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  • University students sitting together in a library working together

    How at-home testing enhances your university’s appeal

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    Reading time: 2 minutes

    When students think about applying to university, they are not just looking at rankings or course lists. They are asking themselves, “Will I feel supported here?” and “Will this experience work for me?” That experience starts long before they step onto campus. It starts with the admissions process.

    Offering an at-home English test like the app English Express Test is one way institutions can show they are thinking about the student from the very beginning.

    Meeting students where they are

    Today’s students expect flexibility. They are used to doing everything online, from learning to banking to job applications. So, when it comes to proving their English proficiency, they want a test that fits into their lives.

    app English Express Test is available 24/7, can be taken from anywhere secure and quiet with a stable internet connection, and delivers results in minutes, with certification in under 48 hours. 

    That means no travel, no waiting, and no stress. For students juggling school, work, or family responsibilities, this kind of flexibility is not just convenient, it is essential.

    A seamless start to the student journey

    By accepting app English Express Test, universities are sending a clear message: we care about your experience, even before you arrive. The test is designed to be intuitive and accessible, with a simple booking process, clear instructions, and a supportive environment.

    Students need a government-issued ID, a quiet space, a computer with a camera and microphone and a mobile phone for a second security viewpoint. The test is completed in about an hour and covers all four skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. 

    It is a smooth, modern experience that reflects the kind of digital-first thinking students expect.

    Trust built in

    Of course, flexibility means nothing without trust. That is why app English Express Test includes advanced security features like dual-camera proctoring, voice verification, and AI scoring backed by human review. 

    Institutions can be confident that the results are accurate, secure, and fair.

    And students can feel confident too. They know their efforts are being measured reliably, and that their scores will be taken seriously by the institutions they are applying to.

    A competitive edge in a crowded market

    Where students have more choices than ever, offering a test like app English Express Test can help your university stand out. It shows that you are forward-thinking, student-focused, and ready to meet learners where they are.

    Feedback from our recent outreach shows that institutions are excited about having a credible, flexible alternative from app, with institutional acceptance growing week-by-week ahead of test-taker launch. 

    It’s more than a test, it’s a first impression

    So, what’s the run down?

    Admissions is not just about paperwork. It is about building a relationship. When you offer a test that is fast, fair, and student-friendly, you are showing applicants that their experience matters to you from the very start.

    And that kind of first impression? It lasts.

  • A professional man sits at a desk, writing notes with a laptop open in front of him.

    Grammar 101: insider tips and tricks to instantly improve your writing (part 2)

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    Reading time: 5 minutes

    As a proofreader and editor, I'm often asked to explain the rules of grammar. I answered three of the most common questions in the first post of this series, and now it's time to look at another frequent query: how to use apostrophes.Where do they go? When are they needed? And when should they be left out entirely?

    Apostrophes might be small but they can cause big confusion because they are used both to indicate posession and to contract words. But the good news is that there are clear, simple patterns to follow, which we'll explore, along with exceptions to watch out for.Whether you’re writing a report or just a text message, these tips will help you use apostrophes correctly and confidently.

  • A group of university students sat in a library together studying

    Built for trust: Why security and accuracy matter in at-home English testing

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    Reading time: 2 minutes

    When we set out to create the app English Express Test, we knew we were stepping into a new era of language testing. One where students could test from anywhere, at any time, in less time! But with that flexibility comes a big responsibility, to make sure the test is secure, accurate, and trusted by institutions around the world.

    So how do we do that? And why does it matter so much?

    Security is not optional

    At-home testing opens doors for students who might otherwise be left behind by logistics. But it also raises questions. How do we know the right person is taking the test? How do we prevent cheating? How can institutions trust the results?

    We’ve built app English Express Test with these questions in mind. Every test taker must present a government-issued photo ID, verified using facial recognition technology. They are monitored throughout the test using both their webcam and a second camera, from a mobile phone, to give a better view of their environment 

    This dual-camera setup helps deter malpractice and gives our proctors a clearer picture of what is happening in the room.We perform audio consistency checks to ensure the same person is speaking throughout the test and any mismatches are flagged as suspicious. We also lock down the test environment so no one can navigate away or use unauthorized devices. 

    Accuracy that goes beyond the score

    Security is only half the story. Accuracy matters just as much. Institutions need to know that the scores they receive reflect a student’s true ability.

    app English Express Test uses AI scoring engines trained on over 147,000 responses, with a 0.98 correlation to human scoring. That means the scores are not just fast, they are reliable. And every test is verified by a human expert within 48 hours to ensure fairness and consistency.

    We also provide institutions with access to samples of graded spoken and written responses, so they can see exactly how a student performed. 

    Why this matters for admissions teams

    As an admissions professional, you are making decisions that shape futures. You need to trust the tools you use. app English Express Test was designed to give you that confidence.

    It is not just about catching potential cheaters or ticking compliance boxes. It is about making sure every student has a fair shot, and every institution has the information it needs to make informed choices.

    Looking ahead

    We are not stopping here. Our roadmap includes even more security enhancements. Because trust is not something you build once, it is something you earn every day.