Preparing for Tests
There are ample of Universities abroad which are not looking for any admission tests from the international student for admissions.But if you want to apply to the selected Universities having such a criteria as mandatory,then you need to prepare for these tests to get a minimum score for
confirmed admission. Before taking up these various tests, its important to mark few things:
1. When are you planning to study the program or course abroad? Is it in next six to eight months, a year or later, just check out the admission deadlines and score requirements of each chosen university before applying.
2. Registering for exams as per your suitability and target sessions of enrolment.One needs a proper study plan to appear for these tests to qualify in the first attempt.Don’t panic if you couldn’t qualify as you can reapply and reappear to get the required scores.
3. Prepare and practice well through different resources, study materials, practice tests etc which are easily available.One must identify the weak areas and work on those to improve.
The three types of standardised tests required at an International Universities are:
1. Admission Tests:
SAT is meant for students going for undergraduate programs mainly USA. This test is to know student knowledge in reading, writing and maths and its application is measured through critical thinking and problem solving skills.
ACT is a content based test and measures English, maths, reading and science reasoning and is mostly accepted for undergraduate studies. Both or either of these test are taken after carefully going through the eligibility criteria details of individual programs/ courses.
2. Aptitude Tests:
If you are applying for Master programs, thenstandardised Graduate Admissions tests are taken which are accepted worldwide.
GMAT-Graduate Management Aptitute Test This is meant for students going for Business courses specifically MBA. The students suitability for the course is assessed based on analytical writing,quantitative,verbal and integrated reasoning skills.
GRE-Graduate Record Examinaton This test is for the students looking for admissions at Graduate level or above mostly programs in Engineering and technology.This test is divided into analytical writing,quantitative reasoning,verbal reasoning.
3. Language proficiency Tests:
If English is not the first language for the prospective student, then various tests are taken to check the proficiency of language either during admissions or as a requirement for visa application.Checking the criteria of different countries and courses are
important before applying for these tests.Sometimes English waivers are also available which are based upon your previous studies and language of instruction taken.
IELTS- International English Language Testing System Its taken in either academic and general context. Here the reading, writing, listening, speaking skills are tested individually.
TOEFL- Test of English as a Foreign LanguageIts a proof to English Language proficiency and consists of listening,reading, writing,speaking skills.
PTE -Pearson Test Of English PTE academic is a multi level English test and is accepted mostly by Universities and Consulates in Australia and UK.