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If you’re planning to study abroad, one of the most important steps is to take the right exam to ensure that you are eligible for admission into your desired program. There are a variety of exams available, each with its own specific purpose and target audience. In this blog, we’ll explore which exam to give for which course to study abroad.
TOEFL
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an English language proficiency exam used by many universities and colleges worldwide. It measures your ability to read, write, speak, and understand English, and assesses you on the same language skills as IELTS and PTE Academic. The exam is administered by ETS and is taken on a computer, although a paper-based test is also available in some locations. TOEFL scores are accepted by universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and more than 150 other countries worldwide.
IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is another widely accepted English language proficiency exam that is used by universities and colleges around the world. It measures your ability to read, write, speak, and understand English, and assesses you on the same language skills as TOEFL and PTE Academic. The exam is administered by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English, and can be taken on paper or on a computer. IELTS scores are accepted by universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and more than 140 other countries worldwide.
GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test used for admissions to graduate school programs in the USA and some other English-speaking countries. It measures your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The exam is administered by ETS and can be taken on a computer or on paper. GRE scores are accepted by many universities in the USA, Canada, UK, and other countries.
GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test used for admissions to business school programs in the USA and some other English-speaking countries. It measures your analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning skills. The exam is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and is taken on a computer. GMAT scores are accepted by many universities in the USA, Canada, UK, and other countries.
SAT
The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is a standardized test used for admissions to undergraduate programs in the USA. It measures your reading, writing and language, and math skills. The exam is administered by the College Board and is taken on paper or on a computer. SAT scores are accepted by many universities in the USA and some universities in Canada.
ACT
The American College Testing (ACT) is another standardized test used for admissions to undergraduate programs in the USA. It measures your English, math, reading, and science skills, and includes an optional writing section. The exam is administered by ACT, Inc. and is taken on paper or on a computer. ACT scores are accepted by many universities in the USA.
LSAT
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized test used for admissions to law school programs in the USA and Canada. It measures your analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and reading comprehension skills. The exam is administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and is taken on paper. LSAT scores are accepted by many law schools in the USA and Canada.
MCAT
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized test used for admissions to medical school programs in the USA and Canada. It measures your critical analysis and reasoning skills, biological and biochemical foundations of living systems, chemical and physical foundations of biological systems, and psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior. The exam is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and is taken on a computer. MCAT scores are accepted by many medical schools in the USA and Canada.
DAT
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a standardized test used for admissions to dental school programs in the USA and Canada. It measures your natural sciences, perceptual ability, and reading comprehension skills. The exam is administered by the American Dental Association (ADA) and is taken on a computer. DAT scores are accepted by many dental schools in the USA and Canada.
OET
The Occupational English Test (OET) is an English language proficiency exam used for healthcare professionals who wish to work or study in an English-speaking environment. It measures your ability to communicate effectively in a healthcare setting and assesses you on the same language skills as other English proficiency exams. The exam is administered by OET and can be taken on a computer or on paper. OET scores are accepted by many healthcare organizations, universities, and immigration authorities in the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and more.
PTE
The PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) is another English language proficiency exam that is widely accepted by universities and colleges around the world. It tests your ability to read, write, speak, and understand English, and assesses you on the same language skills as TOEFL and IELTS. The exam is administered by Pearson and is taken on a computer.
The PTE Academic exam is recognized by universities in the USA, UK, Australia, and many other countries. It is especially popular in Australia, where it is accepted for all visa applications, including student visas. PTE Academic scores are also accepted for immigration purposes by governments such as Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
| Exam | Purpose | Countries |
| TOEFL | English language proficiency test | USA, UK, Canada, Australia and more than 150 countries worldwide |
| IELTS | English language proficiency test | UK, Australia, New Zealand and more than 140 countries worldwide |
| GRE | Graduate school admissions test | USA and other English-speaking countries |
| GMAT | Business school admissions test | USA and other English-speaking countries |
| SAT | Undergraduate admissions test | USA and some universities in Canada |
| ACT | Undergraduate admissions test | USA |
| LSAT | Law school admissions test | USA and Canada |
| MCAT | Medical school admissions test | USA and Canada |
| DAT | Dental school admissions test | USA and Canada |
| OET | English language proficiency test for healthcare professionals | UK, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Dubai and more |
| PTE Academic | English language proficiency test | Worldwide, including the USA, UK, and Australia |
In conclusion, it’s important to research the specific requirements for the program you’re interested in and the country you’re planning to study in to determine which exam to take. By taking the right exam, you can demonstrate your proficiency and readiness for academic work, increasing your chances of being admitted to your desired program.
