Which Exams Are Required to Study Abroad After 12th or Graduation?

Have you ever wondered what it takes to unlock the doors to prestigious universities worldwide? The standardised test format is the tool used by universities to evaluate applicants from all over the world. By using the reliable measure of academic abilities and language proficiency, these tests ensure that every candidate is evaluated on the high standards set by these institutions.

For many aspiring students, the answer lies in taking standardised tests. These exams are not merely another hurdle to clear your academic journey path, but they are the true evaluation tool used by the universities. By checking the students' critical thinking skills, analytical skills, problem-solving skills, and language proficiency, these universities ensure that students are capable of meeting the high standards set by these institutions.

Now, how the students benefit, let's understand this, they will not only get a chance to secure their position in top-notch institutions of the world, but also a plethora of options will be available for them in the future. So if you are dreaming of being a scientist at NASA, a professor at Harvard, the President of any country, or a Painter, Doctor, or Engineer, your journey begins from here. Mastering these tests might just be the key to turning that dream into reality.

What are these tests? These language and aptitude tests for international studies are standardised assessment tests that evaluate the academic abilities and language proficiency of students who want to apply to foreign universities. These tests are essential components of the admissions process, ensuring that applicants meet the academic and linguistic standards required for successful studies in an international environment. Here’s a brief overview of the most common language and aptitude tests:

1. Widely Recognised Language Proficiency Tests

A. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

This is the most popular and widely accepted exam, which is recognised by more than 11,000 universities in more than 150 countries. After securing a TOEFL score, you can easily apply to the United States, Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries.

B. IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

This test assesses the English language skills of non-native speakers who want to get admission into international colleges, as well as those who are willing to work abroad. This test is bifurcated into two versions such as the Academic module, specifically designed for students who are seeking university admissions, and the General Training module, which is mainly for individuals looking for immigration and seeking employment abroad. This test is widely accepted in several nations, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.

C. Cambridge English Exam:

This provides a different range of exams that are widely accepted by various universities, employers, and governments. It tests candidates' writing, listening, speaking, and checking pronunciation, specifically grammar and vocabulary. Let’s see the list of exams offered:

• FCE: Known as the First Certificate in English, it is mainly for upper-intermediate students. It examines whether the student can communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. It is structured in four sections and provides a specific period for students to show their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
• CAE: Certificate in Advanced English, which is also known as C1 Advanced, is for students who have secured a certain level of proficiency in the English language and want to prove their advanced skills. Qualifying for the exams shows that a student can handle academic and professional texts, communicate effectively at the managerial level, and participate in meetings, academic seminars, and debates.

• CPE: Certificate of Proficiency in English: This is the highest achievement test in the Cambridge English Exam, which proves that students have mastered the language to an exceptional level.

   

2. Aptitude Tests for Undergraduate Admissions:

A. SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test):

The SAT is a standardised college admissions test required for admission to US colleges. School students are tested for key skills such as reading comprehension, computational ability, and clarity of expression.

B. ACT (American College Testing):

This is another standardised test for school students preparing for college admissions in the United States. This assessment measures students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level coursework. ACT evaluates English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning skills. It is an alternative to the SAT.

3. Aptitude Tests for Graduate Admissions:

A. GRE (Graduate Record Examination):

Students who want to get admission to top-notch colleges in the USA and Canada need to go through the rigorous examination process of the GRE. Students are assessed on their verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking skills, and analytical writing skills.

B. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test):

For students who are eager to learn the intricacies of the business world, this test is a stepping stone for them. In this exam, students are tested for their commitment to and eligibility for the MBA degree they are applying for by evaluating their critical thinking skills and problem-solving speed.

Importance of Language and Aptitude Tests in Securing Admission to Universities Abroad

While preparing for higher education in universities abroad, language and aptitude tests are indispensable tools for assessing the readiness of any applicant. As we know, in foreign lands, students have to communicate, learn, and perform academically in English, so IELTS, TOEFL, and other English proficiency tests are specifically designed to test their capabilities. After clearing these tests, students get the confidence to engage effectively with course materials, participate in discussions, and immerse themselves in the English-speaking academic environment.

Now it strikes your mind that what is the purpose of the SAT, GRE, and GMAT? These exams test the student's critical thinking skills, reasoning abilities, problem-solving skills, and judgment skills in complex situations. Overall, these tests provide a standardised measure of students' academic potential and ensure their readiness for graduate studies in top-notch institutions around the world.

Every year, lakhs of students apply for college admissions in universities abroad. By incorporating language and aptitude tests into the admission process, universities can handpick students who have excellent academic backgrounds as well as they are linguistically proficient. Moreover, after this test-based admission process segregates those students who are well-prepared to thrive in rigorous academic programs and also ready to contribute meaningfully to the university community.

Looking at the benefits of these exams, they enhance students' profiles and set them out from other competitors and also increase their chances of acceptance into distinguished universities.

Choosing Between TOEFL and IELTS: Key Differences and Benefits for International Students

Brimming with uncertainty, students often remain in a dilemma about choosing an English proficiency test, which will smooth their academic journey. First and foremost, it is important to understand the basic difference between TOEFL and IELTS to make a well-informed decision.

TOEFL is organised by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which is a private nonprofit organisation. Students are assessed on four skill-based criteria such as reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The exam has two versions, and the most common one is the TOEFL iBT( Internet-Based Test), available at authorised test centres. This is offered more than 60 times a year exclusively at authorised test centres around the world. Another less common paper-based version, TOEFL PBT, is conducted at places lacking internet facilities.

Let’s understand the basic difference between the two exams 
 

TOEFL and IELTS Requirements for different universities:

After understanding the basic difference between the TOEFL  and IELTS, the next crucial step is to familiarise yourself with the minimum score needed to get admission to the universities of your choice. As each country has its specific criteria and score requirements, students must thoroughly understand these to be competitive and ahead of others.

For instance, students wishing to study in the United States’ top-notch universities can choose either TOEFL or IELTS. The minimum score for TOEFL iBT is 79-100, and the IELTS band score is 6.5-7.5 for various U.S universities. Canadian universities accept IELTS, TOEFL, and CELPIP( Canadian English Language Proficiency Index program). Here, the minimum score requirement solely depends on the institution you are choosing. Commonly, Canadian universities ask for a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 and a TOEFL iBT score of 80-100.

If you are planning to secure admission in UK universities, then you have to demonstrate your English proficiency through the IELTS test. The minimum test score for undergraduate programs ranges from 6.0 to 7.0, while postgraduate programs may require a score of 6.5 to 7.5. Various renowned universities, such as the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, require at least 7.0 and above to secure a position.

How to prepare for IELTS and TOEFL?

The most common question that comes to your mind is how to prepare for these highly competitive exams. Well, these exams need a comprehensive approach and strategic planning, as every year millions of students prepare for these exams. Undoubtedly, preparing for these exams is not a matter of getting coaching and cramming the books, but it demands building the basic skills, such as learning, reading, writing, and speaking. As both these exams have similar sections but the exam format and content vary a lot.

• If you want to excel in these tests, it is advisable to enrol in various preparation courses such as Coursera, IDP IELTS preparation course, PrepTest Camp for TOEFL, ESPI online, and various platforms that provide high-quality resources and support.
• Other than this command of the English language is essential, which needs regular practice using official preparation material and solving full-length practice tests.
• To improve your English skills, you can read diverse materials such as newspapers, magazines, and novels, and listen to English podcasts, stories, conversations, and news to enhance your knowledge and understanding. Moreover, for writing practice, it is important to keep writing paragraphs on various topics, check grammatical mistakes, and discuss topics with your friends will not only boost your confidence but also help you to prepare effectively.
• In addition, enrolling in preparation courses and seeking guidance from mentors can be more beneficial than preparing alone. As they have expertise in this domain, you will learn how to manage time while completing different sections of your exams.
• Building vocabulary and staying updated with current events, as well as maintaining good mental and physical health, are essential to staying consistent in the preparation. Additionally, staying positive and confident throughout the exam preparation is the key to success.

Aptitude Tests for Undergraduate Admissions: Significance of the SAT for International Students

The SAT was originally adapted from an Army IQ test; later on, it was administered as a college admission test in 1926. Looking at its popularity in 1940, it became a standard test for all college applicants. If you are looking for admission to a United States university, you will likely need to attempt the SAT. The SAT exam covers two main sections: Reading and writing, along with Maths, so basically you are assessed on these three modules through a multiple-choice questions paper having 98 questions which need to be attempted in 2 hours and 14 minutes.

Now, the next question bothering you is How is the SAT scored? Well, when you attempt the exam, you earn a total score between 400 and 1600, which is a scaled score between 200 and 800 points on each section of the reading, writing, and Math module. The average set score is around 1060, which may vary from year to year, but a good score count that gets you into the best university depends on where you are planning to apply. If you want to get into a top-tier university like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford often requires more than a 1500 SAT score. The SAT is designed to evaluate a student’s potential for academic success in undergraduate programs, which makes it an essential criterion for admission.

Here are the approximate SAT score ranges for some of the universities mentioned:

How to prepare for the SAT exam?

Preparing for the SAT exam requires a determined mindset and continuous efforts. Let’s understand how you can achieve your desired score by following these tips:

• If you want to secure the desired SAT score, it is recommended that you start preparing for the exam a time ahead as it needs extensive preparation. The first step is to register for the SAT exam and make sure you spend enough time preparing, at least three months before the exam.
• The second important point is to get familiar with the overall structure and format of the digital SAT, as the 1600 points are distributed into two chunks, which are 800 points for the Math module and 800 points for the reading and writing section. So to get through the exam, you need to score a minimum of 400 points, with 200 on each section.
• Once you get familiar with the mode of the test, you have to figure out your strengths and weaknesses and set a baseline. For this, you can take a complete, time-practice test from authentic materials. You can get free tests, which are available on College Board’s Bluebook app, as these have the same format and content as the digital SAT, so you will get a real exam feeling.
• It is always better to make a target that you can realistically achieve in the given time frame. Suppose you want to secure 1500 points to get admission to a top US university; for that, you must improve your practice test score by 100 points per month.
• Preparing for the exam without a set time schedule is like sailing on a boat against the wind. So, based on your targeted score and choice of university, it is better to prepare your daily schedule, which includes small achievable targets.
• Joining a coaching centre and enrolling in specialised online courses is another important step. These coaching institutions have tailored study plans, experienced faculty, and extensive practice materials that not only guide students in the right direction but also help them achieve their desired scores.
• Notable SAT coaching centres include The Princeton Review, Jamboree Education, Career Launcher, and IMS Learning Resources. By offering tailored guidance and resources, these centres play a vital role in helping students reach their academic goals and succeed in their SAT exams.
• As the SAT is a crucial pathway to achieving the desired university, it is important to understand the requirements, use authentic material, keep a fixed schedule, prepare under the guidance of experts, and achieve the desired score to make your dream a reality.

Aptitude Tests for Graduate Admissions: Navigating GRE and GMAT

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) are crucial steps in the application process for graduate school or business school. Both these tests are designed to test the analytical skills, reasoning ability, and problem-solving skills of students. Let’s deeply understand both these tests to understand the requirements, preparation strategy, and materials that help you navigate through this exam.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE):

This test is administered by the Educational Testing Service and is a versatile test that is accepted by a wide range of graduate programs such as business administration, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. It is a multiple-choice, computer-based exam that provides a common measure for business schools and law schools to compare students’ qualifications and readiness for graduate-level academic work.

What does the GRE evaluate?

The GRE measures your command and clarity of concepts of basic subjects such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis, and vocabulary. More than this, it measures your ability to analyse problems and think critically. It has three main sections such as analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. These three sections have various types of questions, for instance, text completion questions, sentence equivalence questions, data interpretation, problem-solving questions, and quantitative comparison questions. Overall, students are analysed based on various parameters that test their mental abilities and the clarity of the concepts.

What is a good GRE Score?

While considering your GRE score goal, it is better to look at the requirements of your targeted university. After knowing the score baseline, you can find the average score of selected applicants, which indirectly helps you to find the required GRE score to be in the game.

Another thing to consider is checking the GRE scores for different universities, as some have shifted the admission process towards holistic achievements of students. Several U.S. institutions, such as MIT, Northwestern University, and Purdue University, have removed the GRE requirement specifically for PhD programs. These universities check the overall performance of students, their academic excellence, extracurricular activities, social work, and involvement in various other activities.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT):

It is a standardised exam used for admission to prestigious graduate business schools and MBA programs. This exam is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council, which measures students' analytical skills, critical thinking skills, leadership skills, and problem-solving skills, which are necessary to thrive in the business world.

This exam contains four sections: analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. Students will get 3 hours and 7 minutes to complete the whole exam. As this test is computer-based, the questions become difficult as per your every right answer. The total score is between 200-800, and this score is valid for up to 10 years.  

How to prepare for the GMAT:

It is always a daunting task to prepare for any competitive exam, but by strategic planning and with a positive mindset, you can achieve your desired goal. Let’s look at some of the effective GMAT preparation strategies.

1. Begin Early: It is crucial to give yourself enough time to prepare for a highly competitive exam. You need at least 6 months in your hand to prepare deeply before applying for any MBA programs.

2. Set a Target Score: 
Students should research the average GMAT score and set a realistic target score that aligns with their goals. When you know the target score, you will have a clear benchmark in your mind during the entire preparation process.

3. Use Authentic Study Materials:
There are numerous study materials available in the market, each one of them claiming to give you a 100% success rate. It is up to you to choose the authentic resources, books, study guides, and practice test papers to secure your position. You can get help from experts as well as selected students, as they can guide you better.

4. Focus on Each Section:
All four sections are equally important, so it is crucial to maintain a balanced study approach. Quantitative reasoning requires more practice, while reasoning needs critical thinking skills, you should create a study plan that covers all four sections and divide time among these as per the need for practice.

5. Focus on Weak Areas:
You should spend more time sharpening your weak areas, whether it is verbal reasoning or quantitative reasoning. Going through the weak subject often and solving the related questions will not only help you overcome your weaknesses but also boost your confidence to perform better in exams.

6. Take an Online GMAT course:
In the journey of this exam, you will always need a helping hand that guides you throughout the preparation, so it is advisable to choose the best online course in which you get all authentic study materials, exam preparation tips, mock tests, and expert help. There are numerous online courses available, but it is your wise choice to pick the right one.

By following these strategies, you can enhance your GMAT preparation and increase your chances of admission to top graduate programs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, language and aptitude tests are far more than mere formalities in the international admissions process; they are essential gateways to the opportunities that shape a student's future. While some may view these exams as burdensome or stressful, they serve a fundamental purpose in ensuring that applicants possess the academic skills and language proficiency required to succeed in a competitive global educational landscape. These standardised assessments provide a universal measure of academic ability, allowing universities to evaluate the potential of candidates from diverse backgrounds and educational systems.

Rather than being obstacles, these tests should be seen as invaluable opportunities to demonstrate your readiness to excel in world-class institutions. They offer a platform to prove that you can meet the high academic standards demanded by top universities and that you are equipped to succeed in a rigorous academic environment. Whether aspiring to become a leader in science, technology, politics, or any other field, excelling in these assessments can significantly enhance your prospects by providing access to the resources, mentorship, and networks that top-tier institutions offer.

Therefore, it is important to recognise the significance of these tests and approach them with the seriousness they deserve. Prepare diligently, understand their value, and leverage them as key tools in your academic and professional development. If you are committed to competing on a global scale, mastering these assessments is not simply advisable; it is imperative.