Raising bilingual kids: Sharing your family language at home

Admissions teams today are under increasing pressure to ensure the application process is done quickly, fairly and at scale, without compromising integrity or student experience. As international applicant volumes increase and digital processes become the norm, efficiency across admissions workflows has never been more critical. 

That is why the recent partnership between Slate and PTE aims to simplify the process of receiving, reviewing and trusting English language test results. 

A shared focus on admissions efficiency 

Slate is widely used by higher education institutions across the United States to manage the full student lifecycle, from initial inquiry through enrollment. Admissions teams rely on Slate to centralize data, reduce manual processes and support informed decision-making at speed.

Through the Slate and PTE partnership, PTE scores are integrated directly into admissions workflows, reducing friction for admissions officers and eliminating unnecessary administrative steps. Rather than navigating multiple systems or manually verifying results, admissions teams can access PTE scores while decisions are already being made.

Reducing manual work and administrative burden

One of the biggest challenges admissions teams face is losing time to manual processes, such as downloading score reports, checking authentication, uploading files or reconciling data across platforms.

By integrating PTE into Slate:

• English test results are received directly within the admissions platform
• Manual entry and document handling are reduced
• Verification becomes simpler and more reliable
• Processing time per application is shortened

This directly supports admissions teams who are managing high application volumes with limited resources, enabling them to focus less on administration and more on applicant evaluation. 

Faster, more confident decision-making

Speed matters, but confidence matters just as much. Admissions teams need to trust the data they’re working with, especially when making conditional offers or final decisions.

Having PTE results embedded within Slate allows admissions officers to:

• Review scores quickly and consistently
• Make faster decisions without leaving their workflow
• Reduce delays caused by missing or manually-uploaded documentation
• Maintain consistency across admissions teams and cycles

The result is a smoother review experience that supports both operational efficiency and institutional standards.

A better experience for admissions teams and students

Streamlined admissions workflows don’t just benefit institutions; they improve the experience for students too.

When systems work together:

• Applicants face fewer delays and follow‑ups
• Admissions communication becomes clearer and more timely
• Offer turnaround times are reduced
• Institutions present a more modern, efficient admissions experience

This joined‑up approach helps institutions remain competitive, responsive and student‑focused,  particularly when engaging international applicants navigating complex admissions requirements. 

Supporting innovation in admissions operations

Beyond efficiency gains, the Slate and PTE partnership reflects a broader commitment to innovation in admissions operations.

By integrating trusted English proficiency data into established institutional workflows, the partnership supports:

• Scalable admissions processes
• Greater consistency across decision‑making
• Reduced operational risk
• Long‑term efficiency as application volumes grow

For admissions teams, this means future‑ready systems designed to evolve with changing recruitment and enrolment needs. 

Streamlining admissions with Slate and PTE

The partnership between Slate and PTE is built on a shared understanding of what admissions teams need most: clarity, efficiency, and confidence.

By bringing English test scores directly into admissions workflows, institutions can reduce complexity, streamline operations and deliver faster, more reliable outcomes, all while maintaining the integrity and trust that admissions decisions demand.

Studying abroad offers an exciting opportunity for students to explore new cultures, enhance their language skills and pursue further education. However, preparing for university abroad can be stressful and overwhelming, particularly for those leaving home for the first time.

Educators are crucial in ensuring students feel ready, confident and equipped for international study. They support learners through academic guidance and emotional encouragement, helping build the skills necessary for success abroad.

Why preparing students for study abroad matters

Many learners focus mainly on getting accepted into a university. However, success abroad requires much more than good grades. Students must also adapt to a new education system, manage independent living and communicate in a different cultural environment.

Without preparation, students may struggle with:

• Culture shock
• Homesickness
• Academic pressure
• Budgeting and financial management
• Language barriers
• Time management

Providing support before students leave can improve confidence and help learners settle into university life more quickly.

When I talk to students planning to study in the USA, I always notice a mix of excitement and nerves. Before giving any advice, I begin by sharing a small personal truth.

I didn’t study in the USA myself. I spent my university years in Leeds, England, running between lectures in the rain, squeezing into crowded cafés, feeling like my whole world lived inside that one brilliant, chaotic city. And I loved it.

However, since I've worked in international education, it's broadened my perspective. Listening to students discuss the opportunities they’re pursuing in the US, including internships, campus experiences – and seeing the confidence they develop – has made me wonder if I might have chosen differently if I could go back in time.

So now, when a student has questions about studying in the USA, I answer them based on everything I’ve learned from being closely involved in their journey. Let’s get into it.

“Is studying in the USA actually worth it?”

Absolutely, not just academically, but personally.  You get access to:

• World-leading industries
• Diverse, ambitious communities
• New perspectives you can’t find at home
• A degree that's recognized globally

It’s one of the fastest ways to grow into the most confident version of yourself.

“Will I fit in?”

Yes. US campuses are remarkably diverse and host many international students. You’ll quickly find people who share your background, interests and ambitions. Simply join a club, attend a welcome event or try one new activity. That’s all it takes to get started.

“The application process seems overwhelming.”

It looks overwhelming until you break it down into manageable tasks:

1. Shortlist universities
2. Understand their timelines
3. Organize your documents
4. Choose an English test that actually supports your plans

Which brings us to asking…

“Which English test should I take?”

If you want global options, then choose PTE Academic, which gives access to worldwide opportunities.

If you’re set on the USA, then choose PTE Express. It's quick, online, flexible and specifically designed for studying in the US. It helps your application process run more smoothly and ensures you’re using a test that meets American university standards.

“What is life in the USA actually like?”

Think big campuses, huge energy, endless clubs and opportunities everywhere. But also think:

• Independence
• Cultural discovery
• New friendships
• Internships that shape your future

Most students say they grow more in their first year abroad than in all their years of school before it.

My perspective

Studying in the USA is about more than just earning a degree. It can change how you see yourself. While my own path was different, I love helping students experience it and seeing where it takes them.