The IELTS test is widely accepted by university admissions offices as evidence of English language ability. The test is also used to guide decisions about the amount of language study required for students to satisfy admissions requirements. Guidelines currently published by the British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes (BALEAP) [Bool, H., Dunmore, D., Tonkyn, A., Schmitt, D., & Ward Goodbody, M. (2003). "The BALEAP guidelines on English language proficiency levels for international applicants to UK universities." London: British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes], based on recommendations previously made by the IELTS partners, suggest that two months of intensive English study is equivalent to one band on the nine-band IELTS scale. However, in the face of changes in the international student population, such recommendations have recently come under scrutiny. This paper reviews recent research relating to score gains on the IELTS test and reports on two linked studies of gains made on the Academic Writing. Phase 1 involved 15,380 candidates taking the official test on two occasions and phase 2, 476 learners on English for academic purposes (EAP) courses taking the IELTS Writing test at course entry and exit. The findings call into question the basis for the current guidelines. Initial scores prove to be a stronger predictor of outcomes than course length. (Contains 3 figures and 6 tables.)