Studying in the United States is a dream for many students around the world, but the path to achieving that dream often requires taking a standardized test. These exams serve as a way for universities to assess a student’s academic abilities and potential, and they can play a significant role in the admissions process. In this blog, we will discuss the major exams required to study in the United States, including their duration, fees, number of sections, qualifying scores, and who should apply.
Studying in the USA is a dream for many international students. It offers excellent academic opportunities, exposure to a multicultural environment, and a chance to build a successful career. However, before applying to any university in the USA, international students need to clear certain standardized exams to prove their proficiency in English, aptitude, and subject knowledge. In this blog, we will discuss the most commonly required exams for international students who wish to study in the USA.
English Language Proficiency Tests
English is the primary language of instruction in American universities. Therefore, international students must demonstrate their English language proficiency by taking any one of the following exams:
a) TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
TOEFL is a computer-based exam that measures the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. It has four sections – Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The exam duration is four hours, and the fees range from $180 to $300, depending on the location. The qualifying score varies from university to university, but most institutions require a score of at least 80 out of 120.
b) IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
IELTS is another English proficiency exam that assesses the reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills of non-native speakers. It is a paper-based exam, and the duration is two hours and 45 minutes. The exam fees vary from $185 to $250, depending on the location. The minimum qualifying score for IELTS also varies, but most universities require a score of at least 6.5 out of 9.
c) PTE (Pearson Test of English)
PTE is a computer-based English proficiency exam that measures the reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills of non-native speakers. The exam duration is three hours, and the fees range from $150 to $210, depending on the location. The qualifying score varies from university to university, but most institutions require a score of at least 50 out of 90.
Aptitude Tests
Apart from the English language proficiency tests, international students may also need to take an aptitude test to demonstrate their readiness for higher education. The most common aptitude tests are:
a) SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
SAT is a standardized test that measures the critical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills of students. The exam has two sections – Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. The exam duration is three hours and 50 minutes, and the fees range from $52 to $68, depending on the location. The qualifying score varies from university to university, but a score of at least 1200 out of 1600 is considered competitive.
b) ACT (American College Testing)
ACT is another standardized test that measures the academic readiness of students. It has four sections – English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The exam duration is two hours and 55 minutes, and the fees range from $55 to $80, depending on the location. The minimum qualifying score for ACT also varies, but a score of at least 26 out of 36 is considered competitive.
Subject-Specific Tests
Certain universities may require international students to take a subject-specific test to demonstrate their knowledge in a particular field. The most common subject-specific tests are:
a) GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
GRE is a standardized test that measures the verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills of students who wish to pursue graduate programs in the USA. The exam duration is three hours and 45 minutes, and the fees range from $205 to $255, depending on the location. The qualifying score varies from university to university, but a score of at least 300 out of 340 is considered competitive.
b) GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
GMAT is a standardized test that measures the analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills of students who wish to pursue an MBA or other management-related programs in the USA. The exam duration is three hours and 30 minutes, and the fees range from $275 to $375, depending on the location. The minimum qualifying score for GMAT also varies, but a score of at least 550 out of 800 is considered competitive.
Who Should Apply?
International students who wish to study in the USA must take the exams required by the universities they are interested in. The exam requirements may vary from one university to another, and the students should check the specific requirements of the universities they plan to apply to. Generally, students who have completed their high school or undergraduate studies and wish to pursue higher education in the USA should take these exams.
In conclusion, international students who wish to study in the USA must take certain standardized exams to demonstrate their English language proficiency, aptitude, and subject knowledge. The most commonly required exams are TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. The exam fees, duration, number of sections, and qualifying scores vary from one exam to another and from one university to another. Therefore, students should research the specific requirements of the universities they plan to apply to and prepare accordingly. By clearing these exams, international students can increase their chances of getting admission to their preferred universities and pursuing their academic and career goals in the USA.
| Exam | Duration | Fees | Number of Sections | Qualifying Score | Who Should Apply |
| TOEFL | 4 hours | $180-$300 | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | Varies by university, but most require at least 80 out of 120 | International students who need to demonstrate English proficiency |
| IELTS | 2 hours and 45 minutes | $185-$250 | Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking | Varies by university, but most require at least 6.5 out of 9 | International students who need to demonstrate English proficiency |
| PTE | 3 hours | $150-$210 | Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | Varies by university, but most require at least 50 out of 90 | International students who need to demonstrate English proficiency |
| SAT | 3 hours and 50 minutes | $52-$68 | Math, Evidence-Based Reading, and Writing | Varies by university, but a score of at least 1200 out of 1600 is considered competitive | International students who need to demonstrate aptitude |
| ACT | 2 hours and 55 minutes | $55-$80 | English, Mathematics, Reading, Science | Varies by university, but a score of at least 26 out of 36 is considered competitive | International students who need to demonstrate aptitude |
| GRE | 3 hours and 45 minutes | $205-$255 | Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing | Varies by university, but a score of at least 300 out of 340 is considered competitive | International students who wish to pursue graduate programs |
| GMAT | 3 hours and 30 minutes | $275-$375 | Analytical, Writing, Quantitative, Verbal, Reading | Varies by university, but a score of at least 550 out of 800 is considered competitive | International students who wish to pursue MBA or management-related programs |
