual studies after the semester begins.
Many people dedicate a lot of time to practicing for exams to get high scores, but when they enter university, they find that reading textbooks, listening to professors, or writing reports in English is harder than they thought, because what is used in the classroom is... Academic English This is very different from the English used in the exam.
Many Thai students encounter familiar situations such as scoring well on grammar tests but struggling to keep up with textbook reading, failing to grasp lecture notes, or lacking confidence when presenting in English in front of a class.
This article will guide you through the preparation process. English for university entrance A comprehensive approach covering everything from exam preparation and application to interviews and skills development. Academic English This will help you be prepared from the very first day of university.
The three major stages of preparing for university English language admission.
Preparation English for university entrance It doesn't end on the exam day, but can be divided into three important stages, each requiring different skills.
Stage 1: Level assessment and entrance exams (A-Level, IELTS, faculty-specific exams)
The first step is preparing for exams, whether it's A-Level English exams, university-specific entrance exams, or proficiency tests like IELTS for those applying to international programs.
The goal of this phase is to build a strong foundation in English, along with practicing with realistic exam formats to increase familiarity and improve time management skills.
Stage 2: Application and Interview (Portfolio, Personal Statement, Interview)
Once you have your test scores, the next step is to present your potential through application documents such as a portfolio and personal statement, as well as an English-language interview. This provides the committee with an opportunity to see your personality and motivations beyond just test scores alone.
Stage 3: Readiness for Actual Learning (Academic English Skills)
Even after passing the entrance exam, the learning process has only just begun. Students must utilize skills that the exam doesn't measure, such as reading academic articles, taking lecture notes, writing reports, giving presentations, and working in groups—all crucial aspects of the learning process. Academic English
What is Academic English, and how does it differ from English used for exams?
Definition of Academic English
Academic English Academic English, or English used in learning, research, and communication at university, emphasizes clarity, formality, and the use of reasoned arguments to support information.
Unlike general English used in daily life, this language doesn't focus solely on communication but also on the ability to explain, analyze, compare, and systematically cite information.
5 characteristics of academic English that students need to adapt to.
formality
Avoid informal language, abbreviations, or contractions, such as: don't or gonna By choosing language that is more appropriate for the academic context.
Evidence can be provided.
Expressions should be supported by data, research, or reliable sources, not just personal opinions.
Neutrality and Hedging
Academic writing often avoids making definitive statements, instead using phrases like... may, suggests or appears to To reflect neutrality.
Rational structure
Each paragraph should be logically linked, starting with the main point, supporting information, and a clear conclusion.
Specialized terminology
Each faculty has its own specific terminology. Building up a vocabulary from high school will help you adapt more easily when you start university.
In-depth look at Stage 1: Preparing for the English Language Exam for University Entrance
Getting to know the A-Level English exam (code 82) according to the official structure.
A-Level English scores are one of the requirements used by many faculties in the TCAS selection process. It is essential to check the program's criteria and the latest application year before making a decision.
The exam structure is divided into 3 parts, totaling 80 questions, and takes 90 minutes.
- Listening and Speaking: 25 points
- Reading (50 points)
- Writing (25 points)
Knowing the exam structure early on will help you plan your studying effectively and allocate your time appropriately for practicing each section.
English language exams for international programs (IELTS, TU-GET, CU-TEP)
If you are aiming to study an international program, you should research the requirements of each university, as some use IELTS while others use TU-GET or CU-TEP.
Checking the minimum score requirements from the start will help you set goals and choose test centers that align with the course you wish to apply for.
An effective preparation sequence: Build a foundation → Expand your vocabulary → Practice problems → Tutor according to exam type.
Effective exam preparation should follow this sequence:
- Lay a solid foundation in grammar.
- Accumulate vocabulary frequently found in exams.
- Practice reading English articles every day.
- Practice with past exam papers.
- Analyze the errors and adjust the reading plan.
Starting from the 10th grade (M.4) will give you time to gradually develop your skills without having to rush to study before exams.
In-depth look at Stage 2: Application and Interview in English.
Write a standout Personal Statement.
A Personal Statement is a document that allows applicants to describe themselves, their inspirations, and their reasons for choosing that particular field of study.
The committee isn't looking for the most sophisticated English, but rather sincerity, clarity, and goals aligned with the curriculum.
For more information, please read the article. How to write a standout personal statement in English.
Prepare for your university interview with Mock Interviews.
Practicing for an interview can reduce anxiety and allow you to answer questions more naturally.
Frequently asked questions include:
- Why do you want to study this program?
- Tell us about yourself.
- What are your future goals?
Practicing answering questions multiple times, along with receiving feedback from an instructor, can greatly boost your confidence.
You can read more at... English Mock Interviews: Prepare for University Entrance Interviews with Confidence
In-depth look at Stage 3: Essential Academic English Skills Before the Semester Starts.
1. Academic Vocabulary Database
University textbook terminology differs from that found in general exams. Knowing an academic word list will help you understand textbooks faster and guess the meaning of new words more easily.
Read more 500 Academic English Vocabulary Words Students Should Know Before Entering University
2. Research and referencing skills.
Finding information from reliable sources and citing sources correctly is fundamental to all academic work.
Read more Research Skills (English): Basic research and referencing for new students.
3. Critical Thinking
The university wants students to analyze, compare, and question information, rather than simply memorizing it.
Read more What is critical thinking? It's an important skill for university studies.
4. Academic Writing
Essays, reports, and research papers all require a clear structure and proper citations.
Read more Academic Writing in English: Fundamentals of academic writing for university.
5. Note-taking Skills
Good note-taking isn't about writing down every word, but about capturing key points and summarizing information systematically, such as through the Cornell Method, which makes reviewing before an exam easier.
Read more Note-taking techniques for English lectures (for new students).
6. Group Discussion
University studies often involve group work and exchanging ideas. Practicing speaking, expressing opinions, and listening to others during high school will help you adapt more easily when you actually start university.
Read more Group Discussion (English): Developing Group Work Skills at University.
7. Academic Presentation
Presenting in front of a class is another frequently used skill in university, including designing slides, speaking, and answering questions after the presentation.
Read more Academic Presentation: Present confidently in English at university.
A step-by-step roadmap for preparing your English for university entrance exams.
Grades 10-11: Laying the foundation and building vocabulary.
During this period, the focus should be on building a strong foundation in grammar, reading, and academic vocabulary. Regularly practicing listening to English podcasts or lectures will help you become familiar with using the language in academic contexts.
Grade 12, first semester: Focus on solving practice problems and preparing application documents.
Once you have a solid foundation, you should start consistently practicing for A-Level or IELTS exams, draft your Personal Statement, and prepare your Portfolio for university applications.
Grade 12, second semester: Practice for job interviews and prepare for the actual semester.
Before the semester starts, try practicing mock interviews, writing English essays, and taking lecture notes from university videos to help you adapt quickly when classes begin.
6 mistakes that put Thai students at a disadvantage when entering university.
Focusing solely on test scores without practicing real-world skills used in the classroom.
Passing the entrance exam is only the first step. Without preparing skills such as writing, reading academic articles, or giving presentations, you may find it difficult to adapt when the semester begins.
A literal translation from Thai makes academic sentences sound strange.
Structuring sentences according to Thai grammar often results in unnatural English. It's better to practice reading native English speakers to absorb their usage patterns.
The academic vocabulary is too limited to keep up with reading textbooks.
Knowing only the vocabulary used for exams may not be enough, as university textbooks contain a large amount of specialized terminology. Starting to accumulate academic vocabulary from high school can greatly reduce pressure.
I didn't dare speak or participate in a discussion in an international classroom.
The fear of making mistakes prevents many people from having opportunities to practice the language and exchange ideas. Starting to speak little by little builds confidence better than waiting until you're ready.
Write a Personal Statement using repetitive phrases that the recruiters will get tired of.
Using generic, ready-made phrases makes the document less distinctive. It's better to tell a story from real experiences and reflect the applicant's personality.
Not practicing for the interview made me so nervous that I didn't answer the questions correctly.
Even with thorough preparation, a lack of practice in answering real questions can lead to nervousness and an inability to communicate effectively.
FAQ
From what year of study should one start preparing for university entrance exams in English?
The earlier you start, the greater the advantage. Starting in the 10th grade (M.4) will give you time to gradually develop both your English foundation and Academic English skills.
What IELTS or A-Level score is required to apply to an international program?
Each university sets different criteria, so you should check the website of the program you wish to apply to before planning your exam preparation.
Can I practice Academic English on my own, or should I take a course?
Self-improvement can be achieved by reading academic articles, attending lectures, and practicing writing regularly. However, learning with an instructor will provide guidance and help correct weaknesses more quickly.
How long does it take to prepare for an English interview?
A 4–8 week training period can serve as a guideline for planning, but results depend on the foundation, frequency of practice, quality of feedback, and interview format of each course.
Start preparing systematically today.
Preparation English for university entrance It's not just about reading books to pass exams, but about preparing to use English in real university life.
If you start planning according to the 3 stages: exam preparation, application, and development. Academic English Combining these two things will help you enter university with confidence and be ready to cope with all forms of learning.
For those who want to plan systematically and develop well-rounded skills, studying in... University Entrance Prep Course This will help improve your exam performance, interview skills, and the English language skills necessary for further university studies.
Read on to prepare systematically.
- A guide to writing a Personal Statement in English.
- How to prepare for an English mock interview.
- 45+ Academic English Vocabulary Words Before Entering University
- Fundamentals of Research Skills and Referencing.
- Methods for Training Critical Thinking Skills for University Students
- Basic Academic Writing in English
- Lecture note-taking techniques using Note-taking Skills
- Phrases and techniques for group discussions in English.
- Academic Presentation Techniques for New Students
- University-level English language guide for academic success.
- inlingua Bangkok's University Entrance Prep course.
Sources of information used for verification.
- A-Level 82 Eng Exam Structure — MyTCAS — A-Level 82 English Language Structure: Listening and Speaking 25 points, Reading 50 points, Writing 25 points, totaling 80 questions in 90 minutes.
- IELTS Academic Test — IELTS — IELTS Academic is used for higher education and assesses Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
