Deadline Coming Up? Is DET Really the Right Move — A Conversation with DET Practice Tutors

One of the most stressful parts of application season isn't the essays — it's the language score still hanging in limbo. As deadlines close in and IELTS or TOEFL slots run out, the Duolingo English Test (DET) becomes many students' go-to option. But is it actually the right fit for you?

In this episode, DET Practice tutors Anna and Mike break down what really sets DET apart from IELTS, who tends to benefit most from choosing it, and why strong English alone doesn't mean you can skip prep. They also walk through practical strategies for reading, listening, writing, and speaking — and why good prep is less about grinding questions and more about getting familiar with the pacing first.

📖 If you'd like the fuller picture behind this conversation, check out the original article: When Application Deadlines Are Close, Is the Duolingo English Test a Reasonable Choice?

And if some of the question types mentioned in the episode still feel a bit unclear, take a look at this DET question type breakdown — it pairs nicely with what's discussed in the show.

Want to try the approach they talk about? Head to DET Practice for a 3-day free trial and a discount coupon toward your official exam.