Studying abroad in 2024 is a dream for many students. Key international exams such as GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT, and MCAT are crucial for enrollment in international universities. These exams can now be taken from the comfort of one's home or city, making studying abroad more accessible. Despite this, many students are still unsure about which exams to prepare for, often due to a lack of awareness. Familiarizing oneself with these exams and their requirements is essential for a successful study abroad journey in 2024.
Popular Exams to Study Abroad
To be very specific, there are several exams that one can take exams to study abroad. In contrast, some programs ask you only to submit scores of a specific exam, while others may ask for scores of other exams.
Therefore, you must go through the program’s official website before preparing for the exam. Mostly there are two types of exams to study abroad. Namely:
- The Standard Entrance exams
- The English proficiency tests
In most cases, along with standardised entrance exams to study abroad, schools ask for English proficiency test scores. However, depending upon the country, course, and schools, the scores of specific English proficiency tests are also asked.
English Proficiency Test
Language exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE etc., showcase your English language proficiency skills. Hence, they are called the English Proficiency tests. One may choose any one of these exams before applying for admission to any foreign university.
Every school asks for a set score for the English Proficiency exam. If your scores are beyond the average cut off score, you will receive information from these schools. In addition, Universities ask for scores of English language proficiency exams to study abroad determine whether a candidate can understand the course or not.
Different countries prefer different exams. Two of the most English proficiency exams to study abroad are:
- IELTS
- TOFEL
IELTS
The British Council offers IELTS or International English Language Testing System. It is one of the most preferred language proficiency tests in countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.
About the Exams to Study Abroad
To begin with, IELTS is used to analyse a candidate’s English language proficiency skills. Various bodies such as Institutions, professional bodies, government and Immigration authorities etc., accept these scores as a valid indication of a candidate’s language proficiency. Moreover, the UK’s government lists IELTS as one of the two Secure English Language Tests (SELTs). Hence, increasing its overall credibility. Furthermore, with its worldwide recognition, one can take this test in 1000+ locations in 140+ countries.
Score & its validity
To begin with, IELTS is marked on a scale of 0 to 9. Furthermore, the test’s scores are valid for two years. Additionally, IELTS scores are announced within 13 days after a candidate takes the test.
Furthermore, after registering for the exam, candidates get exam-related details such as venue, etc., via email at least five days before the exams to study abroad date.
IELTS for Indian candidates
- The British Council announces the exam’s dates throughout the year.
- In India, two bodies offer the exam, i.e., the British Council and IDP, at different locations. The British Council has approximately 55 test centres, whereas IDP offers 67 centres.
- The exam’s registration can be done online or by phone call in some cases.
- The cost of registering is INR 14,700 for computer delivery IELTS.
TOEFL
The ETS conducts the TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language test. With that being said, it is accepted by 9000+ schools and 130+ countries worldwide. However, the test’s scores are mostly preferred by US schools.
About the Exams to Study Abroad
TOEFL is another test for judging a candidate’s English Language proficiency. The exam is mostly taken by non-native English speakers who wish to study or work abroad. That said, as an internet-based exams to study abroad, note-taking is allowed in TOEFL. Additionally, its syllabus is almost similar to that of IELTS. Thus, it also consists of sections such as Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking sections.
Score & its validity
TOEFL is scored between 0-120. Moreover, its score’s validity is for 2 years.
For Indian candidates
- TOEFL’s test dates are announced worldwide by ETS.
- Registration for TOEFL costs around INR 13,514.25.
- Are you planning to appear for TOEFL? Here is a comprehensive guide about How to study abroad for TOEFL for your reference.
Standardised Entrance Exams to Study Abroad
Different courses abroad accept scores of different entrance exams to study abroad. That said, depending upon the course, you can give any one of the entrance exams to study abroad. For instance, if you wish to pursue any managerial course, you can give GMAT or GRE. Whereas for medical programs, you can give MCAT etc.
GMAT
GMAT or Graduate Management Admission Test is the most preferred test by b-schools worldwide. Candidates interested in business management or MBA programs take this program.
About the Exams to Study Abroad
GMAT tests the candidate’s ability through its analytics-based program. Candidates are asked questions as per their performance in the previous answers. Therefore, making it one of the most dependable exams to study abroad gauge a candidate’s ability.
The exam is divided into four parts. Moreover, it is accepted by more than 2,500 universities worldwide. Furthermore, the exam has hundreds of centres globally. That said, one can take this exams to study abroad up to 5 times in one year. However, there must be a gap of 16 days between each attempt.
Score & its validity
The GMAT exam is of a total of 800 marks. However, top schools are known to accept candidates with 700+ scores. In contrast, the average GMAT score is 530 to 550. Additionally, GMAT’s scores are valid for 5 years.
For Indian candidates
- GMAC conducts GMAT all year round. Therefore, you can apply for it at any time during an annual year.
- GMAT registration costs about INR 18,262.50.
- As per the latest updates, due to COVID-19 restrictions, only a few GMAT test centres in India are working fully.
- For instance, centres at Bangalore, Hyderabad, Gurugram, Punjab Surat etc., are working at 100% capacity.
GMAT Syllabus and Exam Pattern
GMAT has four main sections, AWA or analytical writing assessment, integrated reasoning, verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning. AWA section consists of 1 question on the essay writing part, Integrated reasoning has 12 questions, verbal reasoning has 36 questions, and the quantitative part also has 36 questions.
Here is the detailed discussion of each section of the GMAT syllabus.
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AWA or analytical writing assessment
In this section, a candidate is asked to write an essay on a given argument and issue statement. AWA section has two main part argument essay and an issue essay. In an argument essay, an argument statement is given to the candidate. The candidate is required to justify the statement with relevant supporting ideas and examples. In the issue essay, an issue statement is given. The candidate has to analyze and justify the statement with appropriate supporting ideas and examples.
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Verbal reasoning
Verbal reasoning has three main sub-sections, critical reasoning, reading comprehension and sentence correction. The candidate needs to read it and answer questions that are based on unseen passages. Sentence correction includes identifying the error and correcting them.
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Quantitative reasoning
This section is divided into two parts data sufficiency, problem-solving. Each section has 18 questions. Topics that are included in quantitative reasoning are Geometry, Arithmetic and algebra, word problems and many other mathematical operations related topics.
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Integrated reasoning
This part has four sub-sections. These four main subsections are multi-sourcing reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation and two-part analysis. Furthermore, one has to analyze the data given in the form of a table, graphics.
GRE
GRE or Graduate Record Examination has been taken by students who wish to pursue postgraduate, Masters, MBA, Doctoral degrees or specialised Masters programs.
About the Exams to Study Abroad
To begin with, most North American schools accept GRE scores. Apart from admission, these scores are also used by recruiters during job placements. Furthermore, with more than 1000 test centres globally, students from 160+ countries can take this test. Additionally, students are also given an option to take computer-based GRE tests.
Score and Validity
The highest one can score in GRE is 340. However, marks are reported section wise. One can take GRE up to 5 times a year. However, GRE’s one year starts from the day you have first appeared for the exams to study abroad.
However, one can take the paper-based GRE revised General Test as many times as the exam committee offers it. Moreover, owing to the exam’s popularity, GRE registrations get filled quickly. Therefore, you must always opt for its advanced registration. That said, the GRE scores are valid for 5 years. Additionally, a score of 320+ will guarantee admission to top schools abroad.
For Indian students
- The test is conducted throughout the year. Therefore, there is no fixed date for pursuing this exam.
- GRE registration costs INR 15,564.44.
- Candidates with valid passports are allowed to take the exams to study abroad.
GRE Syllabus and Exam pattern
There are three key sections in the GRE syllabus.
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AWA or analytical writing assessment
This section has two main parts: an argument essay and an issue essay. In an argument essay, an argument statement is given. The candidate has to analyze the argument and justify the argument with necessary supporting ideas and examples. In an issue-based essay, one must develop the argument and justify the argument supporting ideas and examples.
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Verbal reasoning
This section contains three main sub-sections: critical reasoning, reading comprehension and sentence correction. Sentence correction has questions based on error and other grammatical concepts like pronouns, comparison, subject-verb agreement, adjective and other grammar concepts. Reading comprehension has unseen passages.
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Quantitative reasoning
This section is based on mathematical concepts. It tests the candidate’s ability to solve mathematical operations and other math concepts. This section is mainly divided into two parts, namely, data sufficiency and problem-solving. Topics of quantitative reasoning are exponents and power, ratio proportion, integers, profit and loss, compound and simple interest, geometry, arithmetic and linear equations.
SAT
Colleges use SAT or Scholastic Assessment Test to check the academic capabilities of candidates. The exam analyses the candidate’s writing, reading as well as Mathematics skills.
About the Exams to Study Abroad
Another popular exam, SAT, is opted by universities and colleges in Canada, the US, and other countries. However, the exam is primarily used by undergraduate programs.
Interested candidates can appear for the exam multiple times. However, certain schools consider the candidate’s number of attempts. Nevertheless, it is always best to refrain from giving the exam multiple times by preparing for it.
Score and Validity
The exam is for 2400 marks. If a candidate wishes to enter into top US universities, then a score of 2100+ is a must. Furthermore, SAT scores are valid for 5 years.
For Indian students
- Every year, more than 13,000 students appear for this exams to study abroad.
- The exam’s fee is INR 7,595.76.
- SAT is conducted only a few times per year. Mostly during October and December.
ACT
A Non-profit body of a similar name conducts ACT or the American College Test. By this exam, candidates can get admission into various undergraduate courses.
About the Exams to Study Abroad
To begin with, the US and Canadian colleges primarily accept ACT’s scores. Furthermore, the exam judges candidates based on English, Mathematics, Science and Reading scores.
Being a subject-based test, it is mandatory for candidates who want to pursue an undergraduate program in a US school. Additionally, ACT is a computer and paper-based exam with 215 questions. That said, the exam’s pattern may vary depending on the subject the candidate wants to study.
Score and Validity
With 215 questions, the exam’s score ranges from 1 to 36. Furthermore, the candidate’s writing scores are not counted into their composite score. With that being said, ACT’s scores are valid for 5 years.
For Indian students
- ACT is conducted only a few times every year. Mostly between September to July. Additionally, the test takers announce fixed exam dates. Candidates are expected to choose from them.
- International candidates should register only through ACT online.
- The exam’s fee is INR 11,352.08 (without writing). In the same way, with writing, the fees increase to INR 14,417.73.
- Results of the ACT’s test are given within eight weeks of the test.
AMCAT
The Association of American Medical Colleges supervises MCAT or Medical College Admission Test. The exam is primarily for Indian students who intend to study medicine abroad.
About the Exams to Study Abroad
MCAT is an online assessment test for students who wish to study in the USA, Caribbean Island, Canada and Australia. Being an MCQ based test, it tests candidates on various parameters of science.
The exam primarily gauges a candidate’s chances of success in medical programs. Therefore, the candidate’s considerable skills, such as verbal reasoning, basic science, writing ability, etc are exams to study abroad.
That said, being an extensive test, the exam may extend to 7 hours and 33 minutes. Furthermore, candidates are asked to register themselves well before exams to study abroad last date to secure the date and location of their interests.
Score and Validity
MCAT’s maximum score is 528. However, each section is scored differently.
For Indian students
- MCAT costs about INR 23,021.08.
- One can register them for the exam through the Association of American Medical Colleges website.
- Preparing for MCAT is necessary to enrol in a Canadian medical school because they heavily rely on these scores.
Conclusion
In conclusion, studying abroad can be a life-changing experience that offers a unique opportunity to expand your academic, personal and professional horizons. However, preparing for and taking the exams to study abroad can be a daunting task, especially for those unfamiliar with the process. Fortunately, this comprehensive guide has provided all the information you need to know about the exams to study abroad in 2024.
