Today, many students are going abroad for higher studies as the global scene for education has opened up its avenues, accommodating students from different academic backgrounds. Most of the educational institutions abroad have preset academic requirements; There are standardized tests that meet these requirements. Your performance/score in these tests plays a significant role in increasing the chances of admission to specific colleges or universities. It can also increase your chances of getting financial aid or scholarships.

Common examinations for study abroad

SAT, TOEFL, LSAT, MCAT, GRE, GMAT, IELTS are some of the most common and important exams required for studying abroad in different universities. There might be a requirement of more than one exam to be cleared at times. Read on to learn more about these exams.

1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

TOEFL can evaluate the ability of a student or an individual to understand and use English in an academic setting. This is a requirement for non-English speaking natives at most English universities and colleges; This is also a requirement for scholarships. The scores of TOEFL are valid for two years. You have to appear for the test as there might be changes in your capabilities in the language to a great extent. You need to be aware that colleges and universities consider only the latest scores of TOEFL. Take this test once you have decided to study abroad, as English is the most preferred language for admission worldwide.

2. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

Thes Graduate Management Admission Test, also known as GMAT, is one of the selection criteria for admission to graduate business administration programs such as Masters of Accountancy, MBA, or other courses, mostly in the United States. There are other English-speaking countries too that consider GMAT a requirement. This test is a computer-adaptive standardized test in English language and Mathematics. It measures the student’s aptitude to gain success in graduate business studies.

3. GRE (Graduate Record Exam)

GRE evaluates whether you are ready for graduate-level work. This test measures quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, analytical writing skills, and critical thinking, which might not be related to any specific study fields. The GRE score considers admissions decisions for MBA, specialized master’s in business, and doctoral programs in many universities and colleges.

4. SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)

SAT is a requirement if you choose the US as your study abroad destination. This test is taken by high school seniors and juniors with no criteria for minimum marks. However, there are specific colleges that require a good score in SAT along with academic scores. This test evaluates critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to analyze and solve problems in mathematics, critical reading, and writing. The SAT is one way to demonstrate a student’s competitiveness and likelihood to succeed in a course.

5. ACT (America College Test)

The ACT is a standardized test for achievement in high school. This test ensures that a common measure judges all students, and this also allows the admission officers to predict the academic scores in the first year of college. The ACT or America College test tests your knowledge in four areas: reading, English, Mathematics, and Science reasoning. This is not an aptitude test and is related directly to the material studied in school.

These tests are only one among several criteria that a student must meet to gain admission in colleges and universities abroad successfully. Thorough research on specific universities and countries will ensure a hassle-free application process in line with each university’s requirements.

6. MCAT AND LSAT

Other competitive study abroad examinations include the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), mandatory for getting into medicine and law, respectively, in the USA.

The MCAT is a multiple-choice test designed to evaluate the examinee’s aptitude and knowledge about relevant subjects.