Most colleges and universities require prospective students to take some form of entrance exams. You should learn about the admission requirements for the program at the colleges of interest to you. You must try your best to perform well on these exams. However, your performance on the required entrance exam is typically only one part of the admissions criteria. Other criteria include your GPA (grade point average) or Marks (scores), letters of recommendation, essays, etc.
You are well advised to take these exams seriously. Sound preparation can enhance your performance significantly. Help is in abundantly available in the form of information on the web, books, and coaching classes. Research what is best for you and what you can afford.
Most common entrance exams are SAT, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, MCAT and LSAT. Depending on the type of program and the college, one or more of these exams may be applicable to you. These entrance exams are standardized tests. Depending on the exam and your location, you can take the test at a pre-scheduled time or at a time of your choice. Your results are sent directly to the colleges, with a copy sent to you. You can take these of exams more than once, should you choose to do so. However, results of all attempts are reported to the college.
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
SAT is a standardized test to assess a prospective student's preparation for college. The test is typically required for undergraduate programs. SAT is offered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). SAT is similar to the ACT. Don't forget to check out iSAT Guru on iMahal.
- SAT I: Reasoning Test is a three-hour test, primarily multiple choice, that measures verbal and mathematical-reasoning abilities.
- SAT II: Subject Tests are one-hour, mostly multiple-choice tests in specific subjects. These tests measure knowledge of particular subjects and the ability to apply that knowledge. Many colleges require or recommend one or more of these tests for admission purposes.
America College Test (ACT)
ACT is a standardized test to assess a prospective student's preparation for college. The test is typically required for undergraduate programs (bachelor's degree program). The tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. ACT is offered by America College Testing. ACT is similar to the SAT.
Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Many colleges require foreign students to take TOEFL as a part of admissions requirements. The test is designed to test the English language proficiency. The test is administered in over 180 countries. You can obtain more information from TOEFL.
Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
GRE is designed to test the preparation of a prospective student for entering a graduate program (master's or doctoral degree program). In addition to the General Test, GRE also offers Subject Tests and the Writing Assessment Test. Admissions requirements at your school of interest will dictate if you need one or more of these tests.
The General Test of GRE is the most commonly required test for graduate admissions. It tests the student on verbal, quantitative and analytical skills. GRE Subject Tests are currently available in 16 Disciplines. The GRE Writing Assessment Test is offered as a separate test, independent of the GRE General and GRE Subject Tests.
General Management Aptitude Test (GMAT)
GMAT is typically required for admission into advanced study programs in business and management (such as MBA). GMAT measures general verbal, mathematical and analytical writing skills. You can obtain more information on GMAT.
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
As the name suggests, MCAT is typically required for admission into medical programs. MCAT is a standardized, multiple-choice exam designed to assist colleges in predicting a prospective student's ability to perform adequately in the medical school curriculum. The test assesses problem solving, critical thinking, and writing skills in addition to the knowledge of science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine. The MCAT is scored in each of the following areas: Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, Writing Sample, and Biological Sciences. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) administers the MCAT.
Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
As the name suggests, LSAT is typically required for admission into law degree programs. The LSAT is a half-day standardized test. It provides a standard measure of acquired reading and verbal reasoning skills that law schools can use as one of several factors in assessing applicants. The test is administered four times a year at hundreds of locations around the world. The governing body for LSAT is Law School Admission Council.
