In this article, we discuss Entrance Exam to Study Abroad.
Nowadays, going to study abroad has become an easier process than ever before. The world has become a global village, with technology to talk with people from any corner of the globe and move fast to any part of the world in a matter of hours. In such a setting, students who wish to study abroad have a wide variety of opportunities.
With books and course material from every known university available online, we are a lucky generation to witness the digital revolution. Further, many students chose to study abroad after completing their secondary education. Pursuing a program from a renowned international university can open a gateway of opportunities for you to follow your dream career! This article brings you a list of the different Entrance exams to study abroad that you must know while planning to pursue higher education abroad!
So, Keep on reading this article and chase your dream of studying abroad!
Why is an Entrance Exam Important for Studying Abroad?
An entrance exam is an essential component of the admission process for most universities, as it helps to ensure that students have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen course of study. It also serves as a means of standardizing the admissions process and ensuring that all applicants are evaluated fairly.
Additionally, an entrance exam is often used by universities to determine scholarship eligibility and to assess a student’s English language proficiency. Some universities also use entrance exams to place students in appropriate courses or programs based on their academic abilities and interests.
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6 Popular Entrance Exam to Study Abroad
When planning to pursue higher education abroad, it is important to be familiar with the entrance exams commonly required by universities and colleges. These entrance exams serve as a standardized assessment of an applicant’s academic abilities and aptitude for specific programs. Below are 6 popular entrance exams to study abroad, providing valuable insights for students seeking admission to international educational institutions.
I) Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) conducts the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. It assesses students applying for postgraduate courses admission overseas. It tests the verbal, quantitative, and general analytic reasoning ability of the applicants in its 3 hour and 45-minute test. If you are not satisfied with your scores, you can retake the test up to 5 times in a year with a 21-day gap between two consecutive attempts.
Test cost - Rs. 15,600 approximately.
Score validity - Five years
Countries that accept these scores - Most universities in the USA, Canada, and some universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
Major courses - MBA, MS, and other postgraduate courses.
II) Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT)
Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) conducts the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT). It is “the exam” to study MBA abroad. The test has four sections, namely, Analytical Writing, Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Reasoning, and Integrated reasoning. The total duration of GMAT is 3 hours and 7 minutes. If you are not satisfied with your score you can repeat it up to 5 times in a year with a minimum of 16 days in between two attempts.
Age limit - You need to be at least 18 years old at the time of test-taking. If you are 13 – 17 years old, you can take the test after submitting a written statement of permission from a parent or a guardian.
Test cost - Rs 17,700 approximately.
Score validity - Five Years.
Countries that accept these scores- Over 2100 educational institutions located in 114 countries, including the USA and Canada, accept these scores.
Major courses - MBA and other business-related courses.
III) Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
There are multiple school boards with different education systems around the world. This makes it very difficult to assess students based solely on high school scores. Universities in the USA use SAT as a common point to assess the academic capability of applicants from different school boards.
The College Board of USA conducts The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). It is one of the tests to take when you want to get admission overseas after high school. The test consists of three sections, reading, writing, and mathematics at high school level. You also have the option to take an additional essay section.
The duration of the test is 3 hours, and the optional essay section is 50 minutes on the whole. There are no limitations on the number of times you can repeat the test. However, it is better to limit your number of repetitions as some universities can ask you to reveal the scores of your previous SATs.
Age limit- None. Usually, the test takers are high school students in the age group of 17-18 years.
Test cost - Rs. 7,000 approximately.
Score validity - Five Years.
Countries that accept these scores- Many nations, including, the USA, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, accept SAT scores.
Major courses - Undergraduate courses.
IV) American College Testing (ACT)
ACT is yet another exam to take if you want to study abroad after high school. ACT and SAT are like two peas in a pod. Both tests check your academic ability and your readiness to start college. Both tests are accepted by various universities during their undergraduate application process. The only difference is that the ACT has an extra section, Science. You can also opt to write an additional essay. This additional section will not impact the cumulative score of the ACT.
The total duration of the test is 2 hours and 55 minutes. You will have another 40 minutes for the optional essay section. You can repeat the test for a maximum of 12 times to perfect your scores.
Age limit- None. Usually, students in high school take this test right from the age of 13.
Test cost - Rs. 9000 approximately.
Score validity - Five Years.
Countries that accept these scores - ACT scores are accepted by most universities in the USA and Canada.
Major courses - Undergraduate courses.
V) Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
LSAT is catered to students who want to study law abroad. This test assesses the skills needed in the courtroom: Logical reasoning - I, Logical reasoning II, analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, experimental section, and essay writing are the five sections of LSAT.
The total duration of the test is about three and a half hours. You can only take the test three times in a year and seven times in total to get your perfect score.
Academic eligibility - There are no specific eligibility criteria to take this test, but an academic background in law will be very beneficial for you when you apply to law schools.
Test cost - Rs. 12,000 approximately.
Score validity - Five Years.
Countries that accept these scores - Law schools of many major study destinations including the USA, and Canada, accept LSAT scores.
Major course - Undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Law.
VI) Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
MCAT is a standard medical sciences test offered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). It is mandatory for students who want to pursue a degree in medicine in the most prominent study destinations like the US and Canada. In MCAT, you will face multiple-choice questions designed to test critical thinking, problem-solving, and your knowledge in areas like biology and physical sciences.
This test is long with a total duration of 7 hours and 30 minutes. MCAT is offered many times throughout the year in various locations around the globe. Unfortunately, there are no test centers in India. So, if you are an Indian resident applying to write MCAT you have to travel to countries like Singapore, Israel, and Qatar to take it. You can take the MCATs three times in a year and seven times in total.
Academic Eligibility - If you are applying to take the MCAT, you should be pursuing, or you should have completed MBBS.
Test cost - Rs. 30,000 approximately. (The test costs increase if you register late)
Score validity- MCAT scores are valid for 2 – 3 years after taking the test depending on the university you are applying to.
Countries that accept these scores - Almost all Universities in the USA and Canada, accept MCAT scores.
Major courses - Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses in Medicine.
Language Proficiency Exams
Here are the major language proficiency exams to study abroad:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the major English proficiency tests that students wishing to study or even work abroad have to undertake. This examination is a must for candidates who do not have English as their native language.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Another English language proficiency test that you can take is TOEFL, i.e. Test of English as a Foreign Language. One of the most popular exams to study abroad, TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is also widely accepted by universities across the globe and the TOEFL syllabus is quite similar to IELTS as it also consists of Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections.
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
Pearson Test of English (PTE) is another widely accepted language proficiency exam to study or work abroad. There are two main types of PTE exams, i.e. PTE Academic and PTE General and are completely different from each other in terms of pattern and structure. PTE Academic is mainly taken to apply for a study program abroad and the duration of this computer-based exam is 3 hours. As a multi-level test, it evaluates the reading, speaking, and listening skills of the test-takers. On the other hand, PTE General is created to reward excellent achievements in English language learning and consists of only two sections, namely written and spoken tests.
6 Super Amazing Tips to Prepare for an Entrance Exam to Study Abroad
Preparing for an entrance exam can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, students can increase their chances of success. Here are some tips on how to prepare for an entrance exam to study abroad:
I) Start Early
It is essential to start preparing for the entrance exam as early as possible. Give yourself enough time to cover all the material and practice adequately. Generally, it is recommended that you start studying for the entrance exam at least six months in advance. This will give you enough time to go through all the study materials, practice questions, and evaluate your progress.
II) Understand the Format of the Exam
Before you start studying, it is essential to understand the format of the exam you will be taking. This will help you tailor your study plan to the specific exam and maximize your chances of success. Make sure you know the exam structure, the number of questions, time limits, and the scoring system. You can find information about the format of the exam on the official website of the testing agency or the university.
III) Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice makes perfect, and this is especially true when it comes to entrance exams. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be with the format and content of the exam. Use practice tests and study materials provided by the testing agency or seek help from a private tutor or online course. Take the practice tests under simulated exam conditions, with a timer and without any distractions.
IV) Seek Help When Needed
If you are struggling with a particular subject or section of the exam, don’t hesitate to seek help from a teacher, tutor, or mentor. They can help you understand difficult concepts and provide tips on how to improve your performance. Many universities and testing agencies offer preparation classes and workshops to help students prepare for the entrance exam.
V) Develop Good Study Habits
To succeed on an entrance exam, you need to develop good study habits. This includes setting a study schedule, taking breaks, staying organized, and avoiding distractions. Create a study plan that is tailored to your needs and stick to it. Take breaks to avoid burnout and ensure that you stay organized and focused.
VI) Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health
Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial when preparing for an entrance exam. Ensure that you get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet. Additionally, manage your stress levels by engaging in relaxing activities such as yoga or meditation. Don’t forget to take time off to do things you enjoy and spend time with family and
Conclusion
Please remember that the exams you take should be based on the courses and country you choose. It’s ideal to research which courses you want to study abroad from India, and then decide the exams to take up. Typically, you must take an exam to study abroad at least 6 months before you apply.
The reason is in case you don’t qualify in the first attempt, you can reapply for the exam and fine-tune your strategy. More than attempting for an exam, what matters the most is how you plan for it. Having a strategy and working towards it always helps.
We hope by reading this article you must have got some insights on Entrance Exam to Study Abroad
We at Alpha Edu provide the correct guidance not just about how to approach the examination, but also, about which examination and careers suit you. Reach out to our experts and we will help you sort out the admission process for your chosen program abroad!
FAQ’s on Entrance Exam to study Abroad
What is the purpose of entrance exams for studying abroad?
Entrance exams are designed to assess a student’s academic proficiency, knowledge, and skills in a specific subject, language, or field. They are often used by universities and countries to evaluate a student’s suitability for admission to their programs.
How can I prepare for entrance exams to study abroad?
To prepare for entrance exams, students should start early, familiarize themselves with the exam format and content, and practice as much as possible. They can take practice exams, solve sample questions, and enroll in prep courses or hire a tutor to help them prepare.
How can I register for entrance exams?
Students can register for entrance exams online through the official websites of the exam providers. They can also register through test centers or through authorized testing agencies in their country. It’s important to register well in advance of the exam date to ensure availability and preparation time.
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