What Exams are Required to Study in the USA?

Do you know what exams are required to study in USA? International students seeking admission to US universities are required to take certain tests as proof of language and academic assessments. Most colleges and universities in the USA require both undergraduate and graduate international students to take one or more standardized admission tests.

These test scores act as a common measure for comparing the abilities of students who come from a variety of educational backgrounds and institutions. Students must submit their test scores along with their application and other supporting documents such as essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, work experience proof, etc.  

The universities in the USA determine the ability of international students based on the entrance exam to study in the USA and also on their English skills. Students should have the required skills to complete their academic program and the level of skills required in undergraduate or graduate studies varies by field or department. Find out what exams are required to study in USA through this article.

Table of Contents

• English Proficiency Tests Required to Study in the USA
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• International English Language Test (IELTS)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)
• Exams to Study UG Courses in the USA
• Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
• American College Test (ACT)
• Exams to Study PG Courses in the USA
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
• Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
• Dental Admission Test (DAT)
• Optometry Admission Test (OAT)

English Proficiency Tests Required to Study in the USA

Students coming from non-native English-speaking countries are required to submit scores or proof of English language proficiency for pursuing higher education in the USA. Listed below are some of the commonly accepted English language proficiency tests accepted for admission to higher education universities in the US:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• International English Language Test (IELTS)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL is one of the most commonly used English proficiency tests that are mandatory for international students considering studying in a college or university in the USA. This exam is necessary in an academic setting to be sure that the candidate can get on with their course in an English-speaking environment. The average TOEFL score ranges anywhere between 65 to 85 depending on the course and the university opted.

TOEFL is used by most US universities to assess the English language aptitude of international students who are non-native speakers. Students are selected based on their performance in speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in English. The TOEFL exam is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is offered at several different locations around the country. It can be taken either as a paper-based test or a computer-based test. The duration of the test is 4 hours and can be taken a maximum of once a week. The TOEFL exam fee is INR 14,500 and the scores are valid for up to 2 years.

Read More: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

International English Language Test (IELTS)

IELTS scores are accepted at over 3,400 universities in the USA to judge the English language proficiency of the applicants. The minimum IELTS score requirement in the US ranges between 6.5 and 9 depending upon the course of study and the university one is applying to. A higher IELTS score reflects a better understanding and ability of students to communicate in English.

Though IELTS is not accepted at most of the top colleges and universities in the US, it is increasingly gaining popularity among international students as the IELTS exam fee is lower than that of TOEFL. Students are advised to check if the opted university accepts the IELTS score or not. An IELTS exam assesses students based on their listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills and recognizes American, Australian, and British varieties of English. The IELTS exam fee is INR 12,000 for Indian students and the scores are valid for up to 2 years from the day of receiving the results.

Read More: International English Language Test (IELTS)

Pearson Test of English (PTE)

PTE Academic is one of the leading computer-based tests of English in the world used for study abroad and immigration purposes. It has recently started gaining acceptance in the USA and is accepted in around 790 American universities and colleges. The PTE score can vary based on the courses and university one is applying to with the minimum score being 70. The PTE exam assesses the listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills of students through a computer-based test in a single three-hour test session.

Applicants are required to attend a secure Pearson test center to complete a PTE Academic test. Generally, the test results are available within five business days. The PTE exam fee is INR 11,610 and can be taken in any of the test centers in India. PTE is powered by AI technology and the scores are based on the GSE (Global Scale of English). This is the chosen English language proficiency test due to its computer-based testing and scoring which means the candidates are assessed objectively and consistently.

Read More: Pearson Test of English (PTE)

Exams to Study UG Courses in the USA

As an undergraduate applicant, you might be wondering what exams are required to study in USA? International students seeking admission to undergraduate courses in the USA are required to take either SAT or ACT tests. These tests demonstrate the academic and aptitude skills of students in high school and junior schools. Students are advised to take either one of the tests based on their strengths and the choice of university. Listed below are the exams to be taken by international students for enrolling in UG courses in the USA:

• Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
• American College Test (ACT)

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

The SAT is one of the most important exams for international students applying to undergraduate programs in the USA. Almost all American colleges and universities accept SAT scores and the top-ranking universities in the USA ask the applicants to submit both SAT reasoning and subject test scores. This test demonstrates the knowledge of the candidate and is sent out to the opted colleges and universities as part of the admissions package. The minimum SAT score required for admission in the USA is 1300 and can vary with the courses and universities.

The SAT exam duration is 3 hours 50 minutes (with essay) and students are assessed on sections such as reading, writing, and maths. Students should opt for SAT only if they have a strong vocabulary and can work well with complex and hard worded sections. The SAT exam fee ranges between INR 6,200 to INR 7,000 and can be taken internationally six times during the year.

Read More: Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

American College Test (ACT)

The ACT is another important test taken by international students applying to undergraduate courses in the USA. It evaluates the aptitude and critical thinking abilities of an applicant and comprises four different sections in addition to one optional writing section. Students are expected to score a minimum of 22 but it also varies with the courses and universities that one chooses. Top universities in the USA require the students to take ACT along with writing to get admissions.

The duration of the ACT is approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes with writing. Students should attempt a total of 4 sections: English, maths, reading, and science. It is required that the applicants have strong basics in science, trigonometry, and prefer simply worded questions. One can register for the ACT either online or via post. The ACT exam fee ranges between INR 6,000 to INR 7,700 for Indian students and costs about $36.50 without the writing test and $52.50 with the writing test.

Exams to Study PG Courses in the USA

In this section, we will discuss what exams are required to study in USA for PG courses. International students willing to pursue their graduate studies in the USA are required to take certain course-specific tests to obtain admission. There are specific academic assessment tests for graduate programs in the fields of law, management, medicine, science, and more. Listed below are some of the popular exams to be taken by international students to study PG courses in the USA:

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
• Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
• Dental Admission Test (DAT)
• Optometry Admission Test (OAT)

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

GRE scores are accepted for admission to both MS and engineering programs in the USA and measure the candidates’ ability to succeed at graduate-school level studies. This test should be taken by students enrolling in graduate programs, especially business management programs in the US. Additionally, there are7 subject-specific tests to be taken and the minimum score requirement varies for the different graduate programs. The minimum GRE score for international students in the USA is 160.

The GRE is developed by Educational Testing Services (ETS) and is one of the primary factors used by admission officers for determining whether or not to accept a student into their programs. These computer-adaptive tests comprise 3 sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative analysis, and analytical writing. One can register for the GRE test online by creating a GRE account, or by mail or phone. The GRE fee in India is INR 14,600 for the general test which comes to around $205. The GRE subject test costs $150 each.

Read More: Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

The LSAT exam is used for admission to top law schools and colleges in the USA. Applicants are assessed based on their skills in different areas such as writing, reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and verbal reasoning. The average LSAT score required to get into any law school in the US is 150, but the top 25 law schools demand an LSAT score of more than 160.

The LSAT exam is administered by the Law School Admissions Council and can be taken up to 4 times each year. Most law schools and colleges in the USA give about 70% weightage to LSAT scores in the selection process of candidates. The LSAT exam fee is INR 3,800 and is taken for a duration of 175 minutes of multiple-choice testing and a thirty-minute writing sample. The test scores range between 120 to 180 with each law school having a different score requirement for their law programs.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

An MCAT exam is a computer-based test taken by international students looking for admission to medical schools in the USA. It is the primary exam for medical school admission and is required for all programs. Candidates are tested in areas such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of scientific concepts. The average MCAT score in the USA is 510 but varies as the best medical schools in the US might demand more.

The MCAT exam score is one of the few factors that an admissions committee will look at to compare students for admission. It comprises four multiple-choice sections of physical sciences, verbal reasoning, biological sciences, and an optional trial section. The MCAT exam fee is around INR 25,700 and is administered by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). 

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

The GMAT exam is a computer adaptive test mandatory for admission to business schools in the USA. The average GMAT score required for admission to American business schools is 700. It measures the general verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills of the students and does not test business competence nor specific subject knowledge. Top B-Schools in the USA require international students to have a good GMAT score along with a high GPA.

GMAT is created and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and tests students in 4 sections such as writing, integrated reasoning, verbal, and quantitative. A GMAT score is valid for five years and is also used by the admission committee as a useful guide in comparing the credentials of applicants from widely varying educational backgrounds. The GMAT exam fees are INR 18,800 for Indian students which comes up to USD 250.

Read More: Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

Dental Admission Test (DAT)

DAT exam is mandatory for international students seeking admission to American dental schools and colleges. The DAT academic score ranges from 12-28 and is accepted by 66 dental schools in the USA. Students are tested in the four sections of perceptual ability, reading comprehension, quantitative reading, and survey of natural sciences.

The DAT exam is conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA) and is one of the criteria for applying to graduate school in the USA along with admissions essays, personal interviews, undergraduate GPA, and coursework. The DAT exam fee is INR 6,000 and one can register by referring to the DAT Examinee Guide by paying a non-refundable registration fee of $385.

Optometry Admission Test (OAT)

The OAT exam is one of the primary exams for international students to gain admission to an optometry school in the USA. This exam is accepted by all the 21 certified optometry schools in the USA with the minimum score for admission being 310. It is a standardized test used by optometry schools and admission committees to test the knowledge and skills of potential candidates.

The OAT test is administered by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry and covers four multiple-choice sections of different subjects such as natural sciences, reading comprehension, physics, and quantitative reasoning. Students are required to take this online test at any registered testing location in India and can be taken at any time. The OAT test is valid for up to 3 years and costs around $226 which is non-refundable. The duration of the test is about 4 hours and 45 minutes with two 10 minute optional breaks in the middle.