Entrance Exam to Study Abroad.docx

This article provides a comprehensive overview of entrance exams required for studying abroad, offering valuable insights and guidance to prospective international students. It covers key aspects such as the importance of entrance exams, popular exams for different countries and disciplines, preparation strategies, and tips for maximizing success in these exams, empowering students with the necessary knowledge to navigate this crucial step in their study abroad journey.

1. Entrance Exam to
Study Abroad: IELTS,
TOEFL, GRE, GMAT &
More




In this article, we discuss Entrance Exam to Study Abroad.
Nowadays, going to study abroad has become an easier process than ever
before. The world has become a global village, with technology to talk with
people from any corner of the globe and move fast to any part of the world
in a matter of hours. In such a setting, students who wish to study abroad
have a wide variety of opportunities.
With books and course material from every known university available
online, we are a lucky generation to witness the digital revolution. Further,
many students chose to study abroad after completing their secondary
education. Pursuing a program from a renowned international university

2. can open a gateway of opportunities for you to follow your dream career!
This article brings you a list of the different Entrance exams to study abroad
that you must know while planning to pursue higher education abroad!
So, Keep on reading this article and chase your dream of studying abroad!
Why is an Entrance Exam Important for
Studying Abroad?
An entrance exam is an essential component of the admission process for
most universities, as it helps to ensure that students have the necessary
skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen course of study. It also
serves as a means of standardizing the admissions process and ensuring
that all applicants are evaluated fairly.
Additionally, an entrance exam is often used by universities to determine
scholarship eligibility and to assess a student's English language
proficiency. Some universities also use entrance exams to place students
in appropriate courses or programs based on their academic abilities and
interests.
6 Popular Entrance Exam to Study
Abroad
When planning to pursue higher education abroad, it is important to be
familiar with the entrance exams commonly required by universities and
colleges. These entrance exams serve as a standardized assessment of an
applicant's academic abilities and aptitude for specific programs. Below
are 6 popular entrance exams to study abroad, providing valuable insights
for students seeking admission to international educational institutions.
I) Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) conducts the Graduate Record
Examination (GRE) General Test. It assesses students applying for
postgraduate courses admission overseas. It tests the verbal, quantitative,
and general analytic reasoning ability of the applicants in its 3 hour and 45-
minute test. If you are not satisfied with your scores, you can retake the test
up to 5 times in a year with a 21-day gap between two consecutive
attempts.
Test cost - Rs. 15,600 approximately.
Score validity - Five years
Countries that accept these scores - Most universities in the USA, Canada,
and some universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.

3. Major courses - MBA, MS, and other postgraduate courses.
II) Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT)
Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) conducts the
Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT). It is “the exam” to study
MBA abroad. The test has four sections, namely, Analytical Writing,
Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Reasoning, and Integrated reasoning. The
total duration of GMAT is 3 hours and 7 minutes. If you are not satisfied
with your score you can repeat it up to 5 times in a year with a minimum of
16 days in between two attempts.
Age limit - You need to be at least 18 years old at the time of test-taking. If
you are 13 – 17 years old, you can take the test after submitting a written
statement of permission from a parent or a guardian.
Test cost - Rs 17,700 approximately.
Score validity - Five Years.
Countries that accept these scores- Over 2100 educational institutions
located in 114 countries, including the USA and Canada, accept these
scores.
Major courses - MBA and other business-related courses.
III) Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
There are multiple school boards with different education systems around
the world. This makes it very difficult to assess students based solely on
high school scores. Universities in the USA use SAT as a common point to
assess the academic capability of applicants from different school boards.
The College Board of USA conducts The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). It
is one of the tests to take when you want to get admission overseas after
high school. The test consists of three sections, reading, writing, and
mathematics at high school level. You also have the option to take an
additional essay section.
The duration of the test is 3 hours, and the optional essay section is 50
minutes on the whole. There are no limitations on the number of times you
can repeat the test. However, it is better to limit your number of repetitions
as some universities can ask you to reveal the scores of your previous
SATs.
Age limit- None. Usually, the test takers are high school students in the age
group of 17-18 years.
Test cost - Rs. 7,000 approximately.
Score validity - Five Years.

4. Countries that accept these scores- Many nations, including, the USA, the
UK, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, accept SAT scores.
Major courses - Undergraduate courses.
IV) American College Testing (ACT)
ACT is yet another exam to take if you want to study abroad after high
school. ACT and SAT are like two peas in a pod. Both tests check your
academic ability and your readiness to start college. Both tests are
accepted by various universities during their undergraduate application
process. The only difference is that the ACT has an extra section, Science.
You can also opt to write an additional essay. This additional section will
not impact the cumulative score of the ACT.
The total duration of the test is 2 hours and 55 minutes. You will have
another 40 minutes for the optional essay section. You can repeat the test
for a maximum of 12 times to perfect your scores.
Age limit- None. Usually, students in high school take this test right from
the age of 13.
Test cost - Rs. 9000 approximately.
Score validity - Five Years.
Countries that accept these scores - ACT scores are accepted by most
universities in the USA and Canada.
Major courses - Undergraduate courses.
V) Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
LSAT is catered to students who want to study law abroad. This test
assesses the skills needed in the courtroom: Logical reasoning - I, Logical
reasoning II, analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, experimental
section, and essay writing are the five sections of LSAT.
The total duration of the test is about three and a half hours. You can only
take the test three times in a year and seven times in total to get your
perfect score.
Academic eligibility - There are no specific eligibility criteria to take this test,
but an academic background in law will be very beneficial for you when you
apply to law schools.
Test cost - Rs. 12,000 approximately.
Score validity - Five Years.

5. Countries that accept these scores - Law schools of many major study
destinations including the USA, and Canada, accept LSAT scores.
Major course - Undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Law.
VI) Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
MCAT is a standard medical sciences test offered by the Association of
American Medical Colleges (AAMC). It is mandatory for students who want
to pursue a degree in medicine in the most prominent study destinations
like the US and Canada. In MCAT, you will face multiple-choice questions
designed to test critical thinking, problem-solving, and your knowledge in
areas like biology and physical sciences.
This test is long with a total duration of 7 hours and 30 minutes. MCAT is
offered many times throughout the year in various locations around the
globe. Unfortunately, there are no test centers in India. So, if you are an
Indian resident applying to write MCAT you have to travel to countries like
Singapore, Israel, and Qatar to take it. You can take the MCATs three
times in a year and seven times in total.
Academic Eligibility - If you are applying to take the MCAT, you should be
pursuing, or you should have completed MBBS.
Test cost - Rs. 30,000 approximately. (The test costs increase if you
register late)
Score validity- MCAT scores are valid for 2 – 3 years after taking the test
depending on the university you are applying to.
Countries that accept these scores - Almost all Universities in the USA and
Canada, accept MCAT scores.
Major courses - Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses in Medicine.
Language Proficiency Exams
Here are the major language proficiency exams to study abroad:
International English La nguage Testing System
(IELTS)
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the
major English proficiency tests that students wishing to study or even work
abroad have to undertake. This examination is a must for candidates who
do not have English as their native language.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

6. Another English language proficiency test that you can take is TOEFL, i.e.
Test of English as a Foreign Language. One of the most popular exams to
study abroad, TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service
(ETS). It is also widely accepted by universities across the globe and the
TOEFL syllabus is quite similar to IELTS as it also consists of Reading,
Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections.
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
Pearson Test of English (PTE) is another widely accepted language
proficiency exam to study or work abroad. There are two main types of PTE
exams, i.e. PTE Academic and PTE General and are completely different
from each other in terms of pattern and structure. PTE Academic is mainly
taken to apply for a study program abroad and the duration of this
computer-based exam is 3 hours. As a multi-level test, it evaluates the
reading, speaking, and listening skills of the test-takers. On the other hand,
PTE General is created to reward excellent achievements in English
language learning and consists of only two sections, namely written and
spoken tests.
6 Super Amazing Tips to Prepare for an
Entrance Exam to Study Abroad
Preparing for an entrance exam can be a daunting task, but with the right
approach, students can increase their chances of success. Here are some
tips on how to prepare for an entrance exam to study abroad:
I) Start Early
It is essential to start preparing for the entrance exam as early as possible.
Give yourself enough time to cover all the material and practice adequately.
Generally, it is recommended that you start studying for the entrance exam
at least six months in advance. This will give you enough time to go
through all the study materials, practice questions, and evaluate your
progress.
II) Understand the Format of the Exam
Before you start studying, it is essential to understand the format of the
exam you will be taking. This will help you tailor your study plan to the
specific exam and maximize your chances of success. Make sure you
know the exam structure, the number of questions, time limits, and the
scoring system. You can find information about the format of the exam on
the official website of the testing agency or the university.
III) Practice, Practice, Practice

7. Practice makes perfect, and this is especially true when it comes to
entrance exams. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be
with the format and content of the exam. Use practice tests and study
materials provided by the testing agency or seek help from a private tutor
or online course. Take the practice tests under simulated exam conditions,
with a timer and without any distractions.
IV) Seek Help When Needed
If you are struggling with a particular subject or section of the exam, don't
hesitate to seek help from a teacher, tutor, or mentor. They can help you
understand difficult concepts and provide tips on how to improve your
performance. Many universities and testing agencies offer preparation
classes and workshops to help students prepare for the entrance exam.
V) Develop Good Study Habits
To succeed on an entrance exam, you need to develop good study habits.
This includes setting a study schedule, taking breaks, staying organized,
and avoiding distractions. Create a study plan that is tailored to your needs
and stick to it. Take breaks to avoid burnout and ensure that you stay
organized and focused.
VI) Take Care of Your Physical and Mental
Health
Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial when preparing
for an entrance exam. Ensure that you get enough sleep, exercise
regularly, and eat a balanced diet. Additionally, manage your stress levels
by engaging in relaxing activities such as yoga or meditation. Don't forget
to take time off to do things you enjoy and spend time with family and
Conclusion
Please remember that the exams you take should be based on the courses
and country you choose. It’s ideal to research which courses you want to
study abroad from India, and then decide the exams to take up. Typically,
you must take an exam to study abroad at least 6 months before you apply.
The reason is in case you don’t qualify in the first attempt, you can reapply
for the exam and fine-tune your strategy. More than attempting for an
exam, what matters the most is how you plan for it. Having a strategy and
working towards it always helps.
We hope by reading this article you must have got some insights on
Entrance Exam to Study Abroad

8. We at Alpha Edu provide the correct guidance not just about how to
approach the examination, but also, about which examination and careers
suit you. Reach out to our experts and we will help you sort out the
admission process for your chosen program abroad!
FAQ's on Entrance Exam to study Abroad
What is the purpose of entrance exams for
studying abroad?
Entrance exams are designed to assess a student's academic proficiency,
knowledge, and skills in a specific subject, language, or field. They are
often used by universities and countries to evaluate a student's suitability
for admission to their programs.
How can I prepare for entrance exams to study
abroad?
To prepare for entrance exams, students should start early, familiarize
themselves with the exam format and content, and practice as much as
possible. They can take practice exams, solve sample questions, and enroll
in prep courses or hire a tutor to help them prepare.
How can I register for entrance exams?
Students can register for entrance exams online through the official
websites of the exam providers. They can also register through test centers
or through authorized testing agencies in their country. It's important to
register well in advance of the exam date to ensure availability and
preparation time.
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