While deciding to pursue education abroad, it is important to know and understand the different types of entrance exams your preferred university might want you to have proficiency in. These exams form the base for you in helping you to secure a seat at your favourite universities. Let us understand the different entrance exams to study abroad.
Top Entrance Exams to Study Abroad
1. GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
A standardised test that is commonly recognized by graduate and business institutions worldwide is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). It evaluates analytical writing abilities, mathematical thinking, and verbal reasoning. GRE results are one consideration for graduate institutions when making admissions choices. They aid in determining a candidate’s likelihood of succeeding academically in a demanding program. The verbal and quantitative scores (which range from 260 to 340) are added together to get the overall score, which does not include the analytical writing score.
2. SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
The College Board administers the SAT, a standardised examination designed to evaluate the reading, writing, and numeracy abilities necessary for college achievement. Major colleges throughout the world consider it as one of the most reputable exams. Students in grades 11 and 12 are the ones taking this exam. There are two primary sections: one for maths and the other for English. There are two divisions in the arithmetic portion: Math (without a calculator) and Math (with a calculator). The English section is further split into Reading, Writing, and Language. The exam takes around two hours and fourteen minutes to complete, and a qualifying score of 1300 to 1500 is necessary. The test was once paper-and-pen based, but now it has been digitised.
3. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL is an online test of English language competence designed to assess a person’s capacity for using and comprehending the language at a university level. To apply to English-language programs at many colleges, overseas students must submit their TOEFL results. The four elements of the test—reading, listening, speaking, and writing—are designed to gauge a candidate’s proficiency with the English language and how they plan to utilise it in a classroom. The test, which focuses on a different ability in each portion, takes around three hours to complete. A section’s score ranges from 0 to 30, while the overall score is 0-120. Each institution has set its own admissions score standards, which must be met to be admitted.
4. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
IELTS is one of the most globally accepted English Language proficiency tests that is used to assess an individual’s English Language skills. While not all universities might require this test, it might be essential to show it in case English is not your primary language. It can be either taken on paper or through a computer. This test too is divided into 4 sections: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. The total duration to complete this test is around 2 hours 44 minutes with an additional 10 minutes of transfer time. The test is graded on a nine-band scale, and every university has its own band requirement for admission purposes.
5. PTE (Pearson English Test)
The PTE is a computer-based exam of English proficiency that assesses your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to determine your level of English proficiency for both academic and professional applications. Academic institutions and other professional associations worldwide recognize this computer-based test. Scores on the test range from 10 to 90, with comprehensive reports on each communicative skill. The exam takes two hours and fifteen minutes to complete.
6. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
For entry into Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs in the top institutes of the nation, applicants must pass the standardised GMAT exam. The two elements of this exam are verbal reasoning skills and quantitative reasoning. Essay writing and multiple-choice questions are used in the exam. Your score on the GMAT is based on how well you perform in both portions. There are two hours and fifteen minutes left in the test. Leading universities need a minimum GMAT score of 650, however some may accept a lower score based on their criteria.
7. MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
A standardised exam called the MCAT is necessary to be admitted to some of the most prominent medical schools in the world. It emphasises on critical thinking and reasoning while covering the fundamentals of science in disciplines like biology, chemistry, and physics as well as the psychological, social, and biological foundations of behaviour. There are multiple-choice questions and a writing portion in this 7.5-hour-long test, which may be very taxing. The four test components are scored out of a possible 132 points. Each component has a minimum scoring requirement of 118, for a total score of 472.
8. LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
A standardised exam called the LSAT is necessary to get admission to some of the most prestigious law schools globally. The two hours and twenty minutes of the test are split into four sections: Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning I, Logical Reasoning II, and Reading Comprehension. Even if a score of 130 could be approved, admission to elite universities requires a higher score and exceptional performance.
9. Cambridge English Proficiency Test
The highest level of English language competency certification that Cambridge English offers is the Cambridge English Proficiency exam. It’s intended to evaluate your proficiency with the language in complicated contexts, as well as your ability to utilise English completely accurately and fluently. It evaluates a person’s speaking, listening, writing, and reading abilities. For candidates to universities hoping to get into prestigious schools, CPE is perfect. A score of 200 or above on the CPE test is required to “pass” and obtain the Certificate of Proficiency.
10. Duolingo Test
Duolingo provides a test to evaluate your language proficiency. It addresses understanding in speaking, writing, listening, and reading. The exam is available for use on a computer or a mobile device. Because the exam is adaptive, the questions’ level of difficulty changes based on how well you do. You will get an in-depth score report following the test. You may use the exam to show prospective employers or educational institutions how proficient you are in the language. The Duolingo English Test (DET) has no set minimum score. The individual university, program, or institution you’re applying to will determine the minimum score needed.
Conclusion
The above-listed exams are to be prepped and attempted vitally to secure a place in some top and prestigious institutions. Select the examinations that work best for you and align with your academic requirements. Strategise well when it comes to taking these exams and work hard to get the best results to secure your admissions and streamline your future.
If you are looking to be trained in such exams, reach out to Purple Patch Learning.
