Many students often ask, “Which Exam is Required for Study in USA?”—a crucial question when planning your academic journey to top US institutions. If you’re planning to pursue higher education in the USA, one of the important steps is to take standardized exams required by universities. These exams assess your academic abilities and English language proficiency. Here’s what you need to know about the key exams for studying in the USA.

What Are the Common Exams Required for Undergraduate and Graduate Studies?

1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

• Purpose: Measures English language proficiency for non-native speakers.
• Accepted by: Most US universities.
• Format: Internet-based test (iBT), includes reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections.
• Score Range: 0-120; typical requirement is 80–100+ for admission.

2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

• Purpose: Another popular English proficiency test accepted by US universities.
• Format: Four sections – listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
• Score Range: 0–9; universities usually require 6.5 or above.

3. SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

• Purpose: Standardized test mainly for undergraduate admissions.
• Sections: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing, Math, and optional Essay.
• Score Range: 400–1600; required by many universities, especially for scholarships.

4. ACT (American College Testing)

• Purpose: Alternative to SAT for undergraduate admissions.
• Sections: English, Math, Reading, Science, with optional Writing.
• Score Range: 1–36; accepted by all US colleges.

5. GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

• Purpose: Required for many graduate programs (Masters and PhDs).
• Sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing.
• Score Range: Verbal and Quantitative (130–170 each), Writing (0–6).
• Note: Many US universities have started offering test-optional programs or waive the GRE requirement altogether.
  Here is the detailed blog about studying masters in USA without GRE for Indian students.

6. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

• Purpose: Required for most business school MBA programs.
• Sections: Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal.
• Score Range: 200–800.

How to Decide Which Exam is Required for Study in USA?

• Undergraduate Applicants: Usually take TOEFL or IELTS for English, plus SAT or ACT for admission.
• Graduate Applicants: Take TOEFL or IELTS for English, plus GRE or GMAT depending on the program.
• Check University Requirements: Always review specific test requirements on the official university admissions pages as they vary.

Tips for Exam Preparation

• Start preparing early to improve your scores.
• Use official practice tests and prep materials.
• Consider coaching or online courses if needed.
• Schedule your exam in advance, allowing time for retakes if necessary.

Why Choose the USA for Higher Studies?

If you’re wondering why the USA remains a top destination for global students, learn about the advantages of studying in the USA, from quality education to vibrant campus life, in our dedicated article here:
👉 Why Choose USA for Higher Studies