| Updated On - Oct 15, 2024
Indian students must submit various exam scores of as a part of the application process for US universities. SAT and ACT scores are required for undergraduate admissions. GMAT/GRE and MCAT are required for graduate-level courses.
The English Proficiency Tests required in common for all international applicants are IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, etc. It helps to determine the English language proficiency of a candidate. The fees required for exams USA may vary depending on the particular year. The application fee must be paid at the time of registration. It is recommended that you must apply within the mentioned deadline for these exams.
- Application Fees for Exams to Study in USA
- English Language Proficiency Tests to Study in USA
- Exams to Study in USA for UG Programs
- Exams to Study in USA for PG Courses
- FAQs
Application Fees for Exams to Study in USA
The important tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE, and their application fees, deadlines, and purpose are summarized below:
| Test | Application Fee | Upcoming Dates | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | INR 17,000 | October 26, 2024 | | November 2, 2024 | November 7, 2024, November 16, 2024 | Accepted in top abroad universities as criteria for English Proficiency |
| TOEFL | INR 16,900 | November 09, 2024 | November 23, 2024 | December 07, 2024 | January 11, 2025 | February 08, 2025 | Undertaken to examine the listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills of candidates |
| PTE | INR 17,000 | Conducted throughout the year | Determines the English Proficiency level of a candidate |
| SAT | Registration fee: USD 68 + International fee: 43 USD (INR 9,332) | Flexibility available to choose exam date | Taken for admission in the undergraduate courses in the USA |
| LSAT | USD 238 (INR 20,007) | December 3, 2024 | December 24, 2024 | April 2, 2024 | May 27, 2025 | To assess the reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning skills of a candidate |
| GRE | INR 22,550 | Once every 21 days, up to five times within continuous rolling 12 months period | The test is mainly required for admission to business and MBA programs |
| GMAT | INR 22,296 | Rolling | Mainly required for admission in the MBA programs |
| MCAT | Standard Registration: USD 345 | Fee Assistance Program Registration: Additional USD 140 | 30 tests, starting: March 8, 2025 | Ending: September 13, 2025. | Entrance exam for the medical programs abroad |
| DAT | INR 540 | 60-90m days before intended exam date. | Entrance exam required for dental schools in the USA |
English Language Proficiency Tests to Study in USA
Applicants from non-English native countries must demonstrate their English language proficiency skills for higher education in USA. The competitive exams to write to study in USA and their details are given below:
| Exam | Minimum Score Requirements | Universities Accepting the Score |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL | 65-85 | Arizona State University, Cleveland University, Colorado State University |
| IELTS | 6.5-9 | University of Florida, George Washington University, Texas A&M University |
| PTE | 58-70 | University of California, Santa Barbara, University of Illinois at Urbana, University of Texas at Austin |
| DET | 105-115 | Rice University, Northeastern University, University of Maryland |
Exams to Study in USA for UG Programs
Here are the most popular exams required to study in USA across various levels of study:
SAT
The SAT test holds very high significance in a candidate’s application while he/she is applying for an undergraduate program in USA. The SAT scores are accepted by every university in USA
- Minimum required score of 1300.
- However, in some prestigious institutes like Harvard University, a minimum SAT score of 1520 is required.
ACT
ACT is one of the standardized exams accepted in US Universities.
- The minimum score required is around 32-36
- Top colleges that require ACT are MIT, Stanford University, Harvard University, etc.
Exams to Study in USA for PG Courses
Unlike undergraduate admissions, the exams required for graduate courses in USA differ as per the subject chosen. For instance, the GMAT is majorly accepted for MBA or other business courses at the graduate level, the LSAT for law, and the MCAT is accepted for medical courses. On the other hand, GRE scores are accepted for all MS courses in USA regardless of major including finance, engineering, and medicine.
GRE
The GRE exam generally acts as an entrance exam for MS in the USA including business administration, engineering etc. The exam is also accepted for Ph.D.-level courses.
- The applicant can select from 7 subject-specific GRE tests along with the General GRE exam.
- The test consists of three sections Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
- On average, a minimum overall GRE score of 320 is required in top US universities. GRE can also be accepted as an alternative to the GMAT test for admission to an MBA in USA.
LSAT
LSAT or Law School Admission Test is a general exam required for admission to Law schools in USA. Although the average accepted LSAT score is 150, the top 25 law schools ask for a score above 160. A 70% weightage is given to LSAT scores in the majority of US Law schools.
MCAT
Those who wish to get into a medical schools in USA are required to appear in the MCAT exam or Medical College Admission Test. A minimum average MCAT score of 510 is required in USA.
GMAT
GMAT can be one most difficult exams in USA for higher studies.
- US universities accept an average GMAT score of 700, while some top business schools may require a score above 740.
- Many universities may also offer GMAT waiver options with requirements of a higher undergraduate GPA or work experience.
DAT
DAT or Dental Admission Test is required from those who wish to apply to Dental schools in USA. Nearly 66 dental schools accept DAT scores in the USA. The average acceptable score for DAT in USA ranges between 12-28.
OAT
An individual seeking admission to an Optometry School in USA is required to provide OAT exam scores. There are 21 certified Optometry schools in the USA and all of them accept OAT or Optometry Admission Test. The minimum OAT score acceptable in the USA is around 310.
Scoring well in one of these tests surely strengthens a candidate's profile while applying for admission to US Universities. International students are advised to thoroughly check the course and the university's official website to find out what exams are required to study in USA and the official deadlines to submit these scores.
FAQs
Ques. How frequently are popular exams for studying in the USA conducted?
Ans. Each of the English proficiency tests in USA are conducted with distinct frequency of dates. Here are some popular tests and their respective frequencies:
- IELTS: Conducted multiple times a month (e.g., October 26, 2024 | November 2, 2024)
- TOEFL: Several dates available throughout the year (e.g., November 9, 2024 | January 11, 2025)
- PTE: Available year-round, offering flexible dates
- GRE: Once every 21 days, up to 5 times in 12 months
- MCAT: 30 test dates from March to September 2025
Ques. What are the minimum English proficiency test score requirements to study in USA?
Ans. The minimum score requirements for English proficiency tests in USA are as follows:
- Undergraduate Programs: SAT or ACT
- Graduate Programs: GMAT (for MBA), GRE (for MS/PhD), LSAT (for Law), MCAT (for Medical programs), DAT (for Dental), OAT (for Optometry).
Ques. What are the application fees for popular exams to study in USA?
Ans. Some of the most popular exams to study in USA and their respective application fees are as follows:
- IELTS: INR 17,000
- TOEFL: INR 16,900
- PTE: INR 17,000
- SAT: USD 68 + International fee of USD 43 (INR 9,332)
- LSAT: USD 238 (INR 20,007)
- GRE: INR 22,550
- GMAT: INR 22,296
- MCAT: USD 345 (Standard), USD 140 (Fee Assistance Program)
Comments
16 Comments