ArchAngel0

What does the native language requirement mean exactly? Do you have to have spoken English since you were born? I have lived and attended school in an English speaking country (New Zealand) since grade 2 and believe that my English language abilities are at least equal to that of those for whom English is their mother-language. I also have a 700+ score in the critical reading section of the SAT. Do colleges still require a TOEFL or whatever test because I did not speak English since I was born? I am very confused by the use of the word "native" in the application requirements of most colleges. Thank you guys for any help!!!

b@r!um

It really really really depends on the university. MOST universities are content if you completed the last 4 years of your secondary education in an English-speaking setting. You've done that. Others will take a high SAT Critical Reading score as sufficient evidence of your English proficiency. You've got that too. However, there are still a few universities that would make you take the TOEFL if they in any way suspected that English is not your first language. SUNY Stony Brook comes to mind, for example.

I've also heard a story of someone getting adopted by an American family at age 3 (!) and still being required to present TOEFL scores at one university...

Personally, if I were you, I'd just check the "native speaker" box and not deal with the hassle. You are clearly not going to need ESL classes, so who cares?

ArchAngel0

Oh wow haha I guess some universities are really quite inflexible then in that story. I don't want to tick first language for English because I want to remain absolutely honest in the entire process and even though there would most likely be no harm I just feel like I should present the truth.
Thanks a lot man, if a university says that I still require the test then I will try to contact them and explain the situation. Hopefully they will understand? Thanks!