--- title: "What Is the NEWL Korean Exam, and Why Take It? | Elite Prep" description: "Since April 2025, Elite Open School has offered the NEWL Korean test. This article explains what the exam is and how high school students can benefit…" url: "https://eliteprep.com/blog/newl-korean-exam/" image: "https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-1368496873-webp-card.jpg" language: "en" datePublished: "2025-02-27T17:50:45.000Z" source: "eliteprep build" --- [Students](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/students/) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) [Language](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/language/) # What Is the NEWL Korean Exam (National Examinations in World Languages), and Why Should High School Students Take It? February 27, 2025 3 min read [Explore Elite College Consulting](https://eliteprep.com/consulting/) ![Smiling student wearing blue headphones sits with a pencil, notebook and laptop at a library table lined with bookshelves](https://eliteprep.com/media/iStock-1368496873-webp-w800.webp) In an increasingly globalized world, multilingual proficiency is a valuable asset that opens doors to educational and career opportunities. The **[National Examinations in World Languages](https://www.americancouncils.org/national-examinations-world-languages-newl) (NEWL)** is a standardized assessment that evaluates students’ proficiency in critical world languages, including Arabic, Korean, Portuguese, and Russian. For high school students, taking the NEWL can offer significant benefits in terms of college admissions, academic placement, and potential college credit awards. In fact, the College Board [**officially endorses NEWL**](https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/about-ap/outreach-and-collaborations/national-examinations-world-languages) and recommends colleges and universities use NEWL for credit and placement. ## Elite Open School began administering the NEWL Korean test in April 2025. This article discusses how high school students can leverage the advantages of this examination to enhance their educational journey. ## **Certify Your Language Proficiency and Stand Out on College Applications** One of the primary benefits of taking the NEWL is the **recognition it provides on college applications**. Universities worldwide, especially in the United States, highly value language proficiency as part of a well-rounded academic portfolio. Demonstrating advanced skills in a foreign language, especially through a standardized exam like the NEWL, showcases a student’s dedication, intellectual ability, and readiness to engage in multicultural and globalized environments. For students applying to competitive institutions, the NEWL serves as a formal credential that distinguishes them from other applicants. It demonstrates that they have achieved a high level of fluency in Korean, for example, which can be particularly advantageous for those interested in international relations, linguistics, or East Asian studies. Additionally, bilingual or multilingual students are often perceived as more adaptable and culturally aware—qualities that colleges seek in their applicants. ## **Meet Your World Language Requirement for College Admission** Many universities require students to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language as part of their **admission requirements**. By taking the NEWL, students can fulfill these language requirements even before entering college. This is particularly beneficial for students who may not have had the opportunity to study multiple languages extensively during their high school years but want to showcase their linguistic capabilities. ## **Save Time By Placing into Advanced Level Courses in College** Another significant advantage of taking the NEWL is the potential for **higher placement in college language courses**. Many universities offer language placement exams to determine students’ proficiency levels. However, having a standardized score from the NEWL can allow students to be placed into advanced-level language courses right away, rather than starting with introductory classes. This can be particularly beneficial for students who wish to major or minor in Korean studies, linguistics, or international business. By placing into higher-level courses, students can **save time and tuition costs** while engaging in more challenging and enriching coursework from the outset of their college experience. ## **Receive College Credits and Satisfy College Graduation Requirements** Perhaps one of the most practical benefits of taking the NEWL is the opportunity to earn **college credits before starting university**. [**Many colleges and universities recognize NEWL scores**](https://www.americancouncils.org/national-examinations-world-languages-newl) and offer course credit to students who perform well on the exam. This can reduce the number of required courses students need to take in college, allowing them to graduate early or explore additional subjects of interest. Earning college credits through the NEWL can **lighten students' academic workload**, giving them more flexibility to pursue internships, research projects, or study abroad opportunities. Additionally, saving on tuition by receiving credits in advance can be a financial advantage for students and their families. ## **Test Content & Score** NEWL Korean is administered online. The test is **3 hours 15 minutes long** and comprises **four sections:** - Reading Comprehension: 60 minutes - Listening Comprehension: 45 minutes - Integrated Writing: 45 minutes - Integrated Speaking: 45 minutes Students received a subsection section, and an overall **composite score derived across the four sub-scores and converted to a 5-point scale** with a score level of 5 reflecting the highest proficiency assessed (Intermediate High). Test scores are released in July. ## **Test Date & Registration Period** - In 2025, Elite Prep will administer the NEWL Korea test on **April 26 (Saturday**). - Students must [**register**](https://www.americancouncils.org/national-examinations-world-languages-newl) for the test during the **registration window that opens on March 5, 2025 and closes on March 18, 2025.** - Students must be enrolled in the 9th grade or above OR have turned 14 before the scheduled exams. ## **Final Thoughts** For high school students, taking the National Examinations in World Languages offers numerous benefits– from strengthening college applications by certifying proficiency in a foreign language to fulfilling admission requirements, placing into advanced college courses, and earning college credits. As universities continue to recognize the value of multilingual proficiency, students who take the NEWL can set themselves apart as globally competent individuals ready to thrive in higher education and beyond. **_Elite Prep's expert college counselors work with middle and high school students to [develop a personalized plan for college admissions success](https://eliteprep.com/programs/#college-consulting). 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