International Entrance Exams to Study Overseas

Thousands of aspirants migrate to various parts of the world every year to complete their higher studies. Whilst the global study abroad scene has opened up tremendously to accommodate students of all academic backgrounds and interests, there are still certain preset academic standards that need to be met in order to gain admission to a university or college abroad. These are achieved by clearing competitive international entrance exams. Good performances in competitive ‘study abroad’ exams also help you to win scholarships and other forms of financial aid.

Some of the most popular, and most important international entrance exams include the SAT, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, IELTS and the TOEFL. These are required for admission to universities and colleges in various countries across the globe. At times, the need may be a combination of one or more of these and other tests/examinations specific to that country and its education system.

TOEFL AND IELTS

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) probably top the list with regard to the sheer number of students across the world needing to undertake one or the other to demonstrate English language proficiency. The widest possible selection of universities and colleges accept TOEFL scores, including the top 100 in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The IELTS is a mandatory exam for Indian and other non-native English speakers, especially in the Commonwealth countries, for entry into most reputed universities and colleges overseas, and occasionally for immigration requirements as well. The TOEFL is held throughout the year, usually on weekends. The IELTS, conducted by the British Council, is held in 71 centres spread all over the country, over four times a month.

For more information on TOEFL, visit TOEFL

For more information on IELTS, visit IELTS

GRE

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is another popular examination among Indian students aspiring to study in the US or Canada. It is a fairly standardized test that measures the verbal, mathematical and general analytical skills of the candidate, though the format has undergone quite a few changes over the years. It is an admission requirement for many graduate courses, especially in engineering and the sciences, in the US.

For more information on GRE, visit GRE

GMAT

Management aspirants need to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), which is an admissions assessment for business colleges. Average GMAT scores are in the range of 570-580. However, for top school admissions a score of at least 700 is almost mandatory. New sections have been introduced recently, such as Integrated Reasoning, which have made the test more competitive than before. GMAT test is available throughout the world in more than 500 locations. The slots have to be booked in advance.

For more information on GMAT, visit GMAT

SAT 

The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) test, required for entry into some universities in US, if a person has not completed an equivalent,  is of two types -  the Reasoning Test to check the general writing skills and grammar and the Subject Test to check a candidate's knowledge in the subject chosen. The SAT is owned, developed and conducted by the College Board of the United States of America. Within the USA, the SAT is offered seven times a year, generally on the first Saturdays of October, November, December, January, March, May and June.  Most other countries follow the same dates.

For more information on SAT, visit, SAT

ACT (American College Testing)

ACT (American College Testing) is a standardised test used for college admissions in the United States and Canada. The test measures a student's knowledge and skills in four areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. There is also an optional writing section, which measures a student's ability to write effectively.

It is offered in both paper-based and computer-based formats and is intended for high school students who are planning to attend college. 

For more information, visit ACT.

MCAT AND LSAT

Other competitive study abroad examinations include the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), mandatory for getting into medicine and law respectively in the USA.

The MCAT is a multiple-choice test that is designed to evaluate the examinee's aptitude and knowledge about relevant subjects.

For more information on MCAT, visit MCAT

The LSAT is administered by the Law School Admission Council for students who wish to pursue a career in law in the USA, Australia and Canada.

For more information on LSAT, visit LSAT

Competitive entrance exams are a standardised and reliable mode of evaluating the millions of applicants who aspire to study abroad every year, so take time, prepare well and get ready to go places!