Exams Required to Study in USA

Prospective college and university students in the USA have to undergo various standardized tests to prove their language proficiency and academic qualifications. But are these exams really important to take? Recent reports suggest that students who rely solely on their academic records may face increased rejection rates at institutions where these standardized tests are considered optional. This article will provide you with a comprehensive list of the examinations vital for pursuing higher education in the USA, with fee details and other important information.

What Exams Are Required to Study in USA 

ACT (American College Test) 

The multiple-choice test is a standardized college admission test. It evaluates critical thinking and analytical skills to understand the readiness of students to join a college. The official ACT scores vary depending on the universities and courses one is applying for. The minimum accepted score is 22 in general. Here are the further details related to ACT Exam–

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)

SAT Exam is a multiple-choice test that helps in evaluating students’ knowledge in writing, reading, and mathematics. This paper-based test also helps to obtain grants from the government. The College Board examines students applying for admission in undergraduate courses by looking at the SAT scores. Top universities accept SAT scores in the USA, including Harvard. Many universities in India also accept SAT scores for admission.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

GRE Test is mandatory if you are applying for engineering and a master’s in the USA. Along with GRE, there are subject-specific tests that one can take up. Some business schools have also started accepting GRE scores for admission in MBA. The test comprises three different sections and is accepted by more than 1400 universities across the globe. It is available in online and offline mode.

LSAT (Law School Admission Test)

To take admission in law, taking up LSAT is mandatory for students. The accepted score for the LSAT is 130. However, if you want to take admission in top law schools such as Yale, Harvard, Stanford, and more, you will have to score higher than 160.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

GMAT exam is mandatory if you aim to take admission in top B-schools in the USA. The average score students need to score is around 700. A GMAT score is required if you wish to pursue an MBA in the USA. Please note that though many universities do not require GMAT scores while taking admission, companies ask for it while interviewing.

MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

Students aspiring to enroll in medical school need to appear for the MCAT. The computer-based test evaluates biological and physical science, writing skills, and verbal reasoning. There are also psychological, biological, and social behavior foundation sections. MCAT is generally a success predictor test that officials use to determine whether you can survive through the course and its rigorous curriculum.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Almost all the universities in the USA accept IELTS scores to measure the English Proficiency of international students. However, many universities do not require the IELTS score if you have documents to support your language knowledge. 

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

The TOEFL Exam is one of the majorly used English language frequency tests to determine the required language knowledge. Students aspiring to enroll in Ph.D. will also have to take the test and score higher to be eligible. However, you need to consult with the university you are enrolling to confirm the exam scores that they require for admission.

PTE (Pearson English Test)

PTE is an English language computer-based exam commonly accepted by all the universities around the globe. For students seeking to study in a major English-speaking country, the PTE-academic test is most beneficial to them. It is a computer-based test and recently has launched the test-from-home format. 

The above-mentioned entrance exams are needed to study different programs in the US. To choose the exam that best suits you, consider your preferred course, college, and university. If you score exceptionally high marks in these exams required to study in the US, the university may grant leverage to lighten your financial burden. US universities offer various scholarships for international students based on their entrance scores. To know more about what exams are required to study in specific US universities, you can connect with our upGrad professionals now.