The world has become a smaller place in recent times – thanks to the effects of globalisation. Any student can now go to any other country to study a subject of their choice. Likewise, Indian students also are spoilt for choices when it comes to studying abroad. However, one must know about the most popular entrance examinations which one needs to crack to get into all these universities abroad.
Read also : 13 Reasons Why You Should Study Abroad
IELTS – International English Language Testing System
This is simply an English language assessment examination done for those students who want to pursue higher studies abroad. It is one of the most popular entrance examinations taken by the candidates. This examination is owned, developed and also organised by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.
Validity: 2 years
PTE – Pearson Test of English
PTE is very different from its contemporaries namely TOEFL and IELTS. One of the most striking differences is that scoring system and the way the results are declared. The tests are computerised, and hence, you get the results quickly within five days. Another difference is that it focuses on everyday English rather than on university level English.
SAT – Scholastic Assessment Test
This test has been recognised globally to evaluate the verbal, written and mathematical skills of a candidate. Those students who want to pursue their undergraduate studies in US and Canada need to take this popular entrance examination. These scores are also accepted in some UK universities.
ACT – American College Testing
American College Testing (ACT) is a standard test for college and university admissions for those students wishing to pursue an undergraduate degree in the United States. With the help of this test, the academic readiness of an individual in college is determined for both national and international students. This test has been used to evaluate the verbal, written, scientific and mathematical skills of a student.
GRE – Graduate Record Examinations
This examination is used by many universities in Canada, USA as well as in business and graduate schools globally. This test has been found to be effective in testing the mathematical, verbal and analytical skills of a student. If you want to take up MBA or Masters of Science program in USA, you need to take this examination.
GMAT – Graduate Management Admission Test
This test is popular among MBA aspirants. This admission test is used by renowned B-schools and management institutions all over the world. This test is used to check the critical reasoning skills, problem solving and analytical writing skills of the candidates. For renowned schools, one need to get at least 700 score. However, average GMAT scores is 570-580.
MCAT – Medical College Admission Test
You need to take this test if you are planning to pursue an undergraduate course in medicine from a university in Canada, USA and 18 other countries of the world. The test has been designed by the Association of American Medical Colleges and consists of multiple-choice examinations. This popular entrance examination is used to check the critical thinking, writing skills, knowledge of scientific concepts, problem solving attitude of the candidate.
LSAT- Law School Admission Test
LSAT is a standardised test for testing the analytical skills of a candidate. This test is conducted 7 times in a year at different centres throughout the world. The students clearing the test are eligible for admissions into universities in the countries like US, Canada, and Australia.
Having a good knowledge of these popular entrance examinations will ensure that you take the right test before you apply to a foreign university.
| Courses | Standardised Tests |
| Undergraduate | SAT/ACT |
| Master’s in Business Administration | GRE/GMAT |
| Masters of Science or MS | GRE |
| Diploma courses or certifications | - |
| Medical | MCAT |
| Law | LSAT |
| Language Tests | Countries |
| TOEFL | US, Canada |
| IELTS | New Zealand, Australia, UK |
| PTE | New Zealand, Australia, UK |
| CAE/CPE | UK |
| CELPIP | Canada |
