Thousands of aspirants migrate to various parts of the world every year to complete their higher studies. Whilst the global study abroad scene has opened up tremendously to accommodate students of all academic backgrounds and interests, there are still certain preset academic standards that need to be met in order to gain admission to a university or college abroad. These are achieved by clearing competitive international entrance exams. Good performances in competitive ‘Study Abroad’ exams also help you to win scholarships and other forms of financial aid, no small consideration for a majority of the applicants.
 

Popular Entrance Exams
 

Some of the most popular, and most important, international entrance exams for abroad studies include the SAT, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, IELTS and the TOEFL. These are required for admission to universities and colleges in various countries across the globe; at times, the need may be a combination of one or more of these and other tests/examinations specific to that country and its education system.
 

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).

SAT Quick Facts

SAT Length 3 hours (plus 50 minutes if taking optional Essay)

SAT Sections • Math

                                • Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 

                                • Essay (optional)

SAT Cost $46 ($60 if taking SAT with Essay)

Highest SAT Score 1600

Average SAT Score 1060

 

 

The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is required for admission to most medical schools. The MCAT is computer-based and tests physical and biological sciences, verbal reasoning, and writing skills.. This section tests your ability to understand socio-cultural, biological and psychological influences on behavior and social interactions as well as how people process emotion and stress.

 

MCAT Quick Facts

Frequency 15 times/year

Duration 7 hours, 30 minutes

Sections Physical Sciences, CARS, Biological Sciences, Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior

Cost $315 for initial registration

Max. Score 528

Avg. Score 500 total, 125 in each section

 

There are 2 kinds of exams you can choose from, with the same listening and speaking modules, but different reading and writing modules:

1. General training - for secondary education, working or training programmes.

2. Academic -           for higher (tertiary) and further education.(Human Resource Management)

The structure of the exam is very well organized. There are 4 parts and each part has to be completed in a specific amount of time:

1. Listening: 30 minutes. Normally, you listen to a conversation and afterwards answer some related questions you’ll need good listening skills, while trying to understand what two or more persons are talking about and get the main points of their conversation.

2. Reading: 60 minutes. You get to read a series of three texts and answer 40 related questions. 

3. Writing: 60 minutes. You will get a topic, which can be different kinds of texts, such as a formal letter, an article, etc. You will have to develop a text expressing your thoughts using appropriate sentences and vocabulary.

4. Speaking: 11-14 minutes. This test takes place person-to-person. An examiner will start asking you basic questions as a warm up and will continue asking about your opinion on different topics, resulting in a discussion. 

Graduate Record Examination – GRE

The GRE General Test is a graduate-level admissions exam used by many graduate school and business school programs. The GRE provides grad and b-schools with one common criterion that can be used to compare all applicants, who come from all over the world and will certainly have an enormous range in academic and professional experience.

Test type -GRE General (Aptitude) GRE Subject (Subjective)

GRE eligibility criteria -No specific eligibility criteria to pursue postgraduate programmes

Test sections -Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing

Test duration -3 hours 45 minutes

GRE score -130-170( per section) Analytical writing: 1-6

 

The LSAT or the Law School Admission Test is an entrance exam required for admission to most law schools. It is a multiple-choice paper-and-pencil test that is administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). 

(HR Consulting Firm)

LSAT Quick Facts

LSAT Test Dates 7 times/year starting in 2018

LSAT Length 3 hours, 30 minutes

LSAT Sections Logical Reasoning

                        Analytical Reasoning

                        Reading Comprehension

Writing Sample

LSAT Cost $190, but there are other fees too. 

LSAT Score 120–180

LSAT Average Score 151

 

The GMAT is a computer–adaptive test (CAT) required by many business schools. If you want to get accepted to a competitive MBA program, your GMAT score is very important. 

GMAT Quick Facts

GMAT Test Dates Any Day all Year Long, Minus Holidays

GMAT Length 3 hours, 30 minutes

GMAT Sections Quantitative, Analytic Writing, Verbal

GMAT Cost $250

Highest GMAT Score 800

Average GMAT Score 556

Registration for all the aforementioned exams can be done online or in some cases, via phone call.. Their official sites have most of the other information needed as well. You can also approach the best overseas education consultant in mumbai for help with these tests and other guidance. We hope this gave you an overview of the procedure and other aspects of taking international exams and wish you all the very best for the admission as well!