The United States remains the world's premier study destination, attracting over 1 million international students annually to its prestigious universities. Home to institutions such as MIT, Stanford, and Harvard, and to over 4,000 accredited colleges, the USA offers unparalleled academic excellence, cutting-edge research opportunities, and diverse career pathways.
If you are wondering what exams are required to study in the USA, here is a comprehensive guide that covers all major entrance exams in the USA, their requirements, registration processes, and strategic preparation approaches to maximise your chances of admission to top American universities.
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Wisdom Corner USA university admissions require English tests (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo), SAT/ACT for undergraduate, GRE/GMAT for graduate, MCAT for Medicine, and LSAT for Law. Top universities like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard evaluate these alongside GPA, essays, and recommendations through a holistic admissions process. The main intakes are Fall (Aug–Sep, primary), Spring (Jan), and Summer (May–Jun). Early preparation and strong scores improve chances of admission and scholarships.
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English Language Proficiency Tests for USA Universities
English language proficiency is mandatory for all international students from non-English-speaking countries. These tests ensure students can succeed in rigorous English-medium academic environments.
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Test |
Test Format & Duration |
Score Requirement (Typical) |
Fees (Approx.) |
Validity |
|
TOEFL iBT |
Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing (Computer-based) ~2 hrs |
UG: 80–100 PG: 90–110 Top universities: 100–110+ |
$200–250 USD ₹16,000–20,000 (India) |
2 years |
|
IELTS |
Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (Face-to-face) 2 hrs 45 mins |
Overall: 6.5–7.5 Top universities: 7.0–8.0, no band below 6.5 |
$245 USD £215 (UK) ₹18,000 (India) |
2 years |
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PTE Academic |
Fully computer-based, integrated skills 2–3 hrs |
UG: 55–65 PG: 60–70 Top programs: 70+ |
$245 USD or ₹18,000 (India) |
2 years |
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Duolingo |
Adaptive online test 1 hr |
Minimum: 105–120 Top universities: 125+ |
$59 USD or ₹6,065 (India) |
2 years |
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Cambridge English |
Advanced/Proficiency Varies by level |
C1 Advanced: 180+ C2 Proficiency: 200+ |
£170–190 ₹15,000–17,000 |
Lifetime (preferred within 2 years) |
Note: The fees are subject to change as per the current exchange rates. Visit the official sites to know the current and updated exam fees.
TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
TOEFL is THE most widely accepted English test in the USA, accepted by over 11,500 universities globally including 100% of top American universities. Created by ETS (Educational Testing Service), it's specifically designed for academic English assessment.
What it tests: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing in academic contexts
Format: Fully computer-based
Duration: Approximately 2 hours (shortened from 3 hours in 2023)
Test Structure:
- Reading (35 minutes): 20 questions from 2 passages
- Listening (36 minutes): 28 questions from lectures and conversations
- Speaking (16 minutes): 4 tasks recorded via microphone
- Writing (29 minutes): 2 tasks - integrated and independent essay
Score required:
- Most universities: 80–90
- Competitive programs: 90–100
- Top universities (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, UC Berkeley): 100–110+
- Graduate programs: 90–110 (Engineering 90+, Business 100+, Humanities 105+)
- Section minimums often required: Reading-22, Listening-22, Speaking-23, Writing-21
Fees: $200–250 USD / ₹16,000–20,000 (India)
Validity: 2 years
Test Centers: Available worldwide, including 100+ centres across India
Test Dates: Available 50+ times annually, 3-4 days per week
Score Reporting: Free reports to 4 universities; $20 per additional institution
Best for: Students applying primarily to USA universities, those comfortable with computer-based testing, and applicants wanting fastest score delivery (6 days).
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
IELTS is globally recognised and accepted by over 3,400 USA institutions, including all Ivy League universities. Popular among students also applying to UK/Australia/Canada.
What it tests: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
Speaking test: Face-to-face interview with a certified examiner
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Test Format:
- Listening (30 minutes): 40 questions across 4 sections
- Reading (60 minutes): 40 questions from 3 passages
- Writing (60 minutes): Task 1 (describe visual data) + Task 2 (essay)
- Speaking (11-14 minutes): 3-part conversation with examiner
Score required:
- Most universities: 6.5–7.0 overall
- Competitive programs: 7.0–7.5
- Top universities (Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Columbia): 7.0–8.0, no band below 6.5–7.0
- Graduate programs: 6.5–7.5 (varies by discipline)
Fees: $245 USD / £215 (UK) / ₹18000 (India)
Validity: 2 years
Test Types:
- IELTS Academic: For university admissions (required)
- IELTS General Training: For immigration (not for universities)
Score Reporting: Online results in 13 days; electronic scores sent to unlimited universities
Best for: Students who prefer face-to-face speaking assessment, those applying to multiple countries (UK/Canada/Australia/USA), and applicants comfortable with British English accents.
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
PTE is computer-based with AI scoring, offering fast results and growing acceptance across institutions in the USA. Over 2,000 American universities now accept PTE scores.
What it tests: Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening (integrated assessment)
Duration: 2–3 hours
Format: Fully computer-based with AI scoring (no human bias)
Test Structure:
- Speaking & Writing (54-67 minutes): Integrated tasks
- Reading (29-30 minutes): Multiple choice, reorder, fill blanks
- Listening (30-43 minutes): Summarise, multiple choice, highlight
Score required:
- Most universities: 55–65
- Competitive programs: 60–70
- Top universities: 70–80+
- Graduate programs: 65–75
Fees: $245 USD / ₹18,000 (India)
Validity: 2 years
Unique Features:
- Results in 48 hours (fastest among major tests)
- Unlimited free score reports to universities
- Test-from-home option available
- Scores accepted by over 3,000 institutions worldwide
Best for: Students wanting quick results, those comfortable with AI scoring, and applicants seeking flexible test-from-home options.
Duolingo English Test
Duolingo is an emerging online English proficiency test gaining rapid acceptance, now accepted by over 4,000 institutions worldwide, including 800+ USA universities.
What it tests: Adaptive assessment of reading, writing, listening, speaking
Duration: 1 hour
Format: Online, at-home test with AI proctoring
Test Structure:
- Adaptive questions are increasing in difficulty
- Video interview component
- Writing sample sent to universities
Score required:
- Minimum acceptance: 105–110
- Average requirement: 110–120
- Competitive programs: 120–130
- Top universities: 125–135+
Fees: $59 USD / ₹6,065(India) - Most affordable option
Validity: 2 years
Unique Advantages:
- Take from home with webcam
- Results in 48 hours
- Unlimited free score reports
- Most affordable major English test
- Test available 24/7
Accepting Universities: Yale, Columbia, Duke, NYU, USC, and growing rapidly
Best for: Students needing quick, affordable testing; last-minute applicants; those in areas without test centres.
Undergraduate Admissions Tests for the USA
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
SAT is the primary standardised test for undergraduate admissions in the USA, administered by the College Board. Required or recommended by virtually all American universities.
Test Structure:
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (100 minutes):
- Reading Test: 52 questions, 65 minutes
- Writing and Language Test: 44 questions, 35 minutes
- Mathematics (80 minutes):
- Math with Calculator: 38 questions, 55 minutes
- Math without Calculator: 20 questions, 25 minutes
- Total Duration: 3 hours
Scoring:
- Scale: 400–1600 (200–800 per section)
- Average score: 1050
- National average: 1070
USA University Requirements:
- Most state universities: 1000–1200
- Competitive universities: 1300–1400
- Top 50 universities: 1350–1450
- Ivy League/Top 20 (MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Yale): 1450–1550+
- Section balance is important: Top schools expect 700+ in each section
Fees: $60 USD (base) + international fees ($30-50) = $90-110 total
Fee waiver available for low-income students
Test Dates 2025: March 8, May 3, June 7, August 23, October 4, November 1, December 6
Digital SAT: Launched in 2024, now fully digital with adaptive testing
Score Reporting: 4 free score reports; $14 per additional college
Test Centres: Available in 175+ countries, including major Indian cities
Best for: All undergraduate applicants to USA universities, especially those targeting top-tier institutions.
ACT (American College Testing)
ACT is an alternative to the SAT, accepted by all US universities. Some students perform better on ACT due to its straightforward format and science section.
Test Structure:
- English (45 minutes): 75 questions on grammar, usage, rhetoric
- Mathematics (60 minutes): 60 questions (algebra, geometry, trigonometry)
- Reading (35 minutes): 40 questions on reading comprehension
- Science (35 minutes): 40 questions on scientific reasoning and data interpretation
- Optional Writing (40 minutes): Essay analyzing perspectives
- Total Duration: 2 hours 55 minutes (3 hours 35 minutes with Writing)
Scoring:
- Composite: 1–36 (average of four sections)
- Each section: 1–36
- Writing: 2–12 (scored separately)
- National average: 20.6
USA University Requirements:
- Most universities: 20–24
- Competitive universities: 26–29
- Top 50 universities: 28–32
- Ivy League/Top 20: 32–35
- MIT, Caltech, Stanford: 33–36
Fees:
- Without Writing: $68 USD
- With Writing: $93 USD
- International fees additional
Test Dates 2025: February 8, April 12, June 14, July 19, September 13, October 25, December 13
Format Options: Paper-based or online (since Feb 2025)
Score Reporting: Free reports to 4 colleges (at registration); $17 per additional college
Best for: Students strong in science reasoning, those who prefer consistent question formats, applicants who perform better with shorter reading passages.
SAT vs ACT: Which to Choose?
|
Factor |
SAT |
ACT |
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Test Length |
3 hours |
2 hrs 55 mins (3 hrs 35 mins with Writing) |
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Sections |
Reading, Writing, Math (2 parts) |
English, Math, Reading, Science (+Writing) |
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Math Coverage |
Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, data analysis |
Algebra, geometry, trigonometry (more advanced) |
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Science Section |
Incorporated in other sections |
Dedicated 35-minute section |
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Reading Passages |
Longer, fewer passages |
Shorter, more passages |
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Calculator |
Allowed on one math section only |
Allowed throughout math section |
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Wrong Answer Penalty |
None |
None |
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Best For |
Students strong in reading/writing, those who work methodically |
Students strong in science, faster test-takers |
Pro Tip: Take practice tests for both to see which suits your strengths. Many students submit scores from whichever test they performed better on.
Note: The fees are subject to change as per the current exchange rates. Visit the official sites to know the current and updated exam fees.
Graduate Entrance Exams for the USA
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
GRE is the most widely accepted graduate admissions test in the USA, required or recommended for master's and PhD programs across virtually all disciplines.
Test Structure:
- Analytical Writing (60 minutes): 2 essays
- Issue Task: Present your perspective on an issue
- Argument Task: Critique an argument
- Verbal Reasoning (60 minutes, 2 sections): 40 questions testing reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence
- Quantitative Reasoning (70 minutes, 2 sections): 40 questions covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis
- Total Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes
Scoring:
- Verbal Reasoning: 130–170 (1-point increments)
- Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170 (1-point increments)
- Analytical Writing: 0.0–6.0 (0.5-point increments)
- Total (Verbal + Quant): 260–340
USA Requirements:
- Minimum competitive: 300+ total (150V + 150Q)
- Good score: 310–320
- Top programs (MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Berkeley): 320–330+
- By discipline:
- Engineering/CS: Q160+, V150+
- Sciences: Q155+, V155+
- Humanities/Social Sciences: V160+, Q150+
- Business (if accepting GRE): 315+ total
Fees: $220 USD / ₹18,500 (India)
Validity: 5 years
Test Format: Computer-adaptive (question difficulty adjusts to performance)
Test Availability: Year-round at Prometric centres worldwide
Score Reporting: Free reports to 4 universities; $30 per additional institution
GRE Subject Tests: Available in Mathematics, Physics, Psychology (separate tests, $150 each)
Best for: Graduate applicants in sciences, humanities, social sciences; students applying to multiple programs/disciplines. It is also a good option for engineering entrance exams in the USA.
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
GMAT is the premier test for MBA and business master's programs. Specifically designed to assess skills needed for business school success. Also, it is one of the most famous entrance exams for MBA in the USA.
Test Structure:
- Analytical Writing Assessment (30 minutes): 1 essay analysing an argument
- Integrated Reasoning (30 minutes): 12 questions on data interpretation from multiple sources
- Quantitative Reasoning (62 minutes): 31 questions
- Data Sufficiency: Determine if data is sufficient to answer
- Problem Solving: Standard quantitative questions
- Verbal Reasoning (65 minutes): 36 questions
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Reasoning
- Sentence Correction
- Total Duration: 3 hours 7 minutes
Scoring:
- Total Score: 200–800 (based on Quant + Verbal, 10-point increments)
- Quantitative: 0–60
- Verbal: 0–60
- Integrated Reasoning: 1–8
- AWA: 0–6
- Average score: 570
USA Business School Requirements:
- Minimum acceptance: 550–580
- Good programs: 600–650
- Competitive programs (top 50): 650–700
- Top 20 MBA programs: 700–730
- Elite (Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, MIT Sloan): 720–750+
Fees: $275 USD / ₹23,000 (India)
Validity: 5 years
Test Format: Computer-adaptive
Test Availability: Year-round at Pearson VUE centres
Score Reporting: Free reports to 5 programs; $35 per additional school
GMAT Focus Edition: New shorter format (2 hours 15 minutes) launched in 2024 check school preferences
Best for: MBA and specialised business master's applicants; students with strong quantitative and analytical skills.
Note: The fees are subject to change as per the current exchange rates. Visit the official sites to know the current and updated exam fees.
GRE vs GMAT for Business Schools
|
Factor |
GRE |
GMAT |
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Accepted by |
1,200+ business schools globally |
Specifically designed for business schools |
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Best for |
Students keeping options open (MBA + other grad programs) |
Students committed to MBA/business programs |
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Math Section |
Straightforward problem-solving |
Data sufficiency + problem solving (unique format) |
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Vocabulary |
Tests sophisticated vocabulary |
Focuses on grammar and logic |
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Calculator |
Provided on-screen |
None provided |
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Retake Policy |
Once every 21 days |
Once every 16 days |
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Preference |
Growing acceptance |
Traditional preference at top programs |
Current Trend: Most top US business schools now accept both the GRE and GMAT, with no stated preference. However, median GMAT scores are still most reported.
Specialised Professional Entrance Exams
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
MCAT is required for admission to virtually all MD (Doctor of Medicine) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) programs in the USA.
Test Structure:
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (95 minutes): 59 questions
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills - CARS (90 minutes): 53 questions
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (95 minutes): 59 questions
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behaviour (95 minutes): 59 questions
- Total Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes (including breaks)
Scoring:
- Scale: 472–528 (118–132 per section)
- Average score: 501
- Competitive for MD programs: 510–515
- **Top medical schools (Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Stanford): 518–524
Content Coverage:
- Sciences: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Biochemistry
- Social Sciences: Psychology, Sociology
- Critical Reading: Evidence-based analysis
Fees: $330 USD (extended to $375 for international test takers)
Validity: Varies by school (typically 3-5 years, some accept 2 years)
Test Dates: January through September (multiple dates per month)
Score Reporting: Automatically sent to AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service)
Preparation Time: Typically 3-6 months of intensive study
Note: MCAT shortened from 8.5 to 7.5 hours starting 2025
Best for: All students applying to American medical schools (allopathic MD or osteopathic DO programs).
LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
LSAT is required for admission to all ABA-approved law schools in the USA (200+ schools). Test skills essential for law school success.
Test Structure:
- Logical Reasoning (2 sections, 35 minutes each): Argument analysis, flaw identification, strengthening/weakening arguments
- Analytical Reasoning/Logic Games (35 minutes): Sequencing, grouping, matching scenarios
- Reading Comprehension (35 minutes): Complex passage analysis, including comparative reading
- Unscored Variable Section (35 minutes): Research questions
- Writing Sample (35 minutes, unscored): Argumentative essay (sent to law schools)
- Total Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (plus breaks)
Scoring:
- Scale: 120–180
- Average score: 151
- Competitive scores:
- General admission: 155–160
- Top 50 law schools: 160–165
- Top 20 (Yale, Harvard, Stanford, Columbia): 170–175
- Yale, Stanford (most selective): 173–175
Fees: $222 USD
Additional: CAS (Credential Assembly Service) fee $200 (required for most applications)
Test Format: LSAT offered digitally at test centres or remotely (LSAT-Flex from home)
Test Dates: Offered 8-9 times annually
Validity: 5 years
Score Reporting: Through LSAC (Law School Admission Council) to all schools you apply to
Best for: All students applying to JD (Juris Doctor) programs in the USA.
Additional Specialised Tests
DAT (Dental Admission Test)
- Purpose: Required for dental school admission
- Duration: 5 hours
- Sections: Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Reasoning
- Scoring: 1–30 (17+ competitive)
- Fee: $525 USD
OAT (Optometry Admission Test)
- Purpose: Required for optometry school admission
- Duration: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Sections: Natural Sciences, Physics, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Reasoning
- Scoring: 200–400 (320+ competitive)
- Fee: $465 USD
PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test)
- Status: Discontinued as of 2024—pharmacy schools no longer require separate entrance exam
GRE Subject Tests
- Available in: Mathematics, Physics, Psychology
- Purpose: Demonstrate advanced subject knowledge for PhD programs
- Fee: $150 USD per test
Top 5 USA Universities – Popular Programs, Exams & Why Choose
|
University |
Popular Programs |
Suggested Exam(s) |
Why Choose |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Business, AI/ML |
SAT 1500+, TOEFL 100+, GRE 325+, GMAT 730+ |
World's #1 STEM university, cutting-edge research, innovation hub, Nobel laureates |
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Stanford University |
Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Medicine, Law |
SAT 1470+, TOEFL 100+, GRE 325+, GMAT 740+, MCAT 520+ |
Silicon Valley location, entrepreneurship ecosystem, interdisciplinary excellence |
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Harvard University |
Law, Business, Medicine, Liberal Arts, Public Policy |
SAT 1480+, TOEFL 100+, GRE 325+, GMAT 730+, MCAT 520+, LSAT 173+ |
World's most prestigious university, unmatched alumni network, and research resources |
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University of California, Berkeley |
Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Sciences, Public Policy |
SAT 1330+, TOEFL 90+, GRE 320+, GMAT 715+ |
Top public university, San Francisco Bay Area location, diverse programs, and affordability |
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Columbia University |
Business, Engineering, Journalism, International Affairs, Medicine |
SAT 1490+, TOEFL 100+, GRE 325+, GMAT 732+, MCAT 519+ |
NYC location, Ivy League, strong industry connections, global perspective |
Comprehensive Cost Breakdown
|
Category |
Tests |
Cost Range (USD) |
Cost Range (INR) |
|
English Language |
TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo |
$59–$250 |
₹5,000–₹20,000 |
|
Undergraduate |
SAT, ACT |
$60–$110 |
₹5,000–₹9,000 |
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Graduate General |
GRE, GMAT |
$220–$275 |
₹18,500–₹23,000 |
|
Medicine |
MCAT |
$375 |
₹31,000 |
|
Law |
LSAT + CAS |
$422 |
₹35,000 |
|
Dental |
DAT |
$525 |
₹43,500 |
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Optometry |
OAT |
$465 |
₹38,500 |
Financial Aid:
- Fee waivers available for low-income students (SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT)
- ETS Fee Reduction Program for GRE (50% discount)
- LSAC Fee Waiver for LSAT and CAS
- Check individual test websites for eligibility
Important Deadlines & Test Dates 2025-2026
|
Intake |
Application Period |
Test Deadline |
Decisions |
Enrollment |
|
Fall 2025 (Primary) |
Aug 2024 – Jan 2025 |
Nov – Dec 2024 |
Mar – Apr 2025 |
May 1, 2025 |
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Spring 2026 |
May 2025 – Oct 2025 |
Aug – Sep 2025 |
Nov 2025 |
Dec 2025 |
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Summer 2026 (Limited) |
Nov 2025 – Mar 2026 |
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Test Availability
|
Test |
Availability |
|
TOEFL / IELTS / PTE / Duolingo |
Year-round |
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SAT / ACT |
7 dates yearly |
|
GRE / GMAT |
Year-round |
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MCAT |
Jan – Sep |
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LSAT |
8–9 times yearly |
Strategic Preparation for USA Entrance Exams
|
Timeline |
Key Actions |
|
12–18 months before |
Research universities, start English prep, take diagnostics. |
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6–12 months before |
Take English test, prep & register for SAT/ACT or GRE/GMAT, start essays |
|
3–6 months before |
Take main exams, complete subject tests, and finalise universities |
|
1–3 months before |
Submit scores, complete applications, send documents, prep interviews. |
Essential Preparation Resources
Official Resources (Always Primary):
- TOEFL: ETS official guides and practice tests
- IELTS: British Council/IDP official materials
- SAT: College Board official practice (Khan Academy partnership - FREE)
- ACT: ACT official prep materials
- GRE: ETS PowerPrep software and official guides
- GMAT: MBA.com official prep
- MCAT: AAMC official materials and practice exams
- LSAT: LSAC official prep and Khan Academy (FREE)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting Late: Allow enough prep time (SAT/ACT: 6 months; GRE/GMAT: 4–6 months; MCAT/LSAT: 3–6 months)
- Wrong Test Version: Use IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT as required by universities
- Score Validity Issues: Check validity (2–5 years) so scores remain valid during applications
- Not Sending Scores: Send official scores early and confirm receipt in portals
- Poor Preparation: Take diagnostics, prepare consistently, and avoid last-minute attempts
- Misusing Test-Optional: Skip scores only if the rest of your profile is very strong
Final Thoughts
Successfully navigating the entrance exams in the USA requires strategic planning, dedicated preparation, and an understanding of specific university requirements. The USA offers unparalleled academic opportunities, from Ivy League excellence to cutting-edge technology programs, world-renowned business schools, and innovative research institutions. So this guide is the answer to what are the types of entrance exams required in USA and how to approach them.
