Are you considering studying abroad but need help deciding which exams to take? As a student, navigating the various standardised tests required for admission to universities abroad can be overwhelming. Each exam has a unique format and purpose, from the SAT and ACT to the GRE and GMAT. This blog post will explore the most common exams students must take to study abroad and provide the information they need to make an informed decision.

Language Tests

IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE are all standardised tests designed to evaluate the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. They are widely accepted by universities, colleges, and various other organisations worldwide to assess the language skills of international students and immigrants.

1. IELTS: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. The test measures the candidate's proficiency in four language skills - listening, reading, writing, and speaking. IELTS scores are accepted by over 10,000 organisations worldwide, including universities, government agencies, and professional bodies.
2. TOEFL: The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is developed and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and measures the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. The test is conducted online and evaluates the candidates' reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities. Universities and colleges in North America, Europe, and Asia widely accept TOEFL scores.
3. PTE: Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based language proficiency test developed by Pearson Language Tests. The test assesses candidates' proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening and is used for admissions to universities, colleges, and immigration purposes. Universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the USA widely accept PTE scores.

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Undergraduate Aptitude Test

SAT: The SAT is a standardised test widely used for college admissions in the United States. It was first introduced in 1926 and has since undergone several changes, with the latest version being the SAT, launched in 2016. The test measures a student's readiness for college by assessing their knowledge of reading, writing, and math. The SAT consists of two main sections - Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math - with an optional Essay section. The EBRW section includes questions on reading comprehension, writing, and language. 

The Math section tests students' understanding of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. The Essay section requires students to analyse a given passage and write an essay based on their analysis. Colleges and universities use SAT scores to evaluate applicants' academic abilities, and many colleges and universities require SAT scores as part of the admissions process. The SAT is administered by the College Board, a non-profit organisation, and is offered several times yearly at test centres worldwide.

ACT: ACT, or American College Testing, is a standardised test for college admissions in the United States. It measures a student's knowledge and skills in four subject areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. The test also includes an optional writing section. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with the average score being around 20. Many colleges and universities in the US accept the ACT as part of their admissions process, alongside other factors such as high school GPA and extracurricular activities. 

Students can take the ACT multiple times to improve their scores and increase their chances of acceptance to their preferred colleges and universities. Overall, the ACT plays an essential role in the college admissions process for many students in the United States.

Graduate Test

GMAT: The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer-adaptive test that assesses the analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English of candidates aspiring to graduate management programs, such as MBA, Master of Accountancy and Master of Finance. The test is accepted by more than 7,000 programs in more than 2,300 universities and institutions across 115 countries. The GMAT consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. 

The test is designed to measure a candidate's critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for success in business and management. The GMAT score is one of the critical criteria considered by the admissions committees of business schools and is an essential determinant in the selection process.

GRE: GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a standardised test taken by students who wish to pursue a graduate program in the US or other countries. The test measures the test-takers analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning skills and is accepted by thousands of graduate and business schools worldwide. The GRE General Test is a computer-based exam comprising six sections and takes about three hours and 45 minutes to complete. 

The sections include analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning, and there is also an unscored research section and an unscored section that may be used for experimental questions. The exam is scored on a scale of 130-170 for each section, with a total possible score range of 260-340. The test can be taken all year round at designated testing centres worldwide.

Medical

MCAT: The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardised exam used in the United States, Canada, and other countries to assess applicants' readiness for medical school. The exam assesses knowledge and skills in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, and critical analysis and reasoning. It also includes sections on psychological, social, and biological foundations of behaviour. The exam is typically taken by students who have completed undergraduate coursework and plan to apply to medical school. Medical schools use the MCAT scores to evaluate applicants' readiness and are often a significant factor in the admissions decision. The exam is offered several times a year at testing centres worldwide.

Law

LSAT: LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a standardised test required for admission to law schools in the United States, Canada, and other countries. It is designed to measure the skills necessary for success in law school, such as analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and reading comprehension. The test consists of five sections, including one unscored writing sample, and is administered multiple times a year at designated test centres. LSAT scores are valid for up to five years; most law schools require applicants to submit scores from the last five years. A high LSAT score is an essential factor in the law school admissions process, along with undergraduate GPA, work experience, and other factors.