International Entrance Exams To Study Abroad

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INTERNATIONAL ENTRANCE EXAMS TO STUDY ABROAD

Numerous aspirants migrate to various parts of the world every year to complete their higher studies. While 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 overseas.

International entrance exams 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. Some of the most popular and most important international entrance exams are as follows:

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

The Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) is a computer-adaptive test that has been created by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC.) The GMAC is a non-profit body of some of the best and top management schools and B-schools from across the globe.

The GMAT is a test that is used to check the suitability of students aspiring to pursue MBA/ Management programs. By testing the various skills needed in business & management (such as problem-solving, critical & logical reasoning, analytical writing, etc.), the GMAT is a reliable test that allows the school/university take a call on whether the candidate is a right fit for the course.

For this reason, 7000+ programs offered by 2300+ universities/ colleges in 110 countries have been using the GMAT as a mandatory part of their admission/selection process.

Eligibility:

You need to be 18 years+ to be eligible to appear for GMAT. For candidates between the ages 13 to 17, parental approval is needed to write the GMAT. There is no upper age limit GMAT eligibility criterion to appear for GMAT
There is no specific eligibility criterion to be able to write the GMAT
Since the exam is used for admissions to various MBA/ Management programs around the world, what you need to check is your eligibility for the MBA program you’re applying for
The GMAT eligibility criteria for admissions may vary for every MBA or Management course
Some management programs may require you to have a certain number of years of work experience, while others may not
So before you register for GMAT, please ensure that you fulfil all other parameters that would allow your selection into your chosen program
It is advisable that college final year students and those who have completed college write the GMAT, as the GMAT score is used for admission into postgraduate management programs in India and across the world

Countries and Territories that accept GMAT score: One of the primary reasons for taking the GMAT test is that it is accepted in almost every country, regions, and territories around the world. It is highly reliable and definitely go-to exams for Business and Management aspirants. Therefore, if you are looking to study at one of the B-Schools or Management oriented universities appearing for the GMAT test is the right choice for you.

Score Validity:

The GMAT score is valid for 5 years. Students studying undergraduate courses can hence appear for GMAT from the first year.

How to Apply/Register

Candidates have to create an account on GMAC, the official web portal for GMAT exam.

Online Registration: Candidates can fill up a form, pay the fees and get an acknowledgment of their registration online.

Offline Registration: Candidates can also apply for the exam offline, by placing a call to the GMAT customer service or through postal mail.

Although this is not the best way to register for the GMAT exam since the fees have to be paid via cheque or money order. An additional processing fee of USD 10 has to be paid for the same.

Exam Pattern:

Analytical Writing Assessment: 30 minutes
Integrated Reasoning: 30 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning: 62 minutes
Verbal Reasoning: 65 minutes

For more information you may please visit Website – https://ocs.fas.harvard.edu/links/official-gmat-exam-website

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL test is a standardized English proficiency test that measures the ability of non-native English speakers. The TOEFL scores are accepted by many universities and are also used for screening the fluency of English for potential job applicants and for immigration visas around the world. Some universities consider TOEFL test as a mandatory requirement for admission purposes.

Universities located in countries such as the United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, The United Kingdom, and many other exemplary regions are advocates of TOEFL exam

Exam Details:

Name of the Exam: Test of English as a Foreign Language
Exam Mode: Online | Paper-Based
Number of Sections: Four
Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes | 4 hours 20 minutes

Types of TOEFL:

TOEFL is an extremely reliant examination. The test has two modes iBT and PBT you can choose either a mode of examination according to your preference.

TOEFL iBT: iBT stands for the Internet-based test. The TOEFL iBT test is conducted through online mode, the method of evaluating English fluency skills is the same. It evaluates an individual’s English fluency skills on Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking parameters.

Full form: TOEFL Internet-Based Test
Sections: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking
Time: 4 hours

TOEFL PBT: PBT stands for Paper-based test. This type of test is conducted on paper; the TOEFL PBT examines an individual’s fluency in the English language on parameters of Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking.

Full form: TOEFL Paper Based Test
Sections: Reading, Writing, Listening and Structure
Time: 3 hours

Exam Eligibility:

Indian students aspiring to study abroad can especially benefit from appearing for the TOEFL test. The TOEFL test is reliable in many ways. The TOEFL Exam Eligibility is favourable to students aspiring to study overseas. If you are an individual who has acquired their 10+2 certificate, you are easily eligible to appear for the TOEFL test. Anyone with an aspiration to study abroad can not only acquire the seat to study abroad but will also end up brushing up their English fluency skills.

Exam Pattern:

TOEFL iBT Exam Pattern: TOEFL iBT is an English proficiency test that is administered via the Internet. The TOEFL iBT exam pattern is categorized into FOUR sections namely – Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.

SECTION 1 – Reading

3 to 4 passages will be given based on which 36 to 56 questions will be asked.
You can expect each passage to be around 700 words on average
Practice to complete to each passage in 20 minutes duration
You are required to reading the passages and answer the questions accordingly
All the questions in this section are in Multiple Choice format where the answer can either be one of the four given options or two of the four given options
The questions and passages will be based on Academic topics
Your ability to read English is measured on a scale of 0 to 30

SECTION 2 – Listening

Listen to short audio consisting of classroom discussions, lectures, and conversations
Question asked in this section are in the form of Multiple-Choice, Binary answers and, Charts.
Listen carefully and answer the provided questions accordingly
This section is comprised of about 34 to 51 questions
Your ability to listen and understand to the English based context is measured on a scale of 0 to 30

SECTION 3 – Speaking

The speaking section is designed to make to examine the ability to speak in English on the provided topic
You are required to state your opinion on that topic accordingly
The topics in this particular section are based on personal experience, preference, course topics or are merely situation based
You are expected to complete 6 given tasks in this section
Your ability to speak and understand English contextual words and phrases are measured on a scale of 0 to 30

SECTION 4 – Writing

Put your reading and listening skills to use in this section

The writing section is divided into two categories – Integrated Writing and Independent Writing
In the integrated writing section, individuals are required to read and listen to a lecture excerpt
Your task here is to listen or read the provided audio or context carefully and write a passage on exactly 150 words to 225 words. You will be given 20 minutes to complete the Integrated Writing section
A topic will be provided to you for putting together a piece for the Independent Writing section
After carefully gathering the needed information, you are required to write an essay that must consist of at least 300 words. The Independent Writing task must be completed in 30 minutes
Your ability to understand and write English is measured on a scale of 0 to 30

TOEFL PBT Exam Pattern: TOEFL PBT is an English Proficiency test that is conducted in paper and pen format. It is specifically for individuals who reside in a region that is not internet-aided. Individuals, who prefer PBT over iBT exam can also apply for this type of TOEFL test, contact the TOEFL centre in your region for more information.

The TOEFL PBT Exam pattern consists of FOUR sections viz. – Listening, Structure and Written, Reading, and Writing.

SECTION 1 – Listening

In the listening section, candidates are required to answer 50 questions in about 30 to 40 minutes
Questions asked in this section are Multiple-Choice based
The listening section is divided into three segments with short conversations, long conversations, and lectures or talks respectively
The segments consist of 30 questions, 8 questions, and 12 questions respectively
In the TOEFL PBT listening section, your ability to listen and understand English context is measured on a scale of 31 to 68

SECTION 2 – Structure and Written Expression

The structure and written expression consists of 40 questions, that you are required to answer in 25 minutes
The questions are structured with questions that require sentence completion and identifying errors in given phrases. To conclude, this section examines your understanding in regards to English Grammar
In the TOEFL PBT Structure and Written Expression segment, your ability to understand English grammar is measured on a scale of 31 to 68

SECTION 3 – Reading

The reading section consists of 50 Multiple Choice Questions
Your task is to read the provided passages and choose the suitable answers from the provided options
You will be given 55 minutes to complete the Reading segment of TOEFL PBT
In the TOEFL PBT reading section, your ability to read and understand English is measured on a scale of 31 to 68

SECTION 4 – The Test of Written English (TWE)

The test of written English consists of a passage that either needs justification or requires building an argument
Your task is to read the provided context and build an essay of about 250 to 300 words
You will be given 30 minutes to complete the TWE segment of TOEFL Paper-based test
In the TOEFL PBT Test of Written English section, your ability to write English is measured on a scale of 0 to 5
This is the only section of TOEFL PBT exam where the score is measured on a different scale

For more information you may please visit Website – https://www.ets.org/toefl

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

International English Language Testing System or IELTS is an English language assessment test primarily used by those seeking international education, professional recognition, bench-marking to international standards and global mobility. IELTS is owned, developed and delivered through the partnership of the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.

IELTS tests the complete range of English language skills which will commonly be encountered by students when studying or training in the medium of English. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. There is an option of either Academic or General Training Reading and Writing Modules. Academic is suitable for candidates planning to undertake higher education study. General Training is suitable for candidates planning to undertake non-academic training or work experience, or for immigration purposes.

There are currently three versions of the IELTS test: Academic, General Training and Life Skills.

IELTS Academic: IELTS Academic exam is intended for people who want to attend study programmes at universities and other institutions of higher education which are taught in English.
IELTS General Training: IELTS General Training is a good choice if you want to migrate to an English-speaking country and work there, or if you plan to attend a secondary school. An IELTS score is often required by the government authorities of English-speaking countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
IELTS Life Skills: IELTS Life Skills is the test for UK Visas and Immigration, is appropriate if you wish to immigrate to or obtain citizenship in the United Kingdom.

IELTS Test Acceptance:

IELTS is accepted by many professional organisations including the New Zealand Immigration Service, the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, the Australian Medical Council, the UK General Medical Council and the UK Ministry of Defence.

For more information you may please visit Website – https://www.ielts.org/

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is a standardised examination conducted by Educational Testing Services (ETS), based in the US. The GRE General Test measures your aptitude for admission to thousands of graduate and business schools around the world. Universities abroad demand these test results for the purpose of admission to their master’s, MBA, specialized masters in business or doctoral degrees. The ETS representative in India is responsible for conducting the examinations. GRE scores happen to be one of several parameters graduate schools or universities use for assessing an applicant’s qualification for study in many streams.

A high GRE score alone does not guarantee admission to any graduate school or university abroad, but the test can be looked upon as an important hurdle to be cleared in the admission process to many colleges abroad. The GRE scores have been considered (along with the candidate’s undergraduate grades & other qualifications) for 60+ years by the admission panels of thousands of graduate/ business schools globally for admission to their graduate programs.

The GRE is administered by ETS worldwide in two separate tests. Only the computer-based test format is available in India.

GRE General Tests:

The GRE revised General Test (now simply know as GRE General Test), introduced in August 2011, has three sections: Verbal Reasoning; Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing. Calculators are allowed during this test.

The GRE General Test is the only graduate or business level test that allows one to skip questions, edit past answers, and choose the questions one wants to answer first.

The GRE Test is test-taker friendly, and provides an experience where the candidate is more confident in his performance.

The candidate can take the test five times a year, with a minimum of 21 days of gap between any two attempts, and using a ScoreSelect® option, the candidate can choose to send colleges the scores of the test they performed the best in!

GRE Subject Tests:

The GRE Subject Tests measure your knowledge in one particular field of study, and help you stand out from other applicants by emphasizing knowledge and skill in one particular area of study.

Each subject test is targeted for students who have an undergraduate course in a specific field. The subjects offered are:

Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
Biology
Chemistry
Literature in English
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

GRE Subject Test scores are mainly useful for the purpose of admissions or fellowship panels to supplement the candidate’s undergraduate records, recommendation letters and other qualifications for graduate-level higher study.

Test-Takers:

More than 8,00,000 prospective graduate school applicants from approximately 160 countries around the world take the GRE General Test at 1000+ test centres.

For more information, you may please visit Website – https://www.ets.org/gre/

Pearson Test of English (PTE)

The PTE (Pearson Language Test) is an English language assessment test for non-native English speakers. The test is administered in association with the world’s largest examining body Edexcel. There are three types of PTE level tests which include PTE General, PTE Academic (launched in 2009) and PTE Young Learners.

All PTE exams are used for testing an individual’s ability to speak, write and read in English. PTE tests are widely recognized around the world. The purpose of PTE exam is to evaluate the capability of understanding the context of the English language because that students can understand the subjects taught in the university which are in English. The purpose of PTE results proves whether the student is proficient enough to attend the college or migrate to an English speaking country.

PTE has three types of exams to know which one is right for you, find out which of the following mentioned types suits the best for you:

PTE General: Pearson Test of English General (PTE General) formerly recognized as London Tests of English General. PTE General Test is a theme-based examination designed to test how well the test taker can communicate in English in real-life and authentic situations of life. The test is generally taken only for the purpose of improving in the English language. Only a few countries accept the PTE General score for admission purpose.

PTE Academic: Pearson Test of English, Academic (PTE Academic) was launched in 2009 which is endorsed by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). PTE Academic Test is a computer-based examination designed to assess the exam takers readiness to undertake a university program from a native English speaking country. Most of the universities accept the PTE Academic score for admission purpose.

PTE Young Learners: Pearson Test of English for Younger Learners (PTE Young Learners) formerly known as London Tests of English for Children. The test is designed to assess the ability of children who are learning English as a foreign language.

Countries that accept PTE scores:

PTE is a popular English Proficiency test that is accepted in several countries and universities. The PTE exam score is considered for immigration and is also accepted for university admission purposes. List of countries that accept PTE exam scores for immigration and admission purposes: Argentina, Greece, Netherlands, Austria, Hungary, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Belgium, Iran, Norway, Brazil, Iraq, Oman, Bulgaria, Ireland, Pakistan, Canada, Israel, Philippines, China, Italy, Poland, Cyprus, Japan, Russia, Czech Republic, Jordan, Singapore, Denmark, Korea, Slovenia, Egypt, Latvia, Somalia, Estonia, Lithuania, South Africa, Finland, Malaysia, Spain, France, USA, Taiwan, Sweden, UK, Thailand, Switzerland, UAE, Turkey, Vietnam, Uganda, Germany and Malta.

PTE General score validity:

There is no expiration or validity period for PTE General Score i.e. the score is valid for lifetime.

PTE Academic score validity:

The PTE Academic score is valid for 2 years. The test scores are automatically taken down from the website after 2 years are completed. In Australia, the PTE Academic score is valid for 3 years where the student or immigrant has the opportunity to apply for Permanent Residency (PR).

PTE Young Learners: There is no validity date as such.

PTE Academic Registration Process:

PTE Academic exam registration can only be done via PTE’s online portal that lets you submit the application as well submit the exam fee. The process of registering for PTE Academic is as follows:

Visit the PTE Academic website for booking your exam slot and paying the PTE Academic fee.
Create a Pearson account. Enter the required details. Get registered.
Sign in with your Pearson account details which will be sent your preferred email within 48 hours.
Schedule your test by choosing your preferred location to undertake the exam and also by paying the PTE Academic fees.
A confirmation email will be sent to your email address with all the details of your PTE Academic exam.

Academic Exam Pattern:

Speaking and Writing: 77 to 93 minutes
Reading: 32 to 41 minutes
Listening: 45 to 57 minutes

For more information you may please visit Website – https://pearsonpte.com/

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a globally recognized college admission test which serves as a prerequisite to apply for undergraduate programs in the most of the universities across United States of America.

Conducted by “College Board”, a not-for-profit education organization that aims to provide every student with equal opportunities to show what they’ve learned in school, SAT is taken by more 1.7 million students each year.

SAT assesses the student’s knowledge of English language and mathematics. The exam pattern is MCQ (Multiple choice questions) with four options, one of which is correct. The SAT also has an optional essay writing section. Few universities also demand a valid score of the SAT subject test.

Eligibility:

SAT Reasoning Test or SAT subjects Test or both, is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors in the USA. Indian students who have completed their 12 years of school education successfully from any recognized Indian board can take the SAT for admission to the different streams available in to various American colleges.

Indian students appearing for 11th or 12th class can take the SAT.

It is recommended that students take a practice SAT test a year before their intended year of admission.

There are no criteria of minimum marks etc. for appearing in the SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject Tests, but several colleges need a good SAT score along with a good academic record. Besides the SAT scores, colleges conducts their own tests, like Essay Writing (Subject Test), Personality Test and also ask for Curriculum Vitae and recommendations from teachers.

Score Validity:

Unless the SAT pattern changes, the SAT scores are valid for a period of 5 years. Hence, the 11th class students can take the test and if the score is well, can use the same for undergraduate admissions in United States.

Exam Pattern:

The SAT comprises of two main sections which have 10-sub testing sections.

Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW)
Math

The first section is a 25-minute essay while the last section is a 10-minute multiple-choice writing section. Sections two through seven are 25-minute sections and sections eight and nine are 20-minute sections.

Applicants sitting next to each other in the same session most are likely to get completely different test books with different content orders.

There is no negative marking for wrong answers.

There is a third section, which is known as the SAT subject test.

Few universities or programs require its applicants to take the SAT subject test.

This test are available in 20 subjects based on five general subject areas- English, history, languages, mathematics and science.

For more information you may please visit Website – https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat

Reference/Citation/Source

International Entrance Exams to Study Overseas

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