Language Learning Strategies from the Bottom-Up: Successful EFL Learners’ Experience of Preparing for the University Admission English Test

Success in the English section of the university admission test depends on candidates’ breadth and depth of written skills, especially vocabulary, grammar and reading comprehension and developing these areas mainly depends on the learners’ awareness and appropriate use of learning strategies. This study aimed at exploring the strategies candidates use in preparing themselves for the English section of the university admission test. To this end, twenty candidates with a mastery level of 85% or higher were purposively sampled. Their strategies were then uncovered through open-ended interviews. Candidates’ perspectives were then transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed to uncover their strategies. Thematic analysis of the participants’ perspectives revealed several down-to-earth techniques and strategies. The findings have clear implications for all stakeholders, especially candidates who are preparing themselves for this high-stake test since their awareness of these strategies will greatly contribute to their performance in the test and their future course of study.