Exams That Will Turn Your Study Abroad Dream Into Reality

Should you take the ACT or SAT? TOEFL or IELTS or DET? What’s the cost? What’s the nearest testing center? How is the scoring done?

Read on to find which test is best suited for your study overseas.

SAT – Scholastic Aptitude Test

If you’re a high-schooler looking for global education to study in the USA, Canada, Europe, or in other developed nations, the Scholastic Aptitude Test is your best bet. Conducted by the College Board of the United States of America, it consists of the Reasoning Test to assess one’s grammar and writing skills, while the Subject Test assesses a candidate’s knowledge in their subject.

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When: Held on specific dates every year; access the dates here.

Acceptable Score: 1600 is a perfect SAT score, with a minimum of 400. 1200+ is considered a good score. Universities have different criteria, so check with your universities to find your target score.

ACT – American College Testing

The ACT is used to determine the academic readiness of a high schooler’s transition to college. It closely mirrors SAT in both, their objectives and framework used to fulfill that goal. Both the ACT and SAT are accepted by almost all major universities for undergraduate admissions for those willing to study in the USA.

It assesses the test taker’s ability to comprehend the subjects of English, Reading, Math & Science.

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When: Held on specific dates every year; access the dates here.

Acceptable Score: The average composite ACT score is 20.7 and Subject wise scores are English: 20.1; Mathematics: 20.4; Reading: 21.2; Science: 20.6.

TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language

This test evaluates a candidate’s English proficiency. Its high validity and reliability coupled with unbiased objective scoring ensures that the TOEFL can confirm whether a student has the required English language skills. 8,500+ colleges & universities in 130 countries accept TOEFL scores including the top 100 universities in the UK, US, Canada, Australia & New Zealand. It is held in more than 4,500 examination centers in 180 countries.

You can take the TOEFL PBT, which is a pen and paper test, or the TOEFL iBT – an online test. The only difference in both of them is the mode of taking the test.

The test has 4 sections — Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing — and you are required to complete tasks that combine these 4 skills.

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When: TOEFL test dates are available on their website.

Acceptable Score: The average scores range from 85 – 95. 100+ scores are considered good.

IELTS – International English Language Testing System

This is an English proficiency test taken by non-native speakers who want to migrate to an English-speaking country for studies for global education, to work, or even live. It is a task-based test covering the four language areas of listening, reading, writing & speaking.

It is an entry requirement into most universities and colleges overseas and is also used for immigration requirements.

The IELTS Indicator can be taken online and provides only an indicative score. Since it’s not accepted by all Institutions, it’s best to check with your university before you book the test. It is an Academic test and is not accepted for Immigration.

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When: Paper-based IELTS is held four times a month and computer-delivered IELTS is conducted multiple times a week, you can find the dates and test centers here.

Acceptable Score: The average score ranges from 6.5 – 8. The composite average band score is calculated on the equal-weighted evaluation of all four sections.

DET – Duolingo English Test

Duolingo English Test is the most affordable & convenient English proficiency test. It is a computer-adaptive language proficiency test, testing a candidate’s Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking skills.

The test can be taken online and the duration is anywhere between 45 minutes to 1 hour. For more information, click here

When: The Duolingo English test can be taken in endless time. But it can only be taken twice in the time frame of 30 days.

Acceptable Score: Scores are measured on a scale of 10-160 (Higher the score, higher the English proficiency level). A score of 120+ is generally preferred by most universities.

GMAT – Graduate Management Admission Test

Business Schools all around the world (with a few exceptions) require an applicant’s GMAT score. So, if you want to want to study overseas; regardless of where ever you study – the GMAT is your test.

The GMAT is an aptitude test with Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) sections.

Geared to assess your performance in today’s graduate classrooms, it tests your ability and aptitude rather than your knowledge, since business schools focus on a wholesome education experience, and language is key for this.

The test has an online version too, but taking the exam in person is advised. For more information, click here

When: Held throughout the year, depends on test center’s dates. The exam can be taken once every 16 days, five times in a 12-month time frame.

Acceptable Score: 500+ out of 800. Some business schools set a limit of 700 – to filter out applicants. There are exceptions who have made it into programs without the required score.

GRE – Graduate Record Exam

Graduate Schools (and a growing number of business schools) around the world use the GRE in their admission criteria for applicants who want to study in Canada, USA, or even study in Europe. A standardized test just like GMAT, it measures a candidate’s verbal, mathematical & general analytical skills. The format has undergone quite a few changes, but a large part of it remains constant. Many schools set a lower limit, but schools always make exceptions for a strong and diverse application.

Due to covid, the test is taken online too. However, it is advisable to take the test in person.

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When: The GRE is held several times a year. Find the most suitable dates here.

Acceptable Score: These are the mean scores for different fields according to the test makers