Each fall (October to December), Waterloo's Faculty of Science will send a certified examiner to each partner university to assess the English proficiency of Science 2+2/2+1+1 applicants with a written test and a personal interview. Admission decisions will be made based on both your English test score and academic standing. You can find below the necessary information you need to know about the English test.
Below is a preliminary schedule for the virtual Renison English Test in 2024.
| 2+2/2+1+1 / Testing Universities | Dates |
|---|---|
| Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU) | Oct 30-Nov 3 |
| Central China Normal University (CCNU) | Nov 17-18 |
| Chang'An University (CAD) | To be scheduled if students register |
| China Agricultural University (CAU) | Oct 30-Nov 3 |
| China University of Geosciences, Beijing (CUGB) | Oct 30-Nov 3 |
| China University of Geosciences, Wuhan (CUGW) | Nov 17-18 |
| China University of Mining & Technology (CUMT) | Oct 30-Nov 3 |
| China University of Petroleum, Beijing (CUPB) | Oct 30-Nov 3 |
| China University of Petroleum, Huadong (CUPH) | To be scheduled if students register |
| Dalian University of Technology (DUT) | To be scheduled if students register |
| Hefei University of Technology (HFUT) | To be scheduled if students register |
| Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) | Nov 17-18 |
| Northwest University (NWU) | To be scheduled if students register |
| Ocean University of China (OUC) | Nov 24-25 |
| Shandong Normal University (SDNU) | Nov 24-25 |
| Soochow University | To be scheduled if students register |
| Tianjin University (TJU) | To be scheduled if students register |
| University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) | Oct 30-Nov 3 |
| Xiamen University (XMU) | To be scheduled if students register |
Note: The date range is preliminary and subject to change. Please contact your home university for the specific date of the English test.
Below is some information you need to be aware to prepare for the English test.
Test Information (blended format: online and paper)
- The components of the virtual English assessment include: listening, reading, grammar, writing and speaking
- Each component will be timed. If you do not complete a section in the given time, the test will automatically move to the next section and you will not have the ability to complete unfinished questions.
- The entire assessment will take approximately 2 hours.
- Read and listen to all instructions carefully.
- One you begin, you cannot restart the test.
- The online and paper testing are to be completed in one sitting. You will not be able to move away from the computer or have any breaks.
- At the time of the online test, you will be given a website link to begin the process.
- Bring official photo identification such as your resident or student ID card with photo, or passport to the test location for verification.
- The test is equipped with security features in place: if the computer detects movement, talking, typing irregularities, etc. your test will not be accepted.
Computer Requirements
- A laptop with a front-facing camera, clear sound, headphones with a microphone is required.
- Make sure your computer is fully charged, and you test your equipment beforehand so that everything is in working order.
- Access to stable internet connection is required.
Test Environment
- You will be in a quiet room with others doing the assessment.
- A UW staff member will be present during the test to administer test and ensure test security.
Test Submission/Results
- Test results will go directly to Renison University College.
- Student reports will go directly to your institution after grading is complete, and your institution will provide you with your final results.
- You can expect your results in approximately 4 – 6 weeks after you have completed the English language assessment.
Test components and time
Below are short descriptions and time of each component of the English test.
LISTENING COMPREHENSION (20 minutes)
Listen to a lecture and answer multiple choice comprehension and vocabulary questions
READING COMPREHENSION (40 minutes)
Read two short texts and answer multiple-choice comprehension and vocabulary questions
GRAMMAR (15 minutes)
Answer 20 multiple-choice questions
WRITING (45 minutes)
Write a short essay on one of two given topics (approximately 350 words)
SPEAKING (approximately 5 minutes)
Speak about two topics for 2 minutes each. (You will be able to practice once to test equipment.)