Jasmine Grover Content Strategy Manager
Content Strategy Manager | Updated On - Apr 22, 2025
If you are planning to study in the USA, you must know about the important exams required for admission to American universities. Certain entrance exams and English proficiency tests are mandatory if you are applying for undergraduate, postgraduate, or specialized courses like engineering or management. The popular exams required to study in the USA include IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT, and ACT. These exams assess your academic readiness and English language proficiency, essential for all international students, especially from India.
For master's programs (MS in USA), exams like the GRE, GMAT, and relevant English exams (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE) are commonly required. Similarly, the SAT and ACT are key entrance exams for undergraduate courses. Depending on your field— engineering, management, or medicine (like MCAT for medical courses)—you might need to take specific USA entrance exams. It's important to check which English proficiency test is accepted in the USA by your chosen university and program.
- 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 | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | INR 17,000 | Accepted in top abroad universities as criteria for English Proficiency |
| TOEFL | INR 16,900 | Undertaken to examine the listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills of candidates |
| PTE | INR 18,000 | Determines the English Proficiency level of a candidate |
| SAT | Registration fee: USD 68 + International fee: 43 USD (INR 9,332) | Taken for admission in the undergraduate courses in the USA |
| LSAT | USD 238 (INR 20,007) | To assess the reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning skills of a candidate |
| GRE | INR 22,550 | The test is mainly required for admission to business and MBA programs |
| GMAT | INR 22,296 | Mainly required for admission in the MBA programs |
| MCAT | Standard Registration: USD 345 | Fee Assistance Program Registration: Additional USD 140 | Entrance exam for the medical programs abroad |
| DAT | INR 540 | 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 | 75 – 80 | 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 Required 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 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 Score: 1300 (general), 1520+ for top universities like Harvard.
- Format: Fully digital
- Duration: 2 hrs 14 mins.
- Sections:
- Reading & Writing: 64 mins, 54 adaptive questions.
- Math: 70 mins, 44 adaptive questions, calculator allowed.
- Fees (India): $130.98 (~₹11,000+)
- Next Test Date: May 3, 2025 (register by April 18).
ACT
ACT is one of the standardized exams accepted in US Universities for UG courses, especially for people strong in trigonometry and analytical skills. The minimum score required is around 32-36. Top colleges that require ACT are MIT, Stanford University, Harvard University, etc.
- Duration: 2 hrs 55 mins (without Writing), 3 hrs 35 mins (with Writing)
- Fees (2025): $65 (without Writing), $90 (with Writing)
- Sections: Math, English, Reading, Science (optional online), Writing
- Scoring: Competitive universities expect 30+; mid-tier schools accept mid-20s
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 to MS, MBA, and PhD programs in the USA. The applicant can select from 7 subject-specific GRE tests along with the General GRE. 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.
- Exam Duration: 1 hour 58 minutes (shortened format, no unscored sections).
- Sections:
- Analytical Writing: 1 essay (30 minutes).
- Verbal Reasoning: 27 questions (41 minutes).
- Quantitative Reasoning: 27 questions (47 minutes).
- Subject Tests Available: Only 3 subjects — Mathematics, Physics, Psychology.
- Exam Fees (India): $130.98 (approx. ₹11,500).
A 320+ composite score places applicants in the top 20% (80th percentile). Top universities like Stanford and MIT expect scores of 325–330+.
LSAT
LSAT or Law School Admission Test is a general exam required for admission to Law schools in USA. LSAT India has been discontinued for 2025.
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. The MCAT is required for admission to medical programs (MD) in the USA. In 2025, the exam has been shortened to 7.5 hours (from 8.5 hours in 2024).
Key Sections:
- Chemical Foundations: 59 questions
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning (CARS): 53 questions
- Biological Systems: 59 questions
2025 Test Dates (relevant for Indian students):
- March 21 — Register by Jan 20, scores out April 22
- April 25 — Register by Feb 24, scores out May 28
- May 15 — Register by Mar 15, scores out June 17
Score Range: 472–528, with a 510+ considered competitive for top MD programs (based on historical data).
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. 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 18,000
- 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
Found 40 Comments