Study Abroad Standerdized Tests

SAT | IELTS | GMAT | GRE | TOEFL

When you apply to a college or university abroad, you will probably be asked to provide your test scores for the SAT for under-graduate program and GMAT or GRE for graduate programs, which are standardized entrance exams. While these entrance exams are an important consideration in the admission process at schools abroad, you can still overcome a low score by displaying strengths in other areas, such as your school grades, your application essay, or your experiences.

Scholastic Aptitude Test - SAT, is standardized tests, formerly called the Scholastic Aptitude Tests and Scholastic Assessment Tests, frequently used by colleges and universities in the United States to aid in the selection of incoming freshmen. The SAT is administered by the private, non-profit College Board, and is developed, published, and scored by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

Most students take this exam in June, however, many students take the exam again in the fall of their senior year, and because they were not satisfied with the score they received in June. There are two subjects tested, verbal skills and math skills. 1.8 million Students take the SAT each year. There is some controversy in the United States as to the value of the SAT, but it continues to weigh heavily in any college's evaluation process.

International English Language Testing System - IELTS, measures ability to communicate in English across all four language skills - listening, reading, writing and speaking. The IELTS test focuses on "International English", which includes British English, American English and other varieties like Australian or South African English. IELTS test is designed to assess the language ability of non-native speakers of English who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication.

Since 1989, IELTS has been proven and trusted worldwide to provide a secure, global, authentic and customer-focused test which measures true to life ability to communicate in English. Most of Education institutions, faculties, government agencies and professional organisations around the world recognise IELTS scores as a trusted and valid indicator of ability to communicate in English.

Graduate Management Admission Test - GMAT, is a computer-adaptive standardized test in mathematics and the English language for measuring aptitude to succeed academically in graduate business studies. Business schools commonly use the test as one of many selection criteria for admission into graduate business administration programs (e.g. MBA, Master of Accountancy, etc.) principally in the United States, but also in other English-speaking countries. It is delivered via computer at various locations around the world. In those international locations where an extensive network of computers has not yet been established, the GMAT is offered either at temporary computer-based testing centers on a limited schedule or as a paper-based test (given once or twice a year) at local testing centers. As of September 2010, the fee to take the test is US$250 worldwide.

Graduate Record Examination - GRE, commonly required of applicants to graduate schools in fields other than business, law, and medicine. This computerized exam is offered year-round, but only during the first 3 weeks of every calendar month. It tests students on verbal skills, quantitative skills (math), and analytical reasoning skills. In many ways, it is similar to the SAT. Both are administered by the Educational Testing Service and have similar question formats, though the latter is designed by the College Board and is intended for a different level of education.

Test of English As A Foreign Langauge - TOEFL, A test for English language proficiency developed by The College Board Most colleges and universities require international students whose native language is not English to take this test for admission. It is a required exam for those students wishing to begin undergraduate or graduate study in the US. The TOEFL is a computer exam which is given year round. There are 4 sections: listening comprehension, structure, reading comprehension and writing.

Many schools may require a paper-based score of a least 550 (or a computer-based score of at least 213) in order for you to enroll. Higher scores are required for some majors.

Even if you speak English well, you should not avoid taking the test. A good score (higher than 600-650) can improve your chances of getting into the school of your choice.