India is the world’s second-largest source of international students, second only to China, and growing at a promising rate. Last year went more than 7.5 lakh students for further study abroad.
No wonder, the importance placed on Admission Tests or college entrance exams such as the SAT, IELTS, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, have grown profusely in recent years. They are an integral part of the college application process of almost all prestigious universities.
Your scores indicate your strengths and readiness for college work and help the admission counselors compare you with other applicants. Often colleges use your test scores (SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE) in combination with your achievements and several other factors, to award admissions and scholarships.
Note that the destination and the kind of college you are targeting will determine which standardized test you need to take. Also, how institutions use these scores to make admission decisions is reliant on the schools’ admission policies.
Though the present situation is grim due to COVID, the world is optimistic that the situation will normalize in 2021.
Hence, if you are a high school or a college student planning to study abroad, the best strategy would be to utilize the present time to prep for these tests and try to ace them.
If you are looking for guidance regarding which standardized tests are your ‘gateway exam’ to your dream career and destination, check below.
The SAT a standardized aptitude test that measures a student’s readiness for college. It comprises three sections: reading, writing and language, math, and an optional essay.
All U.S. universities and many in Singapore, Japan, Hongkong, and India employ the SAT score to award admissions and scholarships to undergraduate applicants.
GRE (Graduate Record Examination) revised General Test is for prospective graduate and business school applicants desirous of pursuing an M.S., MBA, J.D., or doctoral degree. Universities in the US, Canada, Germany, Singapore, U.K use the GRE score.
The test gauges a student’s ability based on his/her verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) assesses the English language capabilities of those wishing to pursue an education in the USA, U.K., Australia, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand, etc. where English is the first language.
IELTS test scores are also recognized by the governments of Canada, Australia, the U.K., New Zealand, and others for immigration applications.
TOEFL (Test of English As A Foreign Language) is aimed to check the English language proficiency of non-native English language speakers, wishing to enroll themselves mainly in American, Australian, and Singapore Universities.
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): Prestigious business schools across the globe use the GMAT score for admission and scholarship purposes. It assesses the applicant’s logical and critical reasoning skills, along with analytical writing, quantitative, and verbal skills.
Concluding Thought:
Admission tests are undoubtedly an essential piece of the puzzle in helping the admission committee understand and decide whether you will succeed in the program should you be admitted. However, tests are only a singular factor and do not define you completely.
Along with your test scores and grades, colleges take many other aspects such as course rigor, essays, recommendations, etc. into consideration when reviewing applications.