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Many students dream of studying abroad in 2024, and exams to study abroad like the 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 local test centres, making the process more accessible.
Despite this convenience, many students remain unsure about which exams to prepare for, often due to a lack of awareness. Familiarizing oneself with these exams and their specific requirements is essential for a successful study abroad journey.
Popular Exams to Study Abroad
When planning to study abroad, understanding which standardized tests are required by your target programs and universities is crucial. Different countries and institutions have varying requirements, so it's important to be well-informed. Here’s an overview of some of the most popular exams:
| Test | Purpose | Accepted By |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | English language proficiency for study, work, and immigration purposes. | Institutions, professional bodies, governments, and immigration authorities worldwide. |
| TOEFL | English proficiency for academic purposes, primarily for study abroad. | Universities and colleges worldwide, particularly in the US and Canada. |
| GMAT | Admission test for graduate management programs (MBA). | Business schools and management programs globally. |
| GRE | Admission tests for various graduate programs, including business and some social science programs. | Universities and colleges, especially in the US and Canada. |
Therefore, you must go through the program’s official website before preparing for the exam. There are two main types of exams for studying abroad. Namely:
- The Standard Entrance exams
- The English proficiency tests
In most cases, schools ask for English proficiency test scores along with standardized entrance exams to study abroad. However, depending on the country, course, and school, 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.
In addition, Universities ask for scores of English language proficiency exams when candidates study abroad to determine whether they can understand the course.
Different countries prefer different exams. Two of the most English proficiency exams to study abroad are:
- IELTS
- TOFEL
IELTS
| Section | No. of Questions | Total Time | Qualifying Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 40 | 60 minutes | Typically 6.0-7.0 bands |
| Listening | 40 | 30 minutes | |
| Speaking | 3 tasks | 11-14 minutes | |
| Writing | 2 tasks | 60 minutes | |
| Total | 80 | 2 hours 45 minutes |
The British Council offers an IELTS or International English Language Testing System. It is one of the most preferred language proficiency tests in countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
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 centers, whereas IDP offers 67 centers.
- The exam’s registration can be done online or by phone call in some cases.
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, test scores are preferred by US schools.
| Section | No. of Questions | Total Time | Qualifying Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 30-40 | 54-72 minutes | Typically 80-100 |
| Listening | 28-39 | 41-57 minutes | |
| Speaking | 4 tasks | 17 minutes | |
| Writing | 2 tasks | 50 minutes | |
| Total | 87-120 | ~3 hours |
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.
Standardized Entrance Exams to Study Abroad
Different courses abroad accept scores of different entrance exams for studying abroad. That said, depending on the course, you can take any one of the entrance exams to study abroad. For instance, if you wish to pursue any managerial course, you can take the GMAT or GRE. Whereas for medical programs, you can take the MCAT, etc.
GMAT
GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is the most preferred test by business schools worldwide. Candidates interested in business management or MBA programs take this test.
| Factors | GMAT |
|---|---|
| Purpose | MBA programs |
| Test Sections |
|
| Focus | Math and critical thinking skills |
| Scoring |
|
| Exam Time | ≈ 3 hours and 30 minutes |
| Calculator Use | On-screen calculator (Integrated Reasoning section) |
| Availability | Offered year-round, computer-based |
| Test Fees | $250* (≈ INR 20,800) |
For Indian candidates
- GMAC conducts GMAT all year round. Therefore, you can apply for it at any time during the year.
- GMAT registration costs about INR 20,800.
- According to the latest updates, only a few GMAT test centres in India are fully operational due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- For instance, centres in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Gurugram, Punjab Surat, etc., work at 100% capacity.
GMAT Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The GMAT has four main sections: AWA, or analytical writing assessment, integrated reasoning, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. The AWA section consists of 1 question on the essay writing part, 12 questions on integrated reasoning, 36 questions on verbal reasoning, and 36 questions on quantitative reasoning.
Here is a detailed discussion of each section of the GMAT syllabus.
GRE
GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, has been taken by students who wish to pursue postgraduate, Master's, MBA, Doctoral, or specialized master's programs.
| Factors | GRE |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Graduate programs |
| Test Sections |
|
| Focus | Reading, writing, and math skills |
| Scoring |
|
| Exam Time | ≈ 1 hour and 58 minutes |
| Calculator Use | Limited calculator (Quantitative section) |
| Availability | Offered year-round, computer-based |
| Test Fees | $205* (≈ INR 17,075) |
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
The GRE General Test assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. It includes six sections: Analytical Writing (two essays), Verbal Reasoning (two sections), Quantitative Reasoning (two sections), an unscored section, and an optional research section. The exam lasts about 3 hours and 45 minutes. Verbal and Quantitative sections scored 130-170, while Analytical Writing scored 0-6. Scores are valid for five years.
There are three key sections in the GRE syllabus.
Which Exam to Take?
Choosing between the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, and IELTS hinges on your academic and career aspirations. The GRE is essential for diverse graduate programs, while the GMAT is specifically tailored for MBA admissions, emphasizing critical thinking and data analysis.
TOEFL and IELTS are crucial for non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency; TOEFL is favoured in the US, while IELTS is widely accepted in the UK, Australia, and Canada. PTE offers flexibility with test dates and rapid score reporting, gaining popularity globally.
Consider each test's scoring system—GRE and GMAT on scales, TOEFL in total scores, and IELTS and PTE on band scales—aligning with your target institutions' requirements and your personal strengths ensures an informed choice.
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.
