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Which Exams are Required to Study in the USA

Abhishek Trivedi
Founder Eduler Study Abroad

Exams required to study in the USA

Introduction

The United States of America is a highly sought-after location for international students, providing an extensive array of superior educational options. However, you will need to pass one or more entrance tests before you can begin your studies in the United States. The particular tests you must take will vary based on the school you are applying to and the level of study you are pursuing.

Tests of English proficiency for admission: TOEFL,PTE or IELTS

For non-native English speakers, the TOEFL, PTE, and IELTS are standardized assessments of English language competency. Universities in the USA accept all three of them, however there are some significant variations amongst them.

TOEFL

The oldest and most generally recognized English language test in the world is the TOEFL, or Test of English as a Foreign Language. There are four sections to the four-hour test: writing, speaking, listening, and reading. Both computer-based and paper-based versions of the TOEFL are available.

PTE

Although it is a more recent English language test, the Pearson Test of English, or PTE, is gaining traction rapidly. Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing are the four elements of this three-hour computer-based exam. The PTE is renowned for its quick turnaround times and artificial intelligence-based response scoring.

IELTS

In the UK and Australia, the most well-liked English language exam is the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). American universities accept it as well. The four sections of the two-hour and forty-five-minute IELTS exam are Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. There are two formats for the IELTS: computer-based and paper-based.

Which test should you choose?

The best test for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Here is a brief comparison of the three tests:

Factor TOEFL PTE IELTS
Length 4 hours 3 hours 2 hours 45 minutes
Format Paper-based or computer-based Computer-based Paper-based or computer-based
Scoring Human-scored Artificial intelligence-scored Human-scored
Results 10-16 days 3-5 business days 5-13 days
Acceptance Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide

 

Entrance exams for undergraduate degrees: SAT or ACT in USA

Universities in the USA commonly accept two standardized tests for undergraduate program admission: the ACT (American College Test) and the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). There are some significant distinctions between the two exams, but they are both intended to evaluate your preparedness for work at the college level.

SAT

The three areas of the SAT include reading, writing and language, and math. This examination is of  three hours and forty-five minutes. Your proficiency with reading and comprehending various text formats, such as essays, stories, and scientific articles, is evaluated in the reading portion. Your ability to write effectively and clearly as well as to recognize and fix grammatical and usage problems is evaluated in the Writing and Language portion. Your understanding of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is covered in the maths section.

ACT

The English, math, reading, and science portions make up the four sections of the three-hour ACT exam. The English portion evaluates your comprehension of a variety of works, including as poems, stories, and essays. Your understanding of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is evaluated in the math part. The reading portion evaluates your proficiency with a variety of texts, including excerpts from nonfiction and literary works. Your understanding of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science is evaluated in the science part.

Which test should you choose?

The best test for you will depend on your individual strengths and weaknesses. Given below is a  comparison of the two tests:

Factor SAT ACT
Length 3 hours 45 minutes 3 hours
Number of sections 3 4
Math section Covers algebra, geometry, and trigonometry Covers algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
Science section None Yes
Writing section Yes No
Scoring 200-800 points per section; total score of 600-2400 points 1-36 points per section; composite score of 1-36 points
Acceptance Accepted by over 90% of four-year colleges in the USA Accepted by all four-year colleges in the USA

 

Entrance tests for postgraduate degrees including MA and MSc: GMAT or GRE

Universities in the United States of America commonly recognize the GMAT (Graduate Management entrance Test) and the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) as two standardized tests for entrance to postgraduate programs, including MA and MSc degrees. There are some significant distinctions between the two exams, but they are both intended to evaluate your preparedness for graduate-level work.

GMAT

The GMAT is a three-and-a-half-hour test with four sections:

  • Analytical Writing Assessment: In this portion, your capacity to evaluate a written argument and compose a convincing essay is evaluated.
  • Integrated Reasoning: This part evaluates your aptitude for interpreting and analyzing data from many sources.
  • Quantitative Reasoning: This section evaluates your trigonometry, algebra, and geometry knowledge.
  • Verbal Reasoning: This test evaluates your comprehension of complicated texts as well as your ability to spot and fix grammatical and usage mistakes.

GRE

The GRE is a three-hour and 45-minute test with three sections:

  • Analytical Writing: This part evaluates your skills in writing a persuasive essay and analyzing a written argument.
  • Quantitative Reasoning: This section evaluates your trigonometry, algebra, and geometry knowledge.
  • Verbal Reasoning: This test evaluates your comprehension of complicated texts as well as your ability to spot and fix grammatical and usage mistakes.

The GRE has three main portions in addition to a number of Subject Tests that evaluate your understanding of certain topics like chemistry, physics, and arithmetic. Subject tests may be necessary or advised for certain postgraduate programs, but they are not always obligatory.

Which test should you choose?

The best test for you will depend on the type of postgraduate program you are applying to and on your individual strengths and weaknesses. Given below is a comparison of the two tests:

Factor GMAT GRE
Length 3 hours 30 minutes 3 hours 45 minutes
Number of sections 4 3
Subject Tests Not required Optional
Acceptance Accepted by most business schools and many other graduate programs Accepted by most graduate programs
Scoring 200-800 points per section; total score of 600-2400 points 130-170 points per section; total score of 260-340 points

 

Entrance exams for MBA courses: GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, is a standardized examination that is frequently used by US business schools to admit students to MBA programs. It has four pieces and lasts for three and a half hours:

  • Analytical Writing Assessment: In this portion, your capacity to evaluate a written argument and compose a convincing essay is evaluated.
  • Integrated Reasoning: This part evaluates your aptitude for interpreting and analyzing data from many sources.
  • Quantitative Reasoning: This section evaluates your trigonometry, algebra, and geometry knowledge.
  • Verbal Reasoning: This test evaluates your comprehension of complicated texts as well as your ability to spot and fix grammatical and usage mistakes.

Why is the GMAT important for MBA programs?

The GMAT is crucial for MBA programs since it helps in the evaluation of applicants’ verbal and quantitative thinking abilities by business schools. Since the goal of MBA programs is to train students for leadership positions in business, these abilities are critical to success.

In terms of MBA programs, what is a decent GMAT score?

In the USA, 660 is the average GMAT score for MBA programs. On the other hand, premier business schools usually have far higher average GMAT scores. For instance, Harvard Business School typically receives GMAT scores of 730.

If you are applying to top business schools, you should aim for a GMAT score that is significantly above the average GMAT score for those schools. However, even if you are not applying to top business schools, a high GMAT score can still improve your chances of admission and can also help you qualify for scholarships.

Medicine degree entrance test: MCAT

Why is the MCAT important for medical school applicants?

All US medical schools require the completion of the standardized MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) in order to provide admission. This test has four components and lasts for seven and a half hours:

  • Foundations of Chemistry and Physics for Biological Systems: This portion evaluates your understanding of biochemistry, physics, and chemistry.
  • Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills: Your ability to think critically and solve problems is evaluated in this area.
  • Foundations of Biology and Biochemistry of Living Systems: This portion evaluates your understanding of genetics, biology, and biochemistry.
  • Biology, Social, and Psychological Foundations of conduct: You will be evaluated on your understanding of the biology, sociological, and psychological underpinnings of conduct in this part.

The MCAT is important for medical school applicants because it helps medical schools assess the scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills of their applicants. These skills are essential for success in medical school, which is a rigorous and demanding program.

What is a good MCAT score for medical school?

In the USA, medical schools typically require an MCAT score of 504. Nonetheless, the average MCAT scores of the best medical schools are usually much higher. Harvard Medical School, for instance, requires an average MCAT score of 524.

You should aim for an MCAT score that is far higher than the average for the top medical schools you are applying to. A good MCAT score can help you qualify for scholarships and increase your chances of admission even if you are not applying to the best medical schools.

Law degree admission test: LSAT

The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a standardized test that is required for admission to all law schools in the USA. It is a three-hour and 30-minute test with five sections:

  • Logical Reasoning: This section assesses your ability to analyze and reason logically.
  • Analytical Reasoning: This section assesses your ability to understand and analyze complex legal arguments.
  • Reading Comprehension: This section assesses your ability to read and understand complex legal passages.
  • Writing: This section assesses your ability to write clear and concise legal arguments.
  • Unscored Experimental Section: This section is not scored, but it is used by the LSAT to test new questions.

Why is the LSAT important for law school applicants?

The LSAT is important for law school applicants because it helps law schools assess the critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension skills of their applicants. These skills are essential for success in law school, which is a rigorous and demanding program.

What is a good LSAT score for law school?

In the USA, law schools typically require an LSAT score of 151. Still, the average LSAT scores of the best law schools are usually far higher. For instance, 173 is the typical LSAT score for Harvard Law School.

You should aim for an LSAT score that is far higher than the average for the top law schools you are applying to. A high LSAT score can help you qualify for scholarships and increase your chances of admission even if you are not applying to elite law schools.

Given below is a List of exams required to study in the USA with the fee details in the form of a table:

Exam Fee (INR) Duration
TOEFL ₹17,400 3 hrs
PTE ₹19,300 2hrs 15 min
IELTS ₹ 16,500 2hrs 45 min
SAT ₹4,900 3hrs 45 min
ACT ₹4,200 3.5hrs
GMAT ₹21,000 3hrs
GRE ₹16,000 3hrs 45 min
MCAT ₹24,900 7.5hrs
LSAT ₹15,400 3.5hrs