Getting a conditional offer from your dream university is an incredible milestone, no doubt! But turning that dream into reality—especially for international students from non-majority English-speaking countries—often comes with its own set of challenges. One of the key steps? Meeting the English language requirements. For more details about these requirements for prospective undergraduate and graduate students, check out the official LSE website.

When I received the news that I’d been offered a place at LSE for an MSc in Gender, Media, and Culture, I was overjoyed—but also a bit anxious. Amid the excitement, I realised I had a lot to juggle: finalising formalities, completing documentation, and, most daunting of all, preparing for and passing the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – one of the accepted English proficiency tests – all while managing a full-time job! It felt overwhelming at first, but through trial and error, I found a system that worked for me.

Here are some key do’s and don’ts I picked up along the way while preparing for IELTS.

Choose the right test and get familiar

When it comes to meeting the English language requirements, you’ve got a few options to choose from. I went with IELTS because its scores were accepted by all the universities I had applied to. Once I decided on the test, the next big step was to really understand what I was signing up for.

I started by diving into the test structure. I also spent time going through sample papers and figuring out the time limits for each section. Knowing exactly what to expect makes the whole thing feel a little less intimidating and gives you a clearer path forward.

Test yourself: where do you stand?

Once I got familiar with the test structure, I decided to take a computer-based timed practice test on the British Council website without any preparation. My goal was simple: to understand where I stood and how much work I needed to do to reach the required score for my course. 

The results? Let’s just say there was room for improvement, but it wasn’t all doom and gloom either. What mattered most was that this test gave me clarity—it helped me figure out whether I needed coaching or could manage with self-study. After weighing my options, I decided to prepare on my own. 

Choose the right study material 

With hundreds—if not thousands—of IELTS prep books out there, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Trust me, this choice matters, especially if you’re self-studying. For my preparation, I relied on The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS, which I found incredibly comprehensive. It covers all four parts of the test and includes 10 practice tests at the back to put your learning into action. 

Also, check with your university library or ask if they recommend any specific IELTS prep books. These guides can be pricey, so it’s always worth exploring cost-effective options. 

Learn from your mistakes 

Here’s a crucial lesson I learned while preparing: don’t just breeze past your wrong answers. Instead of feeling disappointed and moving on, ask yourself why you got it wrong. For example, what made you choose the incorrect MCQ option? What clues did you miss?

By analysing your mistakes, you’ll spot patterns and learn to avoid turning them into habits. This process isn’t just about improving your scores—it’s about mastering the way you think during the test.

Time management and consistency 

Consistency is key when preparing for IELTS—it’s a marathon, not a sprint. I studied for an hour or more every morning for about a month, depending on my schedule before work. In the evenings, I’d take a practice test and review my answers in detail. 

The trick? Set a realistic study routine, prioritise your health, and build in time to rest. Burnout doesn’t help anyone. Work smarter, not harder—achievable goals and consistent effort will carry you over the finish line. 

Don’t rush to take the test 

These tests aren’t cheap, so here’s my advice: don’t book your official test until you’re consistently scoring your target band in timed practice tests. Also, make sure you’re familiar with how sections like Writing and Speaking are graded. A solid grasp of the assessment criteria will give you confidence and help you perform better. 

One resource I found particularly helpful was the British Council Website, which provided detailed insights into grading and test expectations. Make sure to leverage similar tools to fine-tune your preparation!