Get your USA Entrance Exam Easier Than You Imagine

Among the many requirements set by the top universities and colleges in USA for international student applications are standardised test scores and English language proficiency test scores. These scores paint a better picture of the candidature of every applicant, allowing the admissions committee to better understand the academic standing of the applicant.

Across different degree levels and academic disciplines, international students will be required to submit a range of valid test scores. From standardised tests like SAT/ACT or GRE/GMAT to language proficiency tests like IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Duolingo, there are several tests to look out for. More importantly, understanding which score to submit and which tests are better for certain programmes and admissions criteria is crucial.

In this article, we will delve deep into the different aspects of each test, helping you understand which tests suit your applications to study in USA this year.

What are the Mandatory Exams to Study in USA?

There are several tests at different academic levels and programme types that students may be required to attempt. Each university defines the admission requirements for international student applications, and therefore, pinpointing the exact requirements should be done at the individual level.

Some of the popular exams to study in USA include the Scholastic Acceptance Test (SAT), the American College Testing (ACT), the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admission Test, among many others. In addition to these tests, international students are required to prove their proficiency in the English language to ensure they can understand and communicate in the language used for higher education in the USA.

Each university/college in the USA, will determine the minimum score requirements and the tests accepted for admissions. Therefore, you must check the admission requirements for the course you wish to study at the university where you wish to enrol, as the requirements are often specific to each programme. Here is a list of the popular exams to study in USA, which all international students may be required to take.

Let’s learn a little more about these popular exams to study in USA and their importance to the admissions process for international students.

Also Read: Top Courses to Study in USA

English Language Proficiency Exams to Study in USA

Being an English-speaking nation, it is mandatory for all foreign nationals to display proficiency in the English language, especially those whose first language is any other than English. For this purpose, various organisations conduct English Language Proficiency (ELP) exams to study in USA. These tests evaluate the overall proficiency of prospective international students and their ability to communicate and learn through the medium of English. Some of the popular ELP exams accepted by US universities have been mentioned below.

IELTS Academic

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most popular ELP exams accepted by US universities to evaluate the language proficiency of international students. The test is conducted both online and offline, with many choosing to take the test online.

Divided into 4 sections, namely, Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, the IELTS Academic is specifically designed to qualify students for academic programmes offered across the globe.

TOEFL iBT

Another popular ELP exam accepted across different universities in the USA, the TOEFL iBT evaluates students on 4 basic language skills, i.e. Reading, Speaking, Listening and Writing. The TOEFL iBT is accepted by more than 13,000 institutions in over 160 countries across the globe.

Offering the test-takers the opportunity to take the test both at home and at a test centre, TOEFL iBT is designed to help students stand out to colleges and universities around the world by offering a reliable evaluation of their skills and global recognition.

PTE Academic

Accepted by more than 3,900 universities and institutions around the world, Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic is also among the popular ELP tests accepted for international student admissions in the USA. Like other tests, PTE Academic is also a computer-based test that evaluates the speaking, reading, writing and listening skills of a candidate at an academic level.

Divided into three parts, i.e. Part 1: Speaking and Writing, Part 2: Reading and Part 3: Listening, the PTE Academic offers various preparation methods and materials to help students gain confidence during the test day. Here’s a breakdown of the test and its particulars that students should know before taking the test.

Duolingo English Test (DET)

Offered as a stand-alone testing service for language proficiency, the Duolingo English Test (DET) is designed to be a fast-paced online test for aspirants planning to study abroad. Over 6,000 universities across the globe accept DET scores as valid proof of language proficiency for prospective international students.

Unlike the rival tests, DET is a 1-hour adaptive test that evaluates the language proficiency of the student based on their skills. Additionally, students will also attempt a writing and speaking sample test. Let’s learn about the particulars of this unique language proficiency test.

Undergraduate Exams to Study in USA

Standardised tests are often conducted to measure the skill level of all students in areas such as critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and logical reasoning. Depending on the skill and qualifications of the candidates, and the course that they will be enrolling in, students may be required to submit the following USA entrance exams for undergraduate courses.

Scholastic Acceptance Test (SAT)

Among the most popular standardised tests conducted in the USA, the Scholastic Acceptance Test (SAT) is conducted to measure the literacy, writing and mathematical skills of any student wishing to study in USA. The test score is generally used for admissions to the four-year undergraduate programmes offered in the USA, by domestic and international students.

Comprised of two sections, i.e. the Reading and Writing Section, and the Mathematics Section, all test-takers will have 2 hours and 14 minutes to complete the exam. Even though many universities have turned to test-optional for SAT scores, i.e. students have the option to choose whether they wish to submit SAT scores, these tests paint a better student-readiness picture for admission officers. Let’s check out the table below to understand the particulars of the SAT exam to study in USA.

American College Test (ACT)

Conducted as a standardised test for undergraduate programmes in the USA, prospective students, both domestic and international students, may be required to submit the ACT score.

As per the latest updates, test-takers are required to complete three sections of the test, namely, the Reading, English and Mathematics sections. Meanwhile, the Science and Writing sections have become optional sections. This allows for better flexibility for test-takers as they will not be required to prepare for, or spend time on, the sections that do not add value to their student profile during admissions. Check out the table below to get a better idea of the American College Test (ACT) and its particulars.

Note: Most universities in USA allow candidates to choose whether to submit the ACT scores; however, they have not mandated the submission of these scores. Universities, like MIT and Caltech, require candidates to submit scores.

Graduate Exams to Study in USA

Universities across the country require applicants, both international and domestic applicants, to appear for certain standardised tests for specific programmes. These tests evaluate various academic proficiencies of a prospective student, allowing the universities to choose the best candidates for their programme. Listed below are some of the USA entrance exams for graduate programmes accepted by top universities in the country. 

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is organised to evaluate the academic readiness of a prospective graduate student through Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing and Quantitative Reasoning. The test is designed to evaluate the candidate’s ability to think as per the requirements of graduate studies offered by top universities across the globe.

The GRE is divided into two different types of tests, i.e. the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test. Commonly, aspirants choose to take the GRE General test as a score in this test qualifies them for a wide range of graduate programmes. Meanwhile, the GRE Subject test qualifies students who have graduated from specific subjects, including Mathematics, Physics and Psychology.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

The go-to test for any business and management aspirant around the world, the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is accepted by 2,400 business schools for admission to more than 7,700 business programmes. The test evaluates certain skills and qualities of a candidate required to complete a graduate programme, through sections such as Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights.

With a total of 64 questions that need to be answered within 2 hours and 15 minutes, the GMAT is a test-taker-friendly exam, offering flexible testing conditions and score-sending options. Check out the table below to understand the highlights of the exam.

Subject-Specific Exams to Study in USA

Apart from the popular exams to study in USA, many universities also require applicants to clear certain subject-specific exams to study in USA. For example, the LSAT, MCAT and DAT are among the popular exams to study in USA for courses such as Law, Medicine and Dentistry, respectively. Let’s learn more about the tests that you may need to submit as an international student applicant in the USA this year.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

Administered by the Law School Admission Council, the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is designed to assess the logical reasoning, reading comprehension and critical thinking skills of a prospective law candidate. Specifically designed for law programmes, all ABA-approved law schools in the USA, and around the globe, accept the LSAT scores.

There are two major components of the LSAT exams. The first is the Multiple-Choice Questions covering sections like the Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning. The second component consists of the LSAT Argumentative Writing, which is a separate but mandatory part of the LSAT and is conducted separately from the multiple-choice questions.

The MCQ component of the test can be taken either at a test centre or remotely, whereas the LSAT Argumentative Writing is exclusively offered as an online test, conducted through a secure remote-proctoring software that the test-taker will need to install on their computer.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and evaluates the problem-solving, critical thinking, and extensive knowledge of natural, social and behavioural sciences among prospective medical students.

Students attempting the test will be assessed across four sections, namely, the Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behaviour, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, and the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills.

The test is offered multiple times throughout the year, usually between January and September of each year, across different approved test centre locations around the world.

Dental Admission Test (DAT)

Administered by the American Dental Association (ADA), the Dental Admission Test (DAT) is required of all students who wish to pursue dental studies at different US dental schools and some Canadian dental schools. The test is computer-based and consists of MCQs assessing a student’s knowledge of foundational science and spatial reasoning.

Divided into four sections, namely, the Survey of Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension and Quantitative Reasoning, the test evaluates the readiness of a candidate to participate in dental studies. Here’s a breakdown of the important information about the Dental Admission Test (DAT) in USA.

Optometry Admission Test (OAT)

Administered by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO), all optometry aspirants wishing to pursue studies in the USA must attempt the test. The test has been designed to evaluate the candidate’s academic ability and scientific aptitude, and comprehensibility.

Among all the parameters that universities and colleges in USA use to evaluate the candidature of international students, the entrance exams form a strong impression. While many universities in the USA do not mandate a requirement for entrance exams to study in USA, these test scores paint a clearer picture of the academic performance of a prospective student. However, unlike standardised tests, it is important to attempt English Language proficiency tests and certain subject-specific exams to study in USA, as mentioned above. Connect with AECC Counsellors today and find out which scores you need to submit to enrol in top universities across the USA.