What Exams are Required to Study in USA?

Are you an aspiring student researching about what exams are required to study in USA? International students must clear the English language proficiency test and standardized entrance examination to qualify for admission to US universities and colleges. While language tests are administered to test the student’s English language proficiency, standardized entrance tests evaluate academic and technical competency specific to the program.

With so many online resources and study material, students are more often confused and lack clear guidance on different entrance tests for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs. Hence, to guide you in the right direction, we will provide complete details about the necessary language tests and entrance examinations to pursue UG and PG courses in the USA. 

What Exams are Required to Study in USA for Bachelor’s, Master’s & Other Professional Programs?

English Language Proficiency Tests

Primarily, all international students coming from non-native English speaking countries should prove English language proficiency by taking standardised English tests that are globally recognised. The most popular and widely accepted language tests are IELTS, TOEFL and PTE. Since India is a non-native English speaking nation, it is a mandatory requirement for Indian students to take one of the tests mentioned below.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL is a widely-recognised English language test that assesses the English language proficiency of students coming from non-native English speaking countries. Conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the test evaluates the students’ grasp of the English language in reading, writing, listening and speaking. TOEFL tests are accepted by more than 11,000 academic institutes globally. The test score of TOEFL is valid for two years.

Key Points to Note

Test Name: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Test Type: English language proficiency test

Mode of Test: Paper-based, Internet-based and Computer-based

Duration of TOEFL Test: 3 hours 30 minutes

TOEFL Test Fee: $185 (Approximately 14,151 Indian rupees as of 2022)

TOEFL Test Score Requirement: Above 70 (out of 120 points)

TOEFL Test Score Validity: 2 years

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

IELTS is one more globally-accepted standardised English language test that evaluates the English language ability of students coming from non-native English speaking nations. More than 10,000 academic institutes in the USA and other countries like the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Europe accept IELTS test scores. IELTS assesses the students’ efficiency in listening, reading, writing and speaking. IELTS test score validity is 24 months. The IDP and British Council jointly conduct the IELTS test.

Key Points to Note

Test Name: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Test Type: English language proficiency test

Mode of Test: Paper and Computer-Based

Duration of IELTS Test: 2 hours 45 minutes

IELTS Test Fee: Rs. 14,700 (Indian Rupees)

IELTS Test Score Requirement: Above 6 (of Overall Band Score of 9)

IELTS Test Score Validity: 2 years

Pearson Language Tests (PTE)

PTE is an entirely online, a computer-based test administered to assess the English language proficiency of international students and other immigrants. The PTE has three categories: the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, PTE General and PTE Young Learners. The Pearson Test of English is an objective type test that evaluates the students’ reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. PTE has been gaining popularity over the years and is accepted by more than 1000 universities globally.

Key Points to Note

Test Name: The Pearson Test of English (PTE)

Test Type: English language proficiency test

Mode of Test: Computer Based

Duration of PTE Test: 2 hours 

PTE Test Fee: Rs. 13,300 (Indian Rupees)

PTE Test Score Requirement: Above 60 (out of a total score of 90)

PTE Test Score Validity: 2 years

Entrance Examinations (Program-Specific)

For undergraduate and postgraduate programs in most universities in the USA, international students must qualify in program-specific entrance examinations. The entrance examinations test the students’ skills in various categories: Academic, technical, analytical thinking, critical reasoning, mathematics, domain knowledge, etc. The most popular entrance tests to study in the USA are listed below.

American College Test (ACT)

ACT is a multiple-choice entrance test conducted to qualify for Bachelor’s degree programs in the USA. Students who have passed out of 12th grade are eligible to apply for the ACT. A valid ACT score assures admission to an undergraduate program in most universities in the USA.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

SAT is another multiple-choice entrance exam that qualifies students for undergraduate programs in the USA. Students who have passed out of 12th grade are eligible to apply for SAT. A valid SAT score guarantees admission to a Bachelor’s degree in most universities in the USA.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

GRE is the most popular and widely accepted standardised entrance test for professional and Master’s programs in the USA. Most universities in the USA ask for a valid GRE score as the eligibility criteria for engineering programs, MS programs, MBAs and other professional programs. 

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

GMAT is a popular entrance test that qualifies students for admission at top business schools in the USA. Students applying for MBA and other management/business degrees must have a valid GMAT score to apply for the program. 

Law School Admission Test (LSAT): 

LSAT is an entrance test that qualifies students to enrol for law schools in the USA. Most universities in the USA ask for an LSAT score for all law-related professional programs. LSAT score of 150 and above is considered the baseline score to apply for law degrees.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

MCAT is an entrance exam for students applying for medical schools in the USA. Most universities in the USA require an excellent MCAT score as the essential criteria for admission to professional medical degree programs. A baseline score of 150 on the MCAT is required for medical degree applications.

Conclusion

The above list provides a comprehensive picture of what exams are required to study in USA. The English language tests and program-specific entrance examinations are mostly mandatory requirements to pursue higher education in the USA. Please go through each section in detail and prepare for the test diligently and secure good grades. Having excellent scores on these tests assures admission for your dream degree at top-notch universities in the USA.

Refer to the below article for detailed information on the entry requirements to study in the USA.

Admission Requirements to Study in USA for Indian Students