Top 7 Most Important Exams To Study Abroad

The article will feature the seven vital exams for studying abroad. Here I will also share tips, and essential factors to consider. When preparing for your overseas admission exams, it’s an ideal guide you may follow. 

To prepare for these exams, students should familiarize themselves with the exam format. Then with the types of questions. Meanwhile, you should also practice with sample questions and tests. Hence aspirants can improve their skills in specific areas.  

For example, the IELTS course offered by Edoxi in Dubai is an excellent resource for students. Firstly, it boosts their English language skills. Secondly, Edoxi gives hands-on training that helps students achieve their academic goals.

7 Top Exams For Study In Abroad

You need to learn more about how to study when you visit a foreign country. Here are some of the top exams which you can take for studying abroad. Keep reading to learn more…

1. TOEFL (Test Of English As A Foreign Language)

This exam measures the English language proficiency of non-native speakers who wish to study in English-speaking countries. Over 11,000 universities and other institutions accept it in more than 150 countries.

TOEFL measures four language skills, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and is conducted online or at test exam centers worldwide.

2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Like the TOEFL, the IELTS is a widely recognized English language proficiency exam that measures your ability to communicate in English in an academic setting. The exam is accepted by over 10,000 institutions worldwide and is often required by universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Two exams format are present in the module: Academic and General Training. The Academic version is designed for those who plan to study at the undergraduate or graduate level, while the General Training version is for those seeking employment or immigration to an English-speaking country.

3. Standardized Graduate Entrance Exams  

For prompt graduate admission in the US, these two exams are compulsory: 

GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)

The GRE is a standardized test that measures your readiness for graduate-level study. The exam assesses your necessary thinking, analytical writing method, along with verbal reasoning skills. It is used by many universities in the United States and Canada to evaluate the exams applicants to graduate programs in various fields, including business, engineering, and social sciences.

The exam is available in computer-based and paper-based formats and takes about three hours and 45 minutes to complete.

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

The GMAT is a computer-based exam to measure your readiness for graduate-level business programs. The exams assess your analytical writing, integrated, quantitative, and verbal reasoning skills.

It is used by many business schools in the United States, Canada, and other countries to evaluate applicants for MBA and other graduate-level business programs. The exam takes about three and a half hours to complete.

4. Standardized Academic Entrance Exams  

Here is a structured breakdown of exams for undergraduate admissions. There are two exams, as follows:  

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)

The SAT is a standardized test that measures your readiness for undergraduate-level study. The exams assess your critical reading, writing, and mathematical skills.

Many universities in the United States use it to evaluate applicants to undergraduate programs. The exam is available in paper-based and computer-based formats and takes about three hours and 50 minutes to complete.

Act (American College Testing)

The ACT is another standardized test that measures your readiness for undergraduate-level study. The exam assesses your English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning skills.

Many universities in the United States use it to evaluate applicants to undergraduate programs. The exam is available in paper-based and computer-based formats and takes about three hours to complete.

5. MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

The MCAT is a standardized exam that measures your readiness for medical school. The exam assesses your biological and physical sciences skills, verbal reasoning, and writing.

It is used by many medical schools in the United States and Canada to evaluate applicants to medical programs. The exams take about seven and a half hours to complete.

6. LSAT 

A.k.a the Law School Admission Test, the LSAT is compulsory for any law school admission. Mostly, The US and Canadian educational boards focus on LSAT.  

If you falter, the chances of your admission for the year are gone for good! 

7. Country-based Entrance Exams  

Let’s discuss some popular entrance exams you must clear for international admissions. We already know about the major exams in the US.  

Now for the UK. The UCAT (university clinical aptitude test) for medical programs is the most popular. I’d say it is also the most critical one. The other popular test is the LNAT (National Admission Test for Law).  

Germany is also a popular academic destination for students globally. For any German program, you must clear the TestDaF or Test for German as a Foreign Language.  

Thirdly, we can talk about the TCF. A.K.A Test de Connaissance du Français it is a compulsory exam in France. To prove your French language efficiency, this is the primary test you must take.

Exam Preparation Tips

Preparing for standardized exams can be daunting, but you can increase your chances of success with the right preparation and mindset. Here are some exam preparation tips to help you succeed on some of the most important exams for studying abroad.

TOEFL And IELTS Exam Preparation Tips

The TOEFL and IELTS exams are designed to assess your English language proficiency. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

•   Take practice tests: The TOEFL and IELTS offer practice tests, which can help you familiarize yourself with the exam format and types of questions.
•   Focus on your weaknesses: Use your practice test results to identify areas where you need improvement, and focus your study efforts on those areas.
•   Build your vocabulary: To improve your reading and writing skills, focus on building your vocabulary. You can do this by reading English language materials, such as newspapers, magazines, and books, and learning new words.
•   Practice speaking and listening: The speaking and listening sections of the TOEFL and IELTS exams require you to communicate effectively in English. Practice speaking and listening with native English speakers, watch English-language films and TV shows, and listen to English-language radio and podcasts.

GRE And GMAT Exam Preparation Tips

The GRE and GMAT exams are designed to assess your readiness for graduate-level study. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

•   Know the format: Familiarize yourself with the exam format and types of questions, and practice with sample questions and practice tests.
•   Brush up on math skills: The GRE and GMAT require strong math skills, so be sure to brush up on your math knowledge and practice solving math problems.
•   Improve your writing skills: The analytical writing sections of the GRE and GMAT require you to write essays on specific topics. Practice writing essays on various topics and seek feedback from others to improve your writing skills.
•   Build your vocabulary: Both exams include questions that test your knowledge of advanced vocabulary. Build your vocabulary by reading challenging materials and using flashcards to memorize new words.

SAT And ACT Exam Preparation Tips

The SAT and ACT exams are designed to assess your readiness for undergraduate-level study. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

•   Take practice tests: The SAT and ACT offer practice tests, which can help you familiarize yourself with the exam format and types of questions.
•   Focus on your weaknesses: Use your practice test results to identify areas where you need improvement, and focus your study efforts on those areas.
•   Practice time management: The SAT and ACT exams are timed, so it’s important to practice managing your time effectively. Learn how to pace yourself and practice answering questions efficiently.
•   Build your vocabulary: Both exams include questions that test your knowledge of advanced vocabulary. Build your vocabulary by reading challenging materials and using flashcards to memorize new words

Other Considerations When Studying Abroad

You need to make some considerations for impactful educational growth in foreign countries. Here are other important considerations to remember:

Visa Requirements

You may need a student visa to study abroad, depending on your destination country. Visa requirements vary widely depending on the country and the length of your stay, so it’s important to research the requirements well before your planned departure date. Be sure to consider any restrictions or limitations your visas may impose, such as work or travel restrictions.

Housing Options

When studying abroad, you’ll need a place to live. Depending on your destination, housing options may include dormitories, apartments, homestays, or other options. Be sure to research housing options in advance and consider factors such as location, cost, and amenities. It’s also important to consider cultural differences when selecting housing options, such as differences in living arrangements or expectations.

Cultural Differences

When studying abroad, you’ll be immersed in a new culture and way of life. It’s important to research and learn about the culture and customs of your destination country and to be open-minded and adaptable to new experiences. Consider factors such as language barriers, social norms, and etiquette, and be prepared to adjust your expectations and behavior accordingly.

Health And Safety

When studying abroad, it’s important to prioritize your health and safety. Research the healthcare system in your destination country, and consider purchasing travel health insurance to ensure you have access to medical care if needed. Be aware of any safety concerns in your destination country, such as crime rates or natural disasters, and take steps to protect yourself, such as avoiding risky areas or activities.

Finances

Studying abroad can be expensive, so planning and budgeting are important. Consider the cost of tuition, housing, transportation, food, and other expenses, and research scholarships, grants, or other financial aid options that may be available. It’s also important to consider currency exchange rates and banking options in your destination country.

Exam Preparation Strategies  

A common need for all the above exams is to prepare at least 3 years beforehand. Also, I don’t believe in self-study. First, you need directions, which you will get from a good academy only.  

I’d suggest Khan Academy, Coursera, and Udemy. You can suggest other good names if you find any!  

6 months onwards simulate exam conditions so that the stage fear is gone. Moreover, I suggest using active learning techniques. For example, when you are on a break, try to listen to podcasts and Ted shows. It will help you in exams like TOEFL, TestDaF, and others.  

Conclusion

The standardized exams are critical in determining an international student’s eligibility for admission to universities and colleges abroad. The article has discussed the top seven most important exams for studying abroad, including TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, and MCAT. To prepare for these exams, students should familiarize themselves with the exam format and types of questions, practice with sample questions and tests, and improve their skills in specific areas.

For example, the IELTS course offered by edoxi.com in Dubai is an excellent resource for students preparing for the IELTS exam, helping them boost their English language skills and achieve their academic goals.

Tips For You  

More than 60% of students who qualify for these exams face financial challenges. To sort that out, you can try some unique hacks. Try your luck at universities that allow scholarships based on SAT/GRE/GMAT scores.  

In addition, I’d prefer countries where English proficiency tests are not compulsory.  

Moreover, there are government help schemes for foreign education in your country. Before planning for the exam, explore financing options in detail.  

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