Prospective college and university students in the USA have to undergo various standardized tests to prove their language proficiency and academic qualifications. But are these exams really important to take? Recent reports suggest that students who rely solely on their academic records may face increased rejection rates at institutions where these standardized tests are considered optional. This article will provide you with a comprehensive list of the examinations vital for pursuing higher education in the USA, with fee details and other important information.
Table of Contents
- What Exams Are Required to Study in USA
- ACT (American College Test)
- SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
- MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- PTE (Pearson English Test)
- FAQs
What Exams Are Required to Study in USA
ACT (American College Test)
The multiple-choice test is a standardized college admission test. It evaluates critical thinking and analytical skills to understand the readiness of students to join a college. The official ACT scores vary depending on the universities and courses one is applying for. The minimum accepted score is 22 in general. Here are the further details related to ACT Exam–
Exam duration | 3 hours, 35 minutes (writing included) |
Exam fees | $68.00 (without writing) $93.00 ( with writing) |
Number of Sections | Math, English, Reading, Science |
Qualifying score | 24 |
Who should apply for the ACT | High school graduates applying for UG courses, stronghold on science, trigonometry and English |
SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
SAT Exam is a multiple-choice test that helps in evaluating students’ knowledge in writing, reading, and mathematics. This paper-based test also helps to obtain grants from the government. The College Board examines students applying for admission in undergraduate courses by looking at the SAT scores. Top universities accept SAT scores in the USA, including Harvard. Many universities in India also accept SAT scores for admission.
Exam duration | 3 hours, 50 minutes (writing included) |
Exam fees | $60 |
Number of Sections | Reading, Writing and Language, Mathematics |
Qualifying score | 1200-1600 |
Who should apply for the SAT | High school graduates applying for UG courses, strong problem-solving capability |
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
GRE Test is mandatory if you are applying for engineering and a master’s in the USA. Along with GRE, there are subject-specific tests that one can take up. Some business schools have also started accepting GRE scores for admission in MBA. The test comprises three different sections and is accepted by more than 1400 universities across the globe. It is available in online and offline mode.
Type of test | General test and Subject test |
Sections | Analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning |
Score | 160 |
Test Duration | General- 3 hours, 45 minutesSubject- 2 hours, 50 minutes |
Who can take the test | Students aiming to take admission in MBA, MS, and law etc. |
Exam fees | General-$220 Subject- $150 |
LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
To take admission in law, taking up LSAT is mandatory for students. The accepted score for the LSAT is 130. However, if you want to take admission in top law schools such as Yale, Harvard, Stanford, and more, you will have to score higher than 160.
Exam duration | 2 hours, 20 minutes |
Exam fees | $222 ( includes writing) |
Number of sections | Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning I, Logical Reasoning II, and Reading Comprehension. |
Qualifying score | 150-160 |
Who should apply for LSAT | Students aiming to enroll in law schools |
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
GMAT exam is mandatory if you aim to take admission in top B-schools in the USA. The average score students need to score is around 700. A GMAT score is required if you wish to pursue an MBA in the USA. Please note that though many universities do not require GMAT scores while taking admission, companies ask for it while interviewing.
Exam duration | 3 hours, 07 minutes (excluding two 8-minute breaks) |
Exam fees | $275 |
Number of Sections | Integrated Reasoning, verbal Reasoning, quantitative Reasoning writing |
Qualifying score | 650-700 |
Who should apply for GMAT | Students enrolling for MBA |
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
Students aspiring to enroll in medical school need to appear for the MCAT. The computer-based test evaluates biological and physical science, writing skills, and verbal reasoning. There are also psychological, biological, and social behavior foundation sections. MCAT is generally a success predictor test that officials use to determine whether you can survive through the course and its rigorous curriculum.
Exam duration | 7 hours, 30 minutes |
Exam fees | $330 |
Number of Sections |
|
Qualifying score | 500-650 |
Who should apply for MCAT | Students aiming to enroll in medical schools |
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Almost all the universities in the USA accept IELTS scores to measure the English Proficiency of international students. However, many universities do not require the IELTS score if you have documents to support your language knowledge.
Exam duration | 2 hours, 45 minutes |
Exam fees | INR 16,500 |
Number of Sections | Speaking, Reading, Writing, & Listening |
Qualifying score | 6.0 to 8.0 |
Who should apply for IELTS | Students aiming to enroll in best universities of the USA |
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL Exam is one of the majorly used English language frequency tests to determine the required language knowledge. Students aspiring to enroll in Ph.D. will also have to take the test and score higher to be eligible. However, you need to consult with the university you are enrolling to confirm the exam scores that they require for admission.
Exam duration | 2 hours, 30 minutes |
Exam fees | $255 |
Number of Sections | Speaking, reading, writing, & listening |
Qualifying score | 600 to 900 |
Who should apply for TOEFL | Students aiming to enroll in best universities of the USA |
PTE (Pearson English Test)
PTE is an English language computer-based exam commonly accepted by all the universities around the globe. For students seeking to study in a major English-speaking country, the PTE-academic test is most beneficial to them. It is a computer-based test and recently has launched the test-from-home format.
Exam duration | 3 hours |
Exam fees | $235 |
Number of Sections | Speaking, Reading, Writing, & Listening |
Qualifying score | 600 to 900 |
Who should apply for PTE | Students aiming to enroll in best US universities |
The above-mentioned entrance exams are needed to study different programs in the US. To choose the exam that best suits you, consider your preferred course, college, and university. If you score exceptionally high marks in these exams required to study in the US, the university may grant leverage to lighten your financial burden. US universities offer various scholarships for international students based on their entrance scores. To know more about what exams are required to study in specific US universities, you can connect with our upGrad professionals now.
FAQs
Ques: Is the SAT exam necessary to study in the USA?
Ans: Most colleges in the USA have made SAT scores optional. Some may require you to submit the SAT score according to the course you are applying for.
Ques: What exams are required to study in the USA after the 12th?
Ans: An applicant must have achieved a required number of English language proficiency test scores such as IELTS or TOEFL. To get admission to a US university, students must acquire a minimum required score in the standardized examinations such as SAT or ACT.
Ques: Do USA universities accept IELTS or TOEFL?
Ans: Both IELTS and TOEFL are widely accepted by US colleges and universities, but some institutions may prefer one exam over the other. It's important to research which exam your chosen institutions prefer before registering for a test.
Important Links
Study in USAUniversities in USACourses in USAMasters in USABachelors in USATop Universities
University of HarvardStanford UniversityColumbia UniversityArizona State UniversityPurdue UniversityTop Masters Programs
Masters in Data Science in USAMasters in Computer Science in USAMasters in Finance in USAMasters in Cyber Security in USAMasters in Data Analytics in USATop Bachelors Programs
BA in USABachelors in Computer Science in USABachelors in Psychology in USABachelors of Law in USABachelors in Medicine in USALearn More About Study in USA
Similar Articles
TRENDING SEARCHES
Documentation
Study Abroad Resources
Top Reads
IELTS Exam
Other Exams
- F1 Visa Documents Checklist
- Australian Student Visa
- How to Get PR in Canada
- LOR for PhD
- Letter of Recommendation for Masters
- Universities in Germany for Masters
- SOP for MBA
- SOP for Canada
- Canada PR Process
- SOP for UK
- Statement of Purpose Format
- SOP for PhD
- How to Find Accommodation in Canada
- Work Experience Certificate
- Requirements for Studying in Germany
- SOP for Masters
- Motivation Letter
- Motivation letter for Internship
- SOP for Internship
- SOP for MS in IT
- SOP for Australia
- What to do if your F1 student visa to the USA gets rejected
- SOP for Australian Student Visa
- SOP for Undergraduates
- LOR Samples