The Writing Sample Evaluation (WSE) assesses candidates’ written English skills, assigning scores from 0 to 6 (to one decimal place, e.g., 4.3, 2.2). It evaluates the real-world written communication capabilities of participants. After the Vericant interview process, submitting WSE scores helps schools assess an applicant’s English writing skills. These materials allow admissions officers to quickly evaluate an applicant’s written proficiency, facilitating the identification of candidates who meet their admission criteria. For applicants, the WSE score acts as a clear indicator of their performance, highlighting their written communication skills to various schools and programs.

What’s the WSE Assesment Criteria?

The WSE score reflects the following four aspects of English written usage, namely:

• Range of Vocabulary (breadth of vocabulary, including its accurate application in context and understanding of definitions)
• Grammar Control (the ability to form sentences using standard grammatical rules)
• Coherence (the ability to organize content effectively, particularly through smooth transitions, appropriate paragraphing, and the use of cohesive devices)
• Task fulfillment (degree of understanding of the given prompt and the capability to respond with relevant, detailed, and illustrative explanations.

How is the WSE score divided?

The WSE score is divided into six levels. For specific details, please refer to the “WSE Grade and Scoring Explanation Table” below. For more questions about the WSE, email our customer service at info@vericant.com.

Proficient

6: Demonstrates an exceptional understanding and articulation of ideas, mirroring the proficiency of a native speaker. This level signifies a robust mastery over all facets of written language, showcasing an ability to navigate complex linguistic landscapes with precision and ease.
5: Exhibits a high level of competency in communicating both complex and straightforward subjects with clarity and sophistication. Arguments are well-supported and presented in a coherent structure, showcasing fluency despite minor imperfections.
4: Possesses the ability to discuss a wide array of topics with competent control over language, producing texts that are coherent, albeit with some errors. The writing is generally clear, making it accessible to the audience.

Intermediate

3: Able to write about familiar subjects with a limited degree of fluency, using straightforward language. However, challenges in vocabulary, grammar, and the organization of thoughts are evident, impacting the overall clarity and flow of ideas.

Beginner

2: Restricted to simple written discourse on only familiar topics, relying heavily on basic vocabulary and incomplete sentence structures. Significant support is needed due to substantial difficulties with grammar, structure, and task comprehension.
1: Displays minimal proficiency in written communication, with substantial struggles in conveying even the most basic of information.

What are the key features of the WSE?

1. WSE Scores: In the WSE assessment report, each applicant’s WSE score is the average of the scores from the four sections outlined in the “WSE Assessment Standards.”
2. WSE Assessment Report: All applicants who participate in a Vericant interview receive a Vericant-issued WSE assessment report after the writing sample has been processed. The report includes the applicant’s WSE score and explanations for different scoring levels (i.e., Beginner, Intermediate, and Proficient levels). This score reflects the applicant’s composite score in four aspects of their writing ability. Applicants can see a detailed explanation of the level corresponding to their score, providing them with a clear judgment of their language proficiency level.
3. The basis for WSE evaluation is to see what applicants “can do.” Vericant scores correspond to three levels: Beginner level (1-2 points), Intermediate level (3 points), and Proficient level (4-6 points). For example, if an applicant’s WSE score is 3.8, it means that he or she possesses all the abilities described at the intermediate level.

Who rates the WSE?

The WSE scores are independently determined by at least two raters. These raters are native English speakers with a bachelor’s degree and teaching experience, all having undergone rigorous training. The final score for each applicant is calculated as the average of two separate scores derived from evaluating the applicant’s English proficiency as demonstrated on their Vericant writing sample.

What’s the rescoring policy for the WSE?

1. Applicants can request a score reassessment within one month from the date the interview results were sent.
2. The fee for applying for a rescoring is USD 160. Once Vericant confirms receipt of the payment proof sent by the student via email, the rescoring process will begin.
3. Vericant is required to complete the rescoring within 15 working days from the day the applicant’s request is made and after Vericant confirms receipt of the payment proof sent by the student.
4. If the rescoring results in a score change greater than 0.4 points (excluding 0.4) either higher or lower than the original score, Vericant will adjust the applicant’s original score to the newly assessed score and will formally notify both the applicant and the schools. In this case, the entire rescoring fee will be refunded.
5. If the score change is less than or equal to 0.4 points, the original score will remain unchanged, and the rescoring fee will not be refunded.
6. The score obtained after the rescoring and adjustment becomes the final score, regardless of whether it has increased or decreased from the original score. Applicants do not have the right to request another rescoring.

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The SEE Diagnostic is an add-on to the K-12 Vericant Pre-Interview and can be purchased anytime, before or after your K-12 Vericant Pre-Interview.

You can:

• Purchase SEED as an add-on when you purchase the Vericant Pre-Interview package
• Get SEED included when you purchase the Vericant Pre-Interview Plus or Premium package
• Purchase SEED as an upgrade anytime through your Vericant student dashboard

When will I receive my SEE Diagnostic?

The diagnostic will be delivered as a PDF file to your student dashboard 5 working days after your PSEE report is delivered. If the SEE Diagnostic is purchased after the PSEE report is delivered, the SEE Diagnostic will be delivered 5 working days after purchase date.

To receive your booklet faster, you can upgrade to fast delivery for both your PSEE score and your SEE Diagnostic. Learn more on Pricing.

Can I receive a printed copy of my SEE Diagnostic?

By default the SEE Diagonostic is delivered as an electronic PDF. If you would like it printed and shipped to you, please contact info@vericant.com after purchasing.

How do counselors, advisors and teachers use the SEE Diagnostic?

The SEE Diagnostic is a great way for you to help your students get the most from their K-12 Vericant Pre-Interview experience. It not only includes personalized feedback on their performance, but also has helpful tips for each of the five categories of the SEE rubric. If you are unsure of the meaning of any of the feedback please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by email at info@vericant.com.

The post The Spoken English Evaluation Diagnostic (SEED) appeared first on Vericant.

Vericant’s SEE is a holistic reflection of how language is used for the social purposes of real-life communication, rather than just the speaker’s technical mastery of grammar and vocabulary. SEE reflects a speaker’s ability to communicate accurately and appropriately in a conversational interview setting.

Do all Vericant Interviews include the SEE score?

For 2023 application season, only the K-12 Vericant Interview include the SEE score as part of the standard service.

Undergraduate and graduate institutions may request an SEE score for a specific interview via the School Portal.

Why was SEE developed?

Pencil and paper English proficiency exams measure reading, writing and listening abilities, but neglect the fourth and possibly the most important ability in a western classroom: speaking. To fill this gap, Vericant’s verified video interviews were developed to help admission officers better understand their applicant’s spoken English ability and non-cognitive skills. The only problem was evaluations were subjective and applicants received little feedback on their abilities.

With Vericant SEE, admission officers now have a standardized measurement of applicant’s spoken English abilities and applicants receive feedback on their spoken English ability.

What does the SEE score consider?

The Spoken English Evaluation (SEE) assesses candidates’ oral English skills in Vericant interviews, assigning scores from 0 to 6 (to one decimal place, e.g., 4.3, 2.2). It evaluates language proficiency and real-world communication capabilities. After completing the Vericant interview process, submitting the SEE score helps schools assess an applicant’s English oral communication skills. These materials allow admissions officers to quickly evaluate oral proficiency, helping to identify candidates who meet their admission criteria. For applicants, the SEE score acts as a clear indicator of their performance, highlighting their oral communication skills to various schools and programs.

What’s the SEE Assesment criteria?

The SEE score reflects the following five aspects of language usage, namely:

• Range (the ability to comprehend topics and use appropriate vocabulary to express nuanced meanings)
• Accuracy (the ability to form sentences using standard grammatical rules and vocabulary)
• Fluency (the ability to express oneself fluently, including rhythm, pronunciation, and spoken fluency)
• Interaction (the level of participation and awareness while conversing in English)
• Coherence (ensuring the relevance, depth, and clarity of information conveyed in the conversation)

What are SEE score levels?

The SEE score is divided into six levels. For more questions about the SEE, email our customer service at info@vericant.com.

Proficient

6: Exhibits an ability to understand and articulate ideas at the level of a native speaker, consistently demonstrating a strong command over all aspects of speech.
5: Demonstrates the ability to express both complex and simple ideas with clarity and fluency, offering detailed explanations and viewpoints even in the face of minor limitations.
4: Engages in discussions on a broad range of topics with a solid degree of control, resulting in conversations that are pleasant to follow despite some noticeable but minor errors.

Intermediate

3: Capable of discussing relatively familiar topics using straightforward, continuous language, yet facing noticeable challenges in vocabulary usage, grammar control, and the articulation of ideas.

Beginner

2: Limited to basic interactions using familiar day-to-day vocabulary and sentence structures, necessitating considerable assistance and confined to responding to direct questions.
1: Shows minimal, if any, proficiency in verbal communication, struggling to convey basic messages.

What are the key features of the SEE Assesment?

SEE Scores: In the SEE assessment report, each applicant’s SEE score is the average of the scores from the five sections outlined in the “SEE Assessment Criteria.” SEE Assessment Reports: All applicants who participate in a Vericant interview receive a Vericant-issued SEE assessment report after the interview results have been processed. The report includes the applicant’s SEE score and explanations for different scoring levels (i.e., Beginner, Intermediate, and Proficient levels). This score reflects the applicant’s composite score in five aspects of language expression ability. Applicants can see a detailed explanation of the level corresponding to their score, providing them with a clear judgment of their language proficiency level. The basis for SEE evaluation is to see what applicants “can do.” Vericant scores correspond to three levels: Beginner level (1-2 points), Intermediate level (3 points), and Proficient level (4-6 points). For example, if an applicant’s SEE score is 4.8, it means that he or she possesses all the abilities described at the proficient level.

How is the SEE score rated?

The SEE scores are independently determined by at least two raters. These raters are native English speakers with a bachelor’s degree and teaching experience, all having undergone rigorous training. The final score for each applicant is calculated as the average of two separate scores derived from evaluating the applicant’s English proficiency as demonstrated in their Vericant interview video.

How does SEE compare to TOEFL or IELTS?

The SEE is developed from the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR), a globally recognized framework of references that serves as the basis of most language tests, including TOEFL and IELTS exams. Unlike TOEFL and IELTS, the SEE was not developed with the specific purposes of assessing the proficiency of academic English.

The SEE is an evaluation of spoken English communication expressed during Vericant’s behavioral interview setting.

How are raters trained?

Examiners undergo intensive SEE rubric training during which the scoring process is thoroughly reviewed and calibrated. Examiners are given periodic re-calibrations to the SEE rubric, and if they’re not able to score inline with our master rating, are excused from examining until they’ve passed retraining.

The post The Spoken English Evaluation (SEE) appeared first on Vericant.

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In-person interview:

If the applicant is more than 5 minutes late or fails to arrive, it will be viewed as forsaking the interview and the interview fee will not be refunded. The applicant must reserve a new interview date if they wish to interview.

Remote interview:

If the applicant is unable to complete the interview online for whatever reason 5 minutes after the interview begins, it will be viewed as forsaking the interview. The applicant must reserve a new interview date if they wish to interview

What does the interview include and how long does it take?

The total interview process takes about an hour. This includes a 30-minute digital writing sample and a 14-18 minute video interview.

Who will interview me?

You will be interviewed by a professionally trained, native English-speaking interviewer. Vericant Interviews are conducted in strict accordance with standards approved by admissions officers.

What should I be aware of on the in-person interview day?

1. Please follow the interview time and location on the student’s confirmation page or in the student’s Vericant account. The proctor phone number listed on the confirmation page will only be used on the day of the interview.
2. The student should arrive 15 minutes before their interview is scheduled to start. The interview will start on time. If the student arrives 5 minutes after the interview time or fails to arrive, it will be viewed as an absence and the interview fee will not be refunded. If the student still wishes to interview, they must register for a new interview.
3. On the day of the interview, students participating in a K-12 Interview and Summer Program Interview must bring their original valid ID (ID card/passport) and signed confirmation page. The ID must be exactly the same as the one as the ID listed on the confirmation page. Parents are required to sign the confirmation page in advance. It is recommended that students under the age of 18 be accompanied by their parents.
4. Students who participate in a University Interview (undergraduate and graduate) only need to bring their original valid (ID card/passport). The ID must be exactly the same as the ID uploaded in their Vericant portal.
5. If the ID is lost or is being used for other purposes, please bring another valid ID and/or authorized documents issued by relevant departments on the day of interview.
6. All Vericant Interview testing sites use a black background, so you may wish to avoid wearing a black shirt, especially an entirely black outfit. It’s suggested to wear formal clothing, such as a collared shirt. Students with long hair should tie their hair back, so as not to interfere with the microphone and affect the sound quality of the interview.
7. It is strictly forbidden to use any electronic devices during the interview and writing sample, including but not limited to: smart phones, recorders, smart watches and other electronic devices. Students who are found using electronic devices at any time will immediately be removed from the examination room. They will very likely have their interview canceled and the electronic device forfeited for inspection.

Online Writing Sample Instructions

Students will need to log in to their Vericant account in order to complete their online writing sample.
After logging into your Vericant account, please carefully read the important notes and instructions displayed on the screen and confirm your understanding.

The writing sample will last for 30 minutes. The timing will be set by the on-site proctor, not by the time on the computer.
Students can switch between the two available topics during the writing process, but the timing will not restart.
The word limit for the online writing sample is 3600 characters, including spaces, punctuation, and other formatting elements.

If you leave the writing sample page at any point during the process, your writing sample will be locked automatically.
After completing the writing sample, please click “Finish” to submit your work and log out of your account. You can choose to end the writing sample earlier, but you will not be able to go back to your writing sample once you have submitted it.
Vericant reserves the right to investigate any suspected misconduct during the writing sample. Any instances of misconduct may result in the invalidation of the interview and forfeiture of the interview fee.

The post The Vericant Interview Process appeared first on Vericant.

The Vericant Pre-Interview is a mock interview designed to help students applying to K-12 abroad understand what the Vericant Interview experience is like.

Some of Vericant’s partner schools only accept a student’s first interview in their application, while others only accept the most recent interview. Experiencing the interview environment and process will help a student feel more confident and ready for their official Vericant Interview.

Note: VPI results cannot be sent to schools.

If I take VPI, will my official interview’s SEE score be higher than my VPI score?

Whether the VPI will improve one’s SEE score depends. Each person will have a different performance. The SEE score of each interview varies depending on the applicant’s overall performance during the interview.

Who should do a VPI?

VPI is only for students who are applying to K-12.

When can I register for a VPI? Where can I do a VPI?

VPI registration is available year-round.

If you are in China, the Vericant Pre-Interview (VPI) must be completed in person at one of our locations in Beijing, Shanghai, or Shenzhen.

If you are outside of China, you can complete the VPI online from anywhere in the world.

Additional in-person locations may be available upon request.

For more information, contact us at 010-84856364 or email info@vericant.com.

How many times can a student do VPI? Is there a wait time between each interview?

There is no limit to how many VPIs a student can take. There is also no required wait time between VPI attempts.

Is there a wait time between VPI and VI (official interview)?

There is a 14-day minimum wait time between the VPI and official Vericant Interview.

What is the price for a VPI (Vericant Pre-Interview)? What other products and services can you buy?

See Interview Pricing for more details.

What are the differences between VPI and VI?

1. VPI results cannot be sent to any schools.
2. The PSEE Score Indicator provided is a range (e.g., 4.1 – 4.6) to help students predict the range their SEE score would have fallen into if they had done the Vericant Interview for that day

What is the VPI assessment standard?

In each season, VPI will use the same assessment standards that we have for VI with two exceptions:

The writing sample prompts will have a two-choice prompt instead of three.The types of prompts are Analytical and Practical.
The writing sample word count limit is 3,600 characters instead of 3,000 like in the official Vericant Interview.

What is a SEED (Spoken English Evaluation Diagnostic) Report? Can we buy this report individually?

The SEED (Spoken English Evaluation & Diagnostic) Report is a comprehensive report about your performance during a Vericant Pre-Interview. It includes a breakdown of how you did in each of the five categories of our rubric and professional feedback on the strengths and weaknesses you displayed during the interview. To learn more about the product, click here.

The SEED Report is only available for the VPI. Standard interviews do not have the SEED Report.

You may purchase the SEED Report individually for 160 USD*. It will be delivered 5 business days after the interview results (PSEE Report) are delivered. If the SEED Report is purchased after the interview results (PSEE Report) are delivered, then the SEED Report will be delivered 5 business days after the payment is completed.

**For students residing in Mainland China, please refer to www.vericant.cn for more accurate pricing information.

If I take VPI, will my official interview’s SEE score be higher than my VPI score?

Whether the VPI will improve one’s SEE score depends. Each person will have a different performance. The SEE score of each interview varies depending on the applicant’s overall performance during the interview.

How many times can an applicant do VPI? Is there a wait time between each interview?

There is no limit to how many VPIs an applicant can take. There is also no required wait time between 2 VPIs.

How do I purchase the SEE Diagnostic?

The SEE Diagnostic is an add-on to the K-12 Vericant Pre-Interview and can be purchased anytime, before or after your K-12 Vericant Pre-Interview.

You can:

Purchase SEED as an add-on when you purchase the Vericant Pre-Interview package
Get SEED included when you purchase the Vericant Pre-Interview Standard or Deluxe package
Purchase SEED as an upgrade anytime through your Vericant student dashboard

When will I receive my SEE Diagnostic?

The diagnostic will be delivered as a PDF file to your student dashboard 5 working days after your PSEE report is delivered. If the SEE Diagnostic is purchased after the PSEE report is delivered, the SEE Diagnostic will be delivered 5 working days after purchase date.

To receive your booklet faster, you can upgrade to fast delivery for both your PSEE score and your SEE Diagnostic. Learn more on Pricing.

Is there a wait time between VPI and VI (official interview)?​

There is a 14-day minimum wait time between the VPI and official Vericant Interview.

What is the price for a VPI (Vericant Pre-Interview)? What other products and services can you buy?

See our Pricing page for more details.

What is the VPI assessment standard?

In each season, VPI will use the same assessment standards that we have for VI.
Spoken English Evaluation
Writing Sample Evaluation

The post Vericant Pre-Interview (VPI) appeared first on Vericant.

The Vericant K-12 Remote Interview is a remote interview offered to students who reside outside of Mainland China. Vericant will facilitate a spoken interview and a writing sample through the Vericant Online Interview Room. The Online Interview Room is an in-browser web tool, which means you don’t need to download any additional software or apps.

*Interview procedures and options may vary by region. Applicants from Greater China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau), please visit www.vericant.cn for region-specific information.

Is everything the same for Remote and In-Person Interviews?

The interview, assessment, delivery times and process to send to schools are the exact same as Vericant In-Person Interviews.

How do K-12 applicants register for the Remote Interview?

Click here to check for open interview slots and register for your K-12 Remote Interview.

*Interview procedures and options may vary by region. Applicants from Greater China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau), please visit www.vericant.cn for region-specific information.

Do I need to prepare anything before my interview?

In order to prepare for your K-12 Remote Interview, all applicants should:

Carefully read all official emails sent by Vericant
Bring along the ID document you registered with to the interview
Prepare a desktop/laptop computer with a functioning webcam and microphone. (The interview cannot be conducted on tablets (e.g. iPads) or cellphones.)
Test your laptop or computer’s camera and microphone before entering the Vericant Online Interview Room. For instructions on how to use the Vericant Online Interview Room and further information about Remote Interviews, see Remote Interview Info.
A quiet, enclosed room with no other people around you for the entire duration of the interview and writing sample
A strong internet network connection
For students participating in remote interviews, Vericant reserves the right to request relevant documents, including but not limited to entry certificates and entry visas.
*Interview procedures and options may vary by region. Applicants from Greater China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau), please visit www.vericant.cn for region-specific information.

What happens during my interview?

What to expect on the day of your Remote interview:

Note: If you are more than 5 minutes late to enter the Online Interview Room, it will be viewed as forsaking the interview and you will not receive a refund.

Login to your Vericant account and enter the Interview Management page. Click on “Start Online Interview” to enter the Online Interview Room. Ensure your microphone and camera are working properly. Then click “I’m ready.” When it is time for your interview, you will be able to meet your interviewer. Once connected:
The interviewer will ask to see the ID you registered with.
The interviewer will explain the interview process to you. (It includes a 30-minute writing sample and an interview around 12-15 minutes long.)
The interviewer will conduct some checks for security purposes. Please cooperate with the interviewer’s instructions.
After the spoken interview is finished, you will start the digital writing sample immediately. You will have 30 minutes to complete the writing sample. The interviewer will remain with you in the Online Interview Room, in case you have any questions or problems during the writing sample.
After the digital writing sample is complete, the interviewer will confirm that the entire interview has been completed. Then you may leave the Online Interview Room.

*Interview procedures and options may vary by region. Applicants from Greater China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau), please visit www.vericant.cn for region-specific information.

What if I don’t have my confirmation page or ID on the day of the interview?

If you did not bring your ID (ID card or passport), you can show the interviewer a digital version of the ID (picture or scan) that you registered with.

The post K-12 Remote Interview appeared first on Vericant.

The Vericant University Remote Interview is available to those applying to both undergraduate and graduate programs. The Vericant University Remote Interview can be taken from anywhere in the world.

Vericant will facilitate a spoken interview and a writing sample through the Vericant Online Interview Room. The Online Interview Room is an in-browser web tool, which means you don’t need to download any additional software or apps.

How do I sign up for a Remote Interview?

Use this link to sign up for a Remote Interview at a time that is most convenient for you.

Are the processes, prices, interview delivery times and processes the same for Remote and In-Person Interviews?

These are the exact same as In-Person Interviews.

Do I need to prepare anything before my interview?

Bring the original document of the ID you registered with.
Make sure you have a laptop/desktop computer — the interview cannot be conducted on tablets (e.g. iPads) or cellphones.
Make sure that you are able to interview alone in an enclosed and quiet room, far away from any disturbances.
Ensure that you have a stable network connection that can host a video call for an extended period of time. Connection via an ethernet cable will be the most reliable.
Be on time! Try to access the Online Interview Room at least 15 minutes before your interview time. This will give you ample time to test your audio and video, and get ready for the interview! (Click here to learn more about the Online Interview Room).

What happens during my interview?

5-10 minutes before your interview, enter your Vericant account and click on the meeting link to enter the meeting room. Once you’re connected to the interviewer:
The interviewer will ask to see your ID.
The interviewer will make sure you have all the materials you need before the interview starts.
The interviewer will explain the interview process to you.
The interviewer will check the meeting room and conduct some checks for security purposes. Please cooperate with the interviewer’s instructions.
After the video interview is finished, the interviewer will have you start the writing sample. You will have 30 minutes to complete the writing sample. The interviewer will stay connected to you in the call, in case you have any questions or problems during the writing sample.

What if I don’t have my ID on the day of the interview?

If you did not bring your ID (ID card or passport): you can show the interviewer a digital version of your ID (picture or scan).

What if I forget or miss my interview?

If you are unable to start the interview within 5 minutes of the scheduled interview time for any reason, it will be viewed as forsaking the interview. You will not receive a refund. If you still need to interview, you must register for a new interview.

What if my interviewer is not in the meeting?

If your interviewer is still not in the meeting 5 minutes after your scheduled start time, please contact us at info@vericant.com.

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