Coaching for Exams to Study Abroad
Exams to Study Abroad
Digital and Print media are flooded with terms like IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, GMAT, and GRE exams when writing about the topic of studying abroad. I understand that these terms can be extremely overwhelming when we do not know. Suddenly, we encounter these terms with too much information. Most of the Time, there are quite a lot of unnecessary details shared too.
We have witnessed parents going through this feeling of confusion when setting their minds to sending their child abroad to study. They come back with a common question, “My child will have to give all these exams?”
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To support our parents and students, we decided to get the vital study abroad exams demystified. Only relevant information related to it is being shared through this blog to get you started. Further, you can seek support from your education consultant for securing your admission to an international university abroad.
Have you heard of IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, GMAT, and GRE exams to study abroad?
Do I have to give all these exams? Confusion is demystified for all aspiring students who wish to go overseas to study. Let’s begin!
Nothing comes easy in life, and if you do not put effort and choose to stay ignorant, the journey gets more complicated. When you are aware, your road map ahead automatically becomes more systematic, planned, and transparent. It does not get more accessible, but you are in a better position than people dependent on others.
Take first step towards your Study Abroad Journey
So is the case when you decide to study abroad. It involves a lot of research, planning, follows up and decision making. Having fundamental basic knowledge gets you there faster. This blog aims to inform and give you an understanding of exams like IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, GMAT, and GRE that exist for studying abroad and what each one stands for. Read carefully.
We are all digital natives, and digital literacy has helped us connect to the whole world at the click of a button. This leads to a plethora of opportunities for you to explore and shape your career.
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However, various foreign exams need to appear clear as a mandatory requirement for studying abroad. Each of these exams is different from the other and requires a separate study pattern. Thus knowledge of these exams is a must to get you started on your incredible journey of studying abroad.
Usually, students depend on an education consultant to guide them. Still, as I said, if you are aware, then the process gets more planned and simpler. The cobwebs of who, what, why, how is already cleared in your mind, and you save energy and time. Instead, invest it in preparation and planning. Let us now discuss the most popular exams that help you to fulfill your dream of studying abroad!
1. IELTS
IELTS stands for International English Language Test. It is not for learning English but for testing your proficiency level in English. All countries with English as their primary language of communication require international students to have a standard English language proficiency. Universities mandate this test clearance for a student seeking admission in countries that are English speaking.
It is an internationally renowned system for testing English listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. The exam involves testing students’ speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in the English language. In brief, It is a paper or online test of English proficiency at all levels for foreign universities. Generally, this exam is conducted across the globe by British Council and IDP.
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To Summarize, the IELTS test is available in two formats academic and general formats. Notably, the academic module is compulsory for admissions to educational institutions, and the general module is for immigration.
Furthermore, Countries accepting the above test: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, France, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Dubai, Cyprus, Malaysia, Lithuania, and South Africa.
Examination model: (Total duration: 2 h 45 min)
- Reading section: 3 sections, time allotted – 20 minutes for each section
- Listening section: 4 sections, time allocated – 30 minutes
- Oral expression section: 11 to 15 minutes
- Writing section: 2 sections, time allotted – 20 minutes for the section and 40 minutes for the other section.
IELTS Exam is on 9.0 bands.
- Registration: Online registration
- Nature of the examination: paper test (PBT) Trial costs: Rs.13,250 / –
- Frequency of the test: throughout the year. In addition to, Validity of the score: 2 years
- Free test score report: Generally, candidates can declare the IELTS score to a maximum of 5 universities according to the STED RO list for free after receiving the IELTS result.
1.Who conducts this exam?
- This test is formulated and organized by the University of Cambridge ESOL examinations, IDP-IELTS Australia, and the British council in partnership.
- It is a famous English language assessment test for studying abroad and requires a commitment to clear it at first attempt with a good score.
2.When is it conducted?
- It is a test conducted almost every week all around the year. Currently, there are about 1200 centers spread across 140 countries.
3.Which countries mostly prefer an IELTS exam?
- United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand prefer IELTS exam scores from international students.
- You need to check with the university to know which exam score do they require. It is a decision left to each university to take within a country too.
4.IELTS eligibility:
- IELTS exam can be taken by anyone irrespective of their age, caste, creed, nationality. However, it is not recommended to be taken by students below 16 years of age.
- There are no upper age criteria for giving the IELTS exam.
- You should have a valid passport to prove your identity at the time of the exam.
5.What is the official website for more information on the IELTS exam?
You can visit www.ielts.org for more information.
2. TOEFL
The full form of TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. This exam, too, like the IELTS, is not for learning English but for testing your proficiency level in the English language. It involves measuring your ability to analyze and understand English at the university level for a non-native speaker. The exam requires testing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in the English language.
Test of English as a Foreign Language Test is an Internet-based test for English skills at any level for foreign universities.
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Primarily, it measures the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers to use and understand and is an essential aspect of Every institution requirement in the below-mentioned countries.
Notably, this exam is conducted worldwide by an American organization named ETS, namely Educational Testing Services, New Jersey, USA.
Furthermore, Countries accepting the above test: USA, Canada & Germany
Exam pattern (Total duration: 4 hours)
- Reading section: 36 to 70 questions, allocated time – 60 to 100 minutes
- Listening section: 34 to 51 questions, allotted time – 60 to 90 minutes
- Oratory section: 6 tasks, given time – 20 minutes
- Writing section: 2 tasks, time allocated – 50 minutes
TOEFL Overall Score is for 120
- Registration Type: Online registration
- Nature of the exam: Internet-based test (iBT)
- Exam fee: US $ 170
- Frequency of the test: all year round (weekend). In addition to, Validity of the score: 2 years
- Score reporting: Generally, there is a provision to report your TOEFL test scores to up to four universities of your choice, the cost of which is built into the TOEFL test fees you pay.
- Additional reporting fee for test results: US $ 19
1.Who conducts this exam?
- This test is the trademark of the Educational Testing Service (ETS). This organization is a non-profit organization that develops and conducts the test too.
2.When is it conducted?
- This test is available in both online and offline formats. It is conducted every week all around the year.
- It has about 165 centers countries across the world.
3.Which countries mostly prefer a TOEFL exam?
- Canada, U.S, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, and New Zealand prefer the TOEFL exam from international students.
- You need to check with the university to know which exam score do they require. It is a decision left to each university to take within a country too.
4.TOEFL eligibility:
- TOEFL exam can be taken by anyone who has passed their 10+2 level of any recognized board or university.
- You should have a valid passport to prove your identity at the time of the exam.
5.What is the official website for more information on the TOEFL exam?
You can visit www.ets.org/toefl for more information.
Thus IELTS and TOEFL are both exams to test your proficiency in the English Language. Your decision on which exam to take depends on the country you wish to study (whether it has English as its primary language of communication). Which exam does the university that you are applying for requires?
3. Understanding GRE
GRE stands for Graduate Record Examinations. It is a popular exam for students aspiring to study MBA and Masters in Science in the USA, Canada, and other English-speaking countries across the world.
Students may also take up GRE to showcase their skills and knowledge in a particular subject or area. GRE may not be a compulsory requirement for a college, but if given, it definitely would serve to be a cutting edge for admission with the additional score on your side.
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The GRE test comprises of testing of Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing, and Quantitative Reasoning. It is a standard test that opens the doors for admission to graduate and business schools worldwide. However, the requirement of taking the test has to be checked with the university you are planning to apply to.
The Graduate Record Examination is the required qualification test, based on which most American institutions generally make an admission decision for all graduate programs, i.e., all MS / MA programs ( namely Engineering / Sciences / Arts / Architecture as well as Ph.D.)
Furthermore, Countries accepting the above test score: United States, Canada, and Germany.
Examination Pattern: (Total duration: 3 h 45 min.)
- Verbal reasoning – Two sections – 20 questions in each section, the time allowed – 30 minutes per section.
- Quantitative reasoning – Two sections – 20 questions in each section, time allocated – 35 minutes per section.
- Analytical writing assessment (AWA) – Two tests – Problem and argument, time allotted – 30 minutes each.
The GRE score is about 340.
- Registration Type: Online registration
- Type of exam: Computer test (CBT) Test fee: US $ 205
- Frequency of the test: all year. In addition to, Validity of the score: 5 years
- Score Reports: Generally, there is a provision to report your GRE test scores to up to four universities of your choice, the cost of which is built into the GRE exam fees you pay.
- Additional reporting fee for test results: US $ 27
1.Who conducts this exam?
- This test is conducted by Educational Testing Services (ETS).
- It is a non-profit organization for business colleges. It is the first organization to offer a standardized test for business and management programs. It is now globally recognized and accepted by B-schools all across the world.
2.When is it conducted?
- This test can be computer-based, too; however, it has 700 test centers across 160 countries worldwide.
- This test is held three times a year in October, November, and February.
3.Which countries require a GRE?
- GRE is a widely accepted exam in Graduate colleges and B-schools across the world. However, you need to check with the college/university you wish to seek admission in to decide which exam score is required. So different colleges in a country may have varied exam requirements.
4GRE eligibility:
- There is no age criteria laid to give the GRE.
- The student should be a graduate from any recognized university in any discipline.
5.What is the official website for more information on the GRE exam?
You can visit www.ets.org/gre for more information.
4. Understanding SAT
SAT exam stands for Scholastic Assessment Test. It is a globally recognized undergraduate university admission test to evaluate students’ reading, Writing, Language, and Math skills.
This exam is aimed to measure the university readiness of the students. Moreover, it helps predict the future academic success that can be achieved by a student seeking admission abroad.
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1.Who conducts this exam?
- This test is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS).
- The College Board conducts it for offering admission to students in the universities of the U.S. and Canada.
- The College Board offers scholarships for SAT to students from India under the College Board India Scholars Programme.
- Further, some Indian universities that are a part of the India Higher Education Global Alliance initiative of the College Board also require SAT for admissions.
2.When is it conducted?
- This test is conducted five times a year. The test is held in March, May, August, October, and December.
3.Which countries require a SAT exam?
- Countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, U.K., and Singapore require the SAT exam. However, the exact requirement details of the exam to be given should be procured from the university that you are applying to.
4.SAT eligibility:
- There is no age limit defined for taking the SAT exam. One can take this exam as many times as they want.
5.What is the official website for more information on the SAT exam?
You can visit https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/international for more information.
5. Understanding GMAT
GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test. It is a test to be compulsorily taken by students who aspire to study MBA abroad. An admission test was conducted on testing students’ business and management comprising Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing, and Quantitative Assessment by B-schools.
The exam success of a student co-relates to his/her future success in the MBA program too. All B-schools across the world take admissions based on the student’s GMAT scores across 114 countries. It is the well-accepted exam for MBA admissions across the globe.
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GMAT score has now become a criterion for admission to B-schools in India too.
1. Who conducts this exam?
- This test is conducted by The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
- It is a non-profit organization for business colleges. It is the first organization to offer a standardized test for business and management programs. It is now globally recognized and accepted by B-schools all across the world.
2.When is it conducted?
- It is a computer-based test with 60 centers spread across 114 countries across the world.
- There is no specific time, date, or month for GMAT exams listed. The student can take the exam at their convenience. Also, they can re-appear for the GMAT exam every 16 days.
3.Which countries require a GMAT exam?
- GMAT is a widely accepted exam in the B-schools across the world.
- You need to check with the university to know which exam score do they require. It is a decision left to each university to take within a country too.
4.GMAT eligibility:
- The aspirant should have completed 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit for the student.
- Students who would like to apply to a B-school for an MBA course should be graduates to give the GMAT exam.
5.What is the official website for more information on the GMAT exam?
You can visit www.mab.com for more details.
I am sure your confusion with regards to giving various study abroad exams is demystified. Do share your further queries in the comments box below if you require more insights on foreign exams. Do share this blog with everyone you know who wishes to go abroad to study. Help spread the awareness.