Menu
Menu
- Home
- blog
Essential Exams Required to Study in USA for International Students
- Home
- Blog
Universities in Germany for International Students - Top Choices
Introduction
The craze for studying abroad has been increasing among international students worldwide. The USA is one of the leading countries preferred by students from all over the world for abroad studies. The country has top-ranked universities and offers quality education. After pursuing an education in the USA, you can get better career opportunities. But the path to getting admission in USA university is not so easy. You need to clear a specific exam for this.
These exams assess the aptitude, language proficiency and other skills of the student. A student gets admission based on the score he/she has on this exam. Some of the most common exams are TOEFL and IELTS which assess the English language proficiency of the individual.
Then there are SAT and ACT tests necessary for undergraduate courses. If you want to pursue postgraduate courses then you will need to clear GMAT or GRE exams. In addition to this, there are some professional programs like medical, law etc for which you need to clear specific exams like MCAT or LSAT.
In this blog, you will get proper knowledge about the essential exams required to study in the USA. If you are someone planning to study in the USA then you can also take the help of a study abroad consultancy. Global Colliance is the best consultant for USA study visa. We have experienced staff who will provide you with complete guidance.
Exams Required to Study in the USA: Complete Guide
Many students have questions about what exams are required to study in USA. You need not worry as this article will give you a complete guide about the exams one can appear to study in USA. There are different types of exams depending on the course you want to pursue. Let’s have a brief look at the same: –
-
English Proficiency Tests
If you are a non-native English Speaker then you will need to prove your English proficiency. For this, you will need to clear either TOEFL or IELTS test which are widely accepted in the USA. These tests assess your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in the English language. -
Undergraduate Admission Tests
To get admission to undergraduate courses in the USA you need to take the SAT (Scholastic Assessment test) or ACT (American College Testing) tests. These tests check how good you are at subjects like mathematics, reading and writing. It also assesses your problem-solving skills and critical-thinking skills. -
Graduate Admission Exams
To Secure admission to Graduate courses in the USA, you will need to clear the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). GRE is accepted in various courses But GMAT is specifically for management and business-related courses. -
Professional Courses
If you want to pursue some professional course in the USA then you will need to appear for that course-specific test. For example, there is the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) for medical aspirants and the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) for law students.
English Proficiency Tests for Studying in the USA
If you want to study in the USA then you need to prove your English language proficiency. There are several exams which you can opt for. Here are the name of exams and a brief description: –
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The majority of US institutes accept the TOEFL exam. The exams evaluate your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in academic English. The internet-based TOEFL (iBT) is one of the popular formats and has a score range of 0-120.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
The Test is known for its accessibility and is one of the top preferred exams by international students. It focuses on the same four parameters as TOEFL but it also includes real-world scenarios in its questions. The IELTS scoring ranges from 0-9. US Universities accept candidates who score between 6 to 7.5 bands.
Duolingo English Test (DET)
Duolingo is one of the rising tests assessing the English of an individual. The test is an affordable and flexible alternative. It is conducted online and gives the result in 48 hours.
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
PTE is an English assessment exam which focuses on real-life English used in academic settings. The score in this exam can range from 10-90 and become widely accepted by US universities.
Each test has its unique features and cost. Opting for the right test depends on the requirements put in by target universities. Proper preparation for these exams is necessary. With proper practice and the right strategies, you can crack the exam and get the required score.
SAT vs. ACT: Which is Required for US Universities?
Many international students aim to get admission in US universities. When you start preparing for this you will come to know about SAT and ACT- two of the most popular exams considered for admission process in US universities. But the question lies in which test to appear for. Now this depends on your target institutions and personal strength. Let’s understand this in detail: –
-
Understanding The Tests
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) has major subjects such as maths, reading and writing. The test focuses a lot on evidence-based reasoning and problem-solving. The total score of the test ranges from 400 to 1600. On the other hand, ACT (American College Testing) is based on subjects like English, maths, reading, science and optional writing section. ACT also has a science reasoning component. The score range here is between 1 to 36. -
Which Tests Do US Universities Require?
The majority of US universities accept both tests interchangeably. Whereas there are some universities where you get an option to include the scores of either the ACT or SAT for admission purposes. Ivy League colleges also accept either of the tests but have specific score criteria. -
Which Test Should One Choose?
Whether to go for ACT or SAT depends on the student’s strength areas. If you are good at maths and logic then SAT could be a better fit. And if you are comfortable with fast-paced questions and science reasoning then ACT can be good for you. -
Preparation Tips
You shall practice with sample papers of both tests. This will give you an idea of which one is better for you. Also, you can consider the test structure, timings and question style while making a decision. SAT and ACT both exams are good enough. You can choose the one which suits the requirements of your dream US university.
Study Tips for US Entrance Exams
Clearing the US entrance exam is a bit tough. It requires proper planning and preparation. Here are some study tips for US entrance exams.
Understand the Exam Format
Firstly, you need to research a bit about the exam you want to opt for. Understand its structure, sessions and question types. This will help you in preparation.
Create a Study Schedule
To start studying properly you need to create a study schedule. Prepare it on the basis of the time left for the test to come. Have weekly goals and dedicate specific hours to each section of the exam.
Take Practice Tests
Start taking practice tests to understand the exam properly. This will help you to understand the difficulty level of the exam and time management. By practising regularly, you will identify weak areas and build confidence.
Focus on Weak Areas
Try to analyse practice test results. This will make you realise areas you are weak in. You can focus on it and master it.
Learn Time Management
US entrance exams are time-bound. Hence you will need to learn to manage time efficiently. Start practising questions within the allotted time.
Use Reliable Study Materials
There are many study materials and prep books available. Even there are online courses to help you. Use these resources for practising.
Build Vocabulary and Critical Thinking
There are many exams like GRE and TOEFL which focus a lot on language skills. You can enhance your vocabulary by using apps Quizlet. You shall also learn to comprehend passages quickly.
Conclusion
The USA is one of the hot destinations for abroad studies among international students. However, getting admission to a US university is not an easy task. You will need to crack exams to get admission. You will need to appear for English proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, PTE etc to prove your command of the English language. If you want to take admitted to in undergraduate course then you will need to appear for the ACT or SAT. To apply for graduate courses, you will need to clear GRE or GMAT as per the course you are applying for.
To succeed in these tests, you will need to prepare properly well in advance. You can refer to study materials for the same. There are online and offline classes also available. You can attend if the need arises. Prepare a proper schedule for preparation. Time management plays an important role in US entrance exams. Learn to manage it properly to succeed.
US entrance exams are not easy to crack. But with proper preparation, anybody can crack the exam. If you too are planning to study in the USA, then you can take the help of a student visa consultancy. Global Colliance is the leading USA student visa consultant in Rajkot. We have experienced staff that can help guide you properly.
- You May Also Like
