Scholars like to fret at the idea of studying abroad, but most of this fear comes from the unfamiliarity of the process.
In many international institutions accepting learners worldwide, a language exam and some standardized tests may apply.
Still, some institutions exempt standardized tests but insist on a language test that assesses proficiency in a language, English being a prime example. In some cases, a language exam will need to be complemented by one standard exam, often selected depending on the course.
Institutions worldwide have academic prerequisites that all overseas students must meet to join their program.
They have also created standardized assessments that seek to test for these requirements in students. Academic performance in these examinations matters. It increases the likelihood of enrollment in various institutions. A desirable score can even increase the possibility of getting scholarships and grants.
SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
The SAT is essential if you are going to study in the US. This exam assesses critical thinking abilities, including the aptitude to evaluate and solve math problems, writing, and critical reading.
Universities and colleges use it to gauge a learner’s competence and their chances of succeeding in a study field.
The ACT
This is the official test for colleges in the US. It examines four academic skill sets: Math, Science, English, and Reading.
ACT specifically refers to its scores as a gauge for “college preparedness”, and that results for every subtest match with skills in beginner college courses in English, algebra, biology, social science, and humanities.
The ACT is the non-profit firm behind the tests. It hosts its ACTs in all four-year US colleges and universities, and over two-hundred and twenty other universities worldwide.
While both the ACT and SAT exams are similar, there are a few distinctions that can make you opt for one test over another.
TestAS
TestAS is a standardized aptitude exam for overseas learners. German universities in Bremen and Bremerhaven use this exam to gauge a learner’s ability to undertake a degree.
TestAS happens four times a year in exam venues worldwide. Visit TestAS’s official website for more information on dates and exam venues. You can also view an example of the TestAS exam on their website.
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
The GMAT is an important prerequisite for enrollment to business administration programs in the US.
Institutions in several other English-speaking nations consider the GMAT essential.
It uses a computer-adaptive approach to gauge the student’s ability to succeed in graduate business courses but focuses on English and math skills.
GRE (Graduate Record Exam)
The GRE gages a learner’s readiness for graduate-level work. It assesses critical thinking, verbal and quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills often not tied to any given study field.
Many institutions consider the GRE a prerequisite for enrollment to MBA programs and Masters in medical and business courses.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
TOEFL assesses a learner’s English abilities in an academic environment. Many universities worldwide have added TOEFL as a prerequisite for all non-English native learners. TOEFL® scores can even increase the likelihood of being awarded scholarships.
Its scores remain valid for two years, after which one must take the exam again to gauge improvements.
All institutions will consider the most recent TOEFL® performance. Register for this test online once you decide to study overseas. Remember, English is the most popular language worldwide.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
The International English Language Testing System assesses language proficiency in individuals. It determines whether the individual can work or study in settings where English is the dominant interaction language.
Nations like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK have also included IELTS in their immigrant application process.
In the UK, it is one of the two assessments in the nationally-recognized Secure English Language Tests (SELTs).
More than 9000 global organizations recognize the International English Language Testing System — among them academic centers, recruiters, immigration departments, and governments.
This helps you to start preparing for studying abroad.
