What Exams Are Required to Study in USA?

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Meridean Overseas

Updated On 15 June 2024 & Read Time 11 minutes

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If you are starting your journey to study in the USA, you might be aware that there are certain exams required to study in USA to secure admission to your preferred course and university.

 

exams-required-to-study-in-usa

 

Studying in the USA is a thrilling prospect for any Indian student. The number of international students enrolled in US universities in the recent academic year was around 1,057,188. However, it's important to acknowledge the challenges that come with it. Before you step into the halls of USA universities, there is a crucial measure that you need to master: passing the right entrance exams to study in USA.

 

In this blog, we have discussed exams for MS in USA, exams to study in USA, exams required to study in USA and so on.

Exams Required to Study in USA

This section provides students with information on additional important subjects and a comprehensive list of all the exams needed to pursue higher education in the United States. Now, let's examine the top admission examinations needed to study in the United States. Students can use this list to choose the exam to apply for:

 

American College Test (ACT)

The multiple-choice questions part of the ACT exams required to study in USA for admission to undergraduate courses. The exam is designed to check math, English, science, reasoning, and reading proficiency. Before enrolling in any university, these exams identify the student’s critical thinking skills.

 

Below are a few essential details to help students with the ACT test application:

ACT Exam Details

Number of Sections

Math, English, Reading, Science, Writing (option)

Exam Duration

3 hours, 35 minutes (writing included)

The Qualifying Score

22

Who should apply for the ACT?

High school graduates applying for UG courses, having a stronghold on science, trigonometry, and English

Official Website

https://www.act.org/

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Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

One of the best MCQ-style tests is the SAT; it helps to examine candidates' math, reading, and writing skills. It is a paper-based test that also helps to acquire permission from the government. The College Board examines students applying for admission to undergraduate courses by looking at their SAT scores. Top Universities accept exams required to study in USA, including Harvard. Additionally, a lot of Indian institutes accept SAT results for admission.

 

Below are a few important details to help students with the SAT application:

SAT Exam Details

Exam Duration

3 hours, 50 minutes (writing included)

Number of Sections

Mathematics, Reading, and Writing

Score

400-1600

Who should apply for the SAT?

High school graduates aiming to apply for UG courses with strong problem-solving capability

Official Website

https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

In order to apply for engineering and MS degrees in the United States, you must take the GRE. Subject-specific tests can be taken in addition to the GRE. Additionally, some business schools Or USA universities are accepting GRE results for MBA admission. The exam consists of three sections and is recognised by over 1400 universities worldwide. Both an online and offline version are accessible.

 

Below are a few important details to help students with the GRE test application:

GRE Exam Details

Type of Test

General Test and Subject Test

Sections

Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning

Score

160

Test Duration

General: 3 hours, 45 minutes. Subject: 2 hours, 50 minutes

Who can take the test?

Students seeking admission to MBA, MS, and law programs.

Official Website

www.ets.org/gre.html

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

The LSAT exams required to study in USA are necessary for admission to law school. On the LSAT, a score of 130 is regarded as reasonable. If students choose to enroll in a recognised university, they must score above 160 to be considered for admission to Yale, Stanford, Harvard, and other universities.

 

Below are a few important details to help students with the LSAT test application:

LSAT Exam Details

Exam Duration

2 hours, 20 minutes

Number of Sections

Analytical Reasoning, Logical reasoning, and 1 and 2 Reading Comprehension

Score

150-160

Who should apply for LSAT

Students aiming to enroll in law schools

Official Website

www.lsac.org/lsat

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

Applicants must take the GMAT to be eligible for admission to one of the best business colleges in the US. The average score students are required to score is around 700. However, many universities do not require GMAT scores to be admitted, but some companies ask for the GMAT scores at the time of the interview.

 

Below are a few important details to help students with the GMAT test application:

GMAT Exam Details

Exam Duration

3 hours and 7 minutes (excluding two 8-minute breaks).

Number of Sections

Quantitative reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Writing

The Qualifying Score

650-700

Who should apply for GMAT

Students enrolling for MBA

Official Website

www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam

Also, read: GMAT Test Dates in India

 

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

Students who want to enrol in medical school need to appear for the MCAT. The test measures students' ability to reason both in writing and vocally and their biological and scientific understanding.

 

Below are a few important details to help students with the MCAT test application:

MCAT Exam Details

Exam Duration

7 hours, 30 minutes

Sections

CARS, Biology, Physical Science, Psychology, Biological and Social behavioral foundations

The Qualifying Score

500-650

Who should apply for MCAT

Students aiming to enrol in medical schools

Official Website

students-residents.aamc.org/taking-mcat-exam/taking-mcat-exam

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Students' English language ability is assessed using the USA's IELTS band requirements. In the USA, a minimum IELTS score required may range from 6 to 7. A systematic preparation approach is necessary for students to cover every subject and receive the required band score.

 

Our IELTS program has empowered over 20,000 students to achieve remarkable 7+ band scores!

 

Below are a few important details to help students with the IELTS test application:

IELTS Exam Details

Exam Duration

2 hours, 45 minutes

Number of Sections

Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Listening

The Qualifying Score

6.0 to 8.0

Who should apply for IELTS

Students want to enrol in the best universities in the USA

Official Website

www.ielts.org/

Get free IELTS Sample Papers to learn the type of questions asked in the IELTS (Speaking, writing, reading, and listening) section. Download Now!

 

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

One of the most popular exams for English proficiency is this one. The online version states that a person's typical TOEFL score is between 71 and 92. In that situation, students would require better TOEFL scores. Most universities widely accept the TOEFL as the standard English proficiency exam. Students need to confirm with the specific university administering the TOEFL test.

 

Below are a few important details to help students with the TOEFL test application:

TOEFL Exam Details

Exam Duration

2 hours, 30 minutes

Number of Sections

Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Listening

Score

600 to 900

Who should apply for TOEFL

Students aiming to enrol in the best universities in the USA

Official Website

www.ets.org/toefl.html

Pearson English Test (PTE)

PTE is an English language computer-based test generally accepted by all universities worldwide. The PTE Academic test is most beneficial for students seeking to study in a major English-speaking country. It is computer-based, but it recently launched the test-form-home format.

 

Below are a few important details to help students with the PTE test application:

PTE Exam Details

Exam Duration

3 hours

Number of Sections

Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Listening

Score

600 to 900

Who should apply for PTE

Students aiming to enrol in the best universities in the USA

Official Website

www.pearsonpte.com/

Duolingo

Duolingo is one of the most well-known tests in the US and globally for evaluating aspirants' English skills. A score of 120 or above is considered good. This test facilitates entrance to the nation's best universities, and because of its easy and clear format, the exam can be taken even with little preparation.

 

Below are a few important details to help students with the Duolingo test application:

Duolingo Exam Details

Exam Duration

1 hour

Number of Sections

Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Listening

Score

120

Who should apply for Duolingo

Students who want to prove their English proficiency

Official Website

www.duolingo.com/

Application Fees for Exams Needed to Study in USA

 Application Fees for Exams Needed to Study in USA 

The table below summarises the application fees and the purpose for major exams such as TOEFL, PTE, IELTS and GRE:

Exam

Application Fee

Purpose

IELTS

INR 17,000

Accepted in top foreign universities as criteria for English Proficiency

TOEFL

INR 16,900

Undertaken to examine the listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills of candidates

PTE

INR 17,000

Determines the English proficiency level of an applicant.

SAT

INR 4,090

Taken for entrance to undergraduate courses in the United States

LSAT

INR 3,499

To assess the analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, and logical reasoning skills of a candidate

GRE

INR 22,550

The exam is mostly necessary for entrance into business and MBA programs.

GMAT

INR 22,296

Mainly necessary for entrance to MBA programs.

MCAT

INR 27,000

Entrance exam for medical programs abroad

Duolingo

INR 5,000

Entrance tests are necessary for dentistry schools in the USA.

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Conclusion

To sum up, the entrance tests listed above are required to enrol in various programs in the United States. When deciding on the exam that best suits you, consider your desired course, college, and university.

 

If you want to know more about what exams are required to study in USA or want to study in USA, we encourage you to speak with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Our counsellors will provide you with guidance throughout your study abroad. Get help with the application process, SOPs, and filing for a visa. Visit us and get one-to-one counselling, or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.

FAQs

Question: What separates the TOEFL from the SAT?

Answer: Indian students take the TOEFL as a test of English language competency, while SAT applicants take a standardised exam to study in usa for admission to bachelor's degree programs.

 

Question: What other graduate courses are available in the United States?

Answer: In addition to the examinations already listed, you can take the DAT and OAT exams to continue your studies in the United States. Although the OAT is taken for admission to US optometry schools, the DAT test is required for admission to US dental schools.

 

Question: What tests are necessary to continue your education in the United States after the 12th grade?

Answer: A student needs to score the required number of points on English language competency tests, like the TOEFL or IELTS. In order to be admitted to a US university, students must obtain the minimum required score on common exams such as the SAT or ACT.

 

Question: What is the registration fee for the PTE exam?

Answer: The registration fee for the PTE exam is INR 17,000. It determines the English proficiency level of an applicant.

 

Question: What are the GMAT qualifying scores needed to be admitted?

Answer: The student requires a GMAT quality score of 650 to 700.

 

Question: Who is eligible for the SAT exam?

Answer: Those who are between the ages of 17 and 19 and have completed their higher secondary education are among the most likely to take the SAT. However, there isn't a minimum age requirement to apply for the test.

 

Question: Which is preferable, the GMAT or the GRE, for business courses?

Answer: Since its acceptance by the majority of US business schools, GMAT exam scores are often chosen for admission to business management programs. However, most graduate programs, including business management, also require taking the GRE.

 

Question: Can I apply for the IELTS exam?

Answer: The IELTS exam is available to those who wish to apply to the best universities in the United States.

 

Question: Who can apply for the SAT exam?

Answer: All recent high school graduates with outstanding problem-solving abilities who are applying to undergraduate programs are eligible to take the SAT exam.

 

Question: What is the ACT exam?

Answer: The ACT's multiple-choice section must be admitted to undergraduate programs. The exam aimed to assess students' knowledge of science, arithmetic, English, reasoning, and reading. Before applying to any university, students take these tests to determine their level of critical thinking.

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