Are you planning to pursue a master’s degree in the USA? If yes, then there is a complete list of things that you must keep handy. From academic transcripts of your entire educational journey to financial proof and the proof of your academic excellence, you will require a lot of documents to attach with your admission application and every process from there. So, as you prepare for everything else, today, in this blog we will cover all you need to know about the great GRE exam. In this step-by-step guide we will share the GRE exam dates 2025, how to apply for GRE exam, the registration fees, GRE exam patterns, and most importantly how to prepare for the GRE exam. So, without sparing another minute, let’s give you the best tips to crack GRE exam in 2025.

GRE Exam: In a Quick Glance

As the purpose of a GRE exam is to assess the readiness of students for graduate school or business programs, it is crucial for you to know what the exam is before you start preparing for the same. So, here’s all you need to know about the GRE exam in the easiest manner possible.

NOTE: Do note that this information is not for term 2024-2025 but only for 2025. For more information, clarification, and recent updates, students are advised to visit the official website of ETS, the conducting body.

How to Prepare for GRE Exam in 2025?

The GRE Exam is for students who are either in their final year of undergraduate or who have completed their under-graduation degree and now wish to pursue higher education abroad. If you also land in this category, then to get admission in a US university, you will require to crack the GRE exam in 2025.

Now, before we shed light on how to prepare for GRE exam, let’s understand in a crux about what is GRE.

About GRE

The GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination, which is taken by students who want to pursue a master’s degree in business courses. This exam evaluates the readiness of students for the university level academic challenge. This exam is majorly taken by international students who want to study in a US business school. The 3 hours and 30 minutes long exam is one of the crucial milestones that study abroad aspirants must achieve to accomplish their dream.

As you are also one of those students who wants to know more about the GRE exam, then let’s get to the point. You must know that the GRE exam requires careful planning, consistent effort, and structured study strategy. So, for your assistance, below are the tips that will help you crack GRE exam in 2025 with ease.

1. Understand the Exam Format

To prepare for your GRE exam, it is crucial for you to know the GRE exam pattern. Make sure before you start with your preparations or panic about the lengthy test, you know your exam. As people say, before studying for the exam, one must study the exam; hence, make yourself familiar with the GRE exam pattern and understand the format.

The most commonly taken exam to study abroad for a master’s degree is GRE, and in this there are two further types. As you must have checked above, there is GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test, you must know which one you are taking. Majorly students go for the General Test which consists of three sections; verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. These sections analyse your ability to evaluate the written material, basic math skills, and the to articulate complex ideas.

2. Set Realistic Target

Once you have gathered the necessary knowledge about the GRE exam, it is time for you to set a target. Whenever it comes to a competitive exam, the pressure always makes students to set the best of the goals. This pressure become the reason of overburden and poor performance. To ensure you take no such risks, it is better you set realistic goals. Now, how would you do that? To set and achieve the realistic score in your GRE exam, you must research well. Research the universities you want to apply in. Check the eligibility requirements and what the acceptable GRE exam score is.

Once you know how much you have to achieve you get admission in your preferred university, you won’t be taking much pressure. As your goal will be set clearly, you can study accordingly. Most competitive programs require scores between 160-170 in verbal and quantitative, and 4.0-6.0 in the analytical writing section, so you can plan your studies as per the requirements.

3. Create a Study Plan

By now you will have a clear understanding of how much you have to score to secure a place in your preferred university. After setting the realistic goal comes the point of creating a study plan. As mentioned earlier that GRE exam is taken by students who are either in their final year of graduation or are graduate students. If you are one of these, then you must by juggling your GRE exam preparations.

Ideally, to clear your GRE exam, you need 3-6 months of preparation. 3 months of preparation is you are studying full-time without managing any other responsibilities like college or work. For this, you can study 3-4 hours rigorously in a day and you can crack the GRE exam in 2025 easily.

However, if you have other responsibilities too so may require 6 months or so. In this situation, giving 2 hours of daily practice for 6 months will get you accomplish your ultimate goal. The best way to study successfully and with complete concentration is through the Pomodoro technique, where you study for 30 minutes and take 5-minute break.

4. Gather Study Material

As your study plan is also ready, it is time to gather your study materials. One of the most common mistakes students make while preparing for any exam is directly trying to solve the sample paper. Where a few right or wrong answers can make or break the confidence, it is always better to start with preparations first than go for practice tests.

When it comes to start with the preparations, there are many study materials available. From YouTube videos to online applications, you can find study material anywhere. But what’s the most important thing here is to ensure your chosen study material is authentic and correct. So, instead of enrolling into any course and paying huge amount of money or before buying costly books, you better do your research. The required assistance, in terms of personalised guidance and study notes, you can also get here at MetaApply, with our TestPrep service. So, enrol wisely.

5. Take Practice Tests

Now, to check your how well you can perform in your GRE exam, it is time for you to check where do you stand. After months of preparation and learning, finally comes the step of taking practice test. A practice test makes you understand your worth. Before taking the final exam, make sure you at least take 4-5 practice tests or previous exams to check your knowledge. This will help you understand what your weaknesses are.

As there are three sections in the General Test, it is crucial for you to excel in each section or at least score the minimum number to get accepted in your dream university. So, to analyse your strengths and weaknesses and to get the knowledge of how much time it will take you to finish the exam, it is crucial you take the practice tests. The original exam is 3 hours and 30 minutes long and to ensure you complete it within the given timeline, you better check your speed through practice tests.

The preparation tips may end here, but to keep you prepared for your exam day, below are some crucial things you must keep in mind.

Additional Tip- The D-Day Strategy!

How to Apply for GRE Exam in 2025?

To simplify the process and make it clear, below is the process with which you can know how to apply for GRE exam in 2025.

• Create an ETS Account
• Choose Your GRE Test Type
• Select Your Preferred Test Date and Location
• Register for the GRE Exam
• Confirmation and Admission Ticket
• Prepare for the Exam

Prepare for GRE with Expert Guidance

As the blog comes to an end, we have tried to cover all the crucial information there is for study abroad aspirants to know about. With these tips, we believe you can easily crack your GRE exam in 2025 without hassling much. However, if you still need a concrete plan to go study abroad or to go study in USA, you have MetaApply as your trusted guide. We understand the value of study abroad dream of students and how crucial it is in transforming and growth. So, if you need guidance in finding the best course and college, along with needing help with the standardise exams to study abroad, then we are just the place for you. Here, you get guidance at every step and our team of experts ensure you pass all the study abroad hurdles without much hassle.

So, what are you waiting for? Connect with our experts today.

PTE Academic is an approved English proficiency test for candidates planning to study, work, or migrate to an English-speaking country. Given that it is still early in the year 2025, familiarising yourself with the PTE exam pattern is extremely important. The exam pattern for PTE 2025 has changed with dynamic features that meet the requirements of students and working professionals.

The changes proposed in the PTE Exam Pattern 2025 have been made to initially prepare international students to solve certain tasks that might resemble real-life situations in the academic environment and further – in the workplace. These changes are intended to present a more comprehensive assessment of the candidate’s English, guaranteeing them ready to face the challenges of learning or working in an English-speaking country making it one of the preferred exams to study abroad.

In the blog, we’ll explain the exam pattern, the recent changes that have been made, the format of each section, the syllabus, and guidelines for registration, preparation, and achieving the desired score. By the end of this guide, you will have enough knowledge regarding the PTE exam to improve your experience in this exam.

What is the PTE Exam?

PTE stands for Pearson Test of English, a test whose main purpose is to check the understanding of foreign candidates’ English. The most common cases where people use are when planning to study in other countries and for immigration. The PTE test determines how effectively a candidate comprehends written or spoken words and how well a candidate writes or speaks English.

PTE Exam Pattern 2025 Highlights

Students are advised to check out the PTE Exam Pattern 2025 details mentioned below:

PTE Exam Pattern 2025 – New Changes

This PTE test has undergone some changes over the years of its existence. Examinees will experience the revised pattern in 2025 for better adjustment to international language competency tests. Some of the changes include the type of test, the scoring method, and the registration process.

Key Updates:

Shorter Test Duration: The newly introduced PTE exam pattern 2025 suggests that this test should take only around two hours of the candidate’s time in total. This change aims to eliminate test-taker fatigue and increase the concentration of examinees.

Enhanced Question Types: Some new question types have been introduced to test the practical use of the language. These questions relate to communication skills that are relevant in everyday practice.

Integrated Skills Testing: The test has now shifted to combined skills, where the proficiency of a test-taker in both language comprehension and their capability to perform multiple language skills simultaneously are assessed.

PTE Academic Test Format

The PTE Academic test format is important to learn as it provides an exam overview making sure you have enough time for test prep. The PTE Academic Exam is divided into three main parts that revolve around four skills, such as Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening.

 

PTE Exam Pattern 2025 – Section-wise

Refer to the segment-wise descriptions below for each section explaining the PTE Exam Pattern 2025 in detail:

Speaking and Writing

This section aims to assess the candidates’ abilities in spoken and written communication. It consists of six parts that challenge candidates to answer questions quickly when speaking and writing. This section is allocated 54 to 67 minutes, with the time distribution as follows:

Read Aloud: Test-takers read a text aloud.
Repeat Sentence: Repeat a sentence after hearing it.
Describe Image: Describe an image presented on the screen.
Re-tell Lecture: Summarise a lecture given in audio form.
Summarise Written Text: Summarise the main points of a text.

 

Reading Section

This section examines candidates based on how well they comprehend written instructions in the language. It is divided into five segments, taking approximately 29 to 30 minutes. The tasks include:

Multiple-choice questions: Answer questions about a specific text.
Re-order Paragraphs: Order paragraphs that have been rearranged.
Fill in the Blanks: Complete words in sentences where some are missing.

 

Listening

This section takes 30 to 43 minutes and assesses how well the candidate comprehends spoken English. Candidates listen to audio files and understand the content. This section is divided into eight parts, with tasks such as:

Summarise Spoken Text: Explain the content of a spoken piece.
Multiple-Choice Questions: Listen and answer questions.
Fill in the Blanks: Complete spoken texts with missing words.
Highlight Incorrect Words: Identify words that do not match the audio.

 

PTE Registration 2025

Candidates wishing to take the PTE exam in 2025 must follow the steps below to ensure successful PTE exam booking:

Step 1: Visit the official website at mypte.pearsonpte.com.
Step 2: Create an account.
Step 3: Enter personal and academic details.
Step 4: Choose a suitable test date and centre.
Step 5: Confirm the booking.
Step 6: Pay the exam fee using a credit or debit card.
Step 7: Check the registration confirmation via the registered email address.

PTE Scoring Pattern 2025

The PTE test scoring is done through a machine, with a total score range from 10 to 90. Each section (Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening) is rated individually, and the total score is the sum of these sections. Tasks are marked in two ways:

Correct or Incorrect: Full marks for correct answers; no marks for incorrect answers.
Partial Credit: Tasks are scored based on the degree of correctness, with partial credit for partially correct answers.

PTE Score Validity

PTE scores are valid for two years from the date of the results. Candidates can forward their PTE scorecards to various institutions within this period.

What is a Good PTE Score?

There is no universally “good” PTE score, as it depends on the requirements of the universities or organisations. Generally, scores between 50 and 63 are considered satisfactory, while scores between 65 and 75 are usually required for admission to prestigious institutions.

PTE Results and Score

Result Timeline: PTE scores are typically released within two days of the test.

Accessing Scores: Candidates can view their scores online via their PTE accounts and forward them to institutions as needed.

Conclusion

The PTE exam pattern 2025 introduces changes that aim to improve the candidate’s exam experience. With this guide, candidates can confidently prepare for the PTE test, knowing the format, content, registration process, and more to complete their study abroad dream.

Hey there, study abroad aspirants! There must be numerous instances where you’ve asked yourself, “How do I study abroad?” At times, it may have felt like you’re not sure if you’re on the right track or if you should drop the idea altogether. Sometimes it might seem like you’re a character in a fictional series, stuck in Season 3, Episode 11, unsure of what’s happening. But we understand that the study abroad planning process can feel like a series with multiple open-ended storylines. This story may end with an interesting outcome, but the journey can sometimes seem off track. Don’t be disheartened – after all, as someone once said, to achieve the end goal, you have to keep moving forward. Today, in this blog, we’ll discuss a standardised exam that students often take when planning to study in the USA: the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test). Rest assured; this could change the direction of your story.

Now, you may have a thousand questions on your mind, such as: What is the SAT? How long is the SAT? How should you prepare for the SAT? When should you take the SAT? And many more. Well, hold on to those questions, because today we are covering the SAT in a nutshell. In simpler terms, we’ll provide you with all the essential information you need about the SAT. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this episode of study abroad planning.

What is SAT?

It is a type of standardised exam that students in high school or those over the age of 17 take to gain admission to a foreign university.

SAT stands for Scholastic Assessment Test. This test is conducted to assess the college readiness of students. The exam opens a gateway for students who wish to pursue undergraduate programmes and courses at American or Canadian universities.

Taking the SAT helps students build a stronger foundation for their future. This standardised exam was a paper-based test until 2023, but the College Board (the official organisation that conducts the SAT) decided to make it digital to make it more accessible for students across the globe.

SAT in a Nutshell: Format, Score, Dates, and Registration

Before starting with the exam preparation, students usually tend to look out for the exam duration. This not only helps in understanding how much time you’ll get to cover the exam but also provides moral support to seamlessly manage your time and prepare effectively.

To answer all your “whys?” and “hows?” We have combined the information in the table below for a better understanding.

Now that you have got ample information on the SAT, let’s see how you can prepare to crack this exam with ease.

Tips to Prepare for the SAT

The SAT exam is for students to get admission to a bachelor’s degree in American and Canadian universities. Well, with education being easily accessible worldwide through the web, the Scholastic Assessment Test has become a digital examination.

Here are some of the tips and tricks you may need to crack your SAT exam in one go. Hence, to help you get into your dream university abroad, let’s see what your action plan for your SAT exam should be.

Know the SAT exam format

One of the common traits we have seen in students before they take any exam is that they are afraid of either the exam or failing that exam. So, before you start reading for the exam you need to understand the exam, know the SAT exam format, and familiarise yourself with the concepts.

The SAT exam is divided into two major sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) which consists of questions like passages, grammar, usage, and understanding of the concept based on subjects like literature, social science, and science. The next section is on Math which includes algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, trigonometry, and advanced math.

Create a Study Schedule

Now that you know what your SAT exam is about and even how many questions are on the SAT exam, it is better if you start with a study schedule. In case you are a schooler, we know that you have your hands full. From juggling between classes and extracurricular activities, you hardly get the time to relax. In between this, when the preparations for the SAT exam comes into the picture, it might overwhelm you with pressure. However, to ease yourself a little, you should set your priorities. Knowing that the SAT exam course is like what you are studying every day in school, it will be better if you study attentively even if it is for one hour. You must begin at your pace and eventually increase the time as the exam approaches.

Focus on Weaker Areas

One of the common mistakes’ students intend to make is leaving complex topics for later because they are hard to understand. Well, when the complex questions are the most crucial part of your SAT exam, you should cover it all. To know what your weaker areas are, you must go through the sample papers, as this will not only help you identify your weaker spots, but you will also get an understanding of how long the SAT test is. Once you have identified the challenges, plan your study schedule so that you can give more attention to the tough topics. For example, if trigonometry is giving you a hard time, it is better to work on it more. To check your progress, you must review the sample papers again and answer the questions.

Take Practice Tests

As they say, practice makes a person perfect, it is better if you keep testing your abilities with the help of sample papers to ensure you know how to clear this exam in one go. The SAT exam is a combination of various subjects, while some can be your strong spots, in some places you may need to give extra attention. Solving practice tests will help you understand the SAT exam format, how long the SAT test is, and what should be your action plan to solve the problems. There are several sections in your SAT exam with time limits. Working on practice tests will also help you increase your speed and when you will be taking the SAT exam for the final time, you won’t have to worry about what is you missed a question or two.

Find an SAT Tutor

Having your concepts clear is the most crucial thing when it is time to take any exam. Whether you are preparing for a mid-term exam, term-end examination, or even for a standardised test like SAT, having all concepts clear is important. As everyone has their weaknesses, you must find yourself stuck in some Math problem and even after solving it multiple times you might not get to the correct answer. This may lead to frustration and leaving that topic for later. However, as we said you must face your challenges and work on your weaker areas, when you are finding it tough to solve it yourself, you can get help from someone else. This other person can be your parent, a friend, a tutor, or an expert on the SAT exam. Finding a tutor will help you clear your concepts and doubts, which will result in better scores and getting accepted into your dream college abroad.

Crack Your SAT Exam with MetaApply Expert Consultation

So, now that you have the perfect storyline for your series and got the desired ending, we believe you have got all the required information you were looking for. The SAT is not as tough as you may think it is, with the correct study approach you will be able to crack it only when you know the format and types of questions. Hence, you must create a study schedule, familiarise yourself with the SAT exam format, and practice as much as possible.

To be your trusted partner in your SAT preparations, MetaApply is right here. Our professional experts cater to all the study abroad needs. Whether you are struggling with a language proficiency exam or a standardised exam, we have you covered at every step. You can connect with the experts either through our website or by visiting our experience centres in Jaipur, Noida, Hyderabad, Pure, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad.

Whenever a student decides to study abroad, one of the most common English proficiency exams that comes to their mind is IELTS. It isn’t because any other language proficiency exam is not that important, but the fact that IELTS is a 44-year-old test and thousands of people have taken this exam for study, work, or migration abroad. When we compare IELTS and PTE, the popularity of IELTS outranks PTE. But if we talk about the value of both exams, they are equally important for a person willing to study, work, or migrate to an English-speaking country.

If you are someone who wishes to pursue their studies abroad but is confused about which one to pick from PTE vs IELTS, then in this blog we are going to ease it for you. Hence, without further ado, let’s get started.

About IELTS

Originated in 1980, IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, is one of the oldest English proficiency exams that is highly acceptable in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, and more. The IELTS test score is accepted by more than 11,000 organisations across the globe, which means not only study abroad aspirants, but people who wish to work abroad can also take this English proficiency exam.

The IELTS exam is divided into three categories; IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, and IELTS for UKVI. Where IELTS Academic is for students who wish to study abroad, IELTS GT is suitable for people who wish to migrate to an English-speaking country, and at last IELTS for UKVI is for people who wish to seek permanent residency in the UK.

The IELTS Academic, which is taken by every other study abroad aspirant, contains four different sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The IELTS exam is both pen-paper based and can be taken online. The IELTS band score ranges from 0 to 9 where 0 means the applicant didn’t appear for the exam and 9 showcases their expertise in the English language. The average accepted score globally is 6.

About PTE

Originated in 1982, PTE, or Pearson Test of English, is another popular English proficiency exam that study abroad aspirants and migrants take to get visa approval for studying or working in an English-speaking country. PTE is the first-ever computer-based language proficiency exam that study abroad aspirants have been taking. This English proficiency exam is widely accepted in countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, New Zealand, and more. One of the reasons why IELTS outranks PTE is that PTE is only accepted by 3,000 organisations across the globe.

Just like any other English proficiency exam, PTE is also divided into four sections; reading, writing, listening, and speaking. However, these four sections are different in each category. The PTE Academic is a test for students who wish to study abroad where they have scores ranging between 10-90 where 10 means poor and 90 means exceptional. The average passing score for students is 50-55.

Besides the PTE Academic, there are two more categories; PTE Core and UK via tests. PTE Core is the same as IELTS General Training as it is for those who wish to work and migrate to an English-speaking foreign land. Lastly, the UK via tests by PTE is an exam for those who wish to gain permanent residency in the UK.

Difference between IELTS and PTE

As you are a study abroad aspirant or someone wishing to work in an English-speaking country, it is a must for you to know what the difference between IELTS and PTE is. Hence, to simplify the difference between the English proficiency exams, we have created a table before for your reference.

PTE VS IELTS: Which is easier?

If you know everything, every exam is easy for you, but if you don’t know the basics, every English proficiency exam will seem like a big obstacle. When you are juggling PTE vs IELTS and can’t decide which one is easier, you may feel overwhelmed.

The decision to study for the right language proficiency exam depends on your dream college and country where you want to study or work. Depending upon the requirements of the university and country, only then will you be able to know which exam you have to take and for which you should take the required tension.

Well, to ease your confusion between PTE vs IELTS which is easy, below we are mentioning some quality tips that will help you prepare for your English proficiency exam effectively.

Tips to Prepare for IELTS and PTE

When you wonder about IELTS vs PTE, which exam is easy, you may fail to find the correct answer to it. As your dream destination’s requirement plays a big role in this decision, another crucial factor is knowing what the test is about. The minute you know what exam you are facing; you will not feel overwhelmed and might even crack it on your first attempt. Hence, to make the exams to study abroad easier for you, here are some effective tips.

Understand the Test Format

As you know every study abroad English proficiency exam contains the same four sections; reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It becomes crucial for you to know and completely understand the test format. If we talk about IELTS and PTE, there are various categories of these exams, but as you are a student, the Academic exam of both tests is the most suitable one for you. Now, the IELTS academic exam is both pen-paper-based and computer-based; hence, it becomes crucial for you to attentively practice for both types and at least be attentive while preparing for the selected exam.

Create a Study Plan

The next and most important tip for students like you who wish to study abroad after the 12th is to create a study plan. Having a study plan helps in stay focused on your goal and in this manner, you will not fear the study material. When you don’t know about any test, either PTE, IELTS, or TOEFL, you may find it challenging and a little too much. But with a clear study plan in your hand that is effective as well, you may easily be able to crack the exam on your first attempt. All you must do is follow the Pomodoro technique where you study effectively for one hour and then take a break. This will increase your productivity and easily blend with your 12th-class studies.

Use Practice Tests

The next step in your preparation should be doing as many practice tests as possible. Once you have decided which exam to pick between PTE vs IELTS, you should gather all the study materials and practice tests. When you work on sample papers, you understand what kind of questions there can be and how effectively you can finish each section. The 3 hours of PTE test or 2 hours 24 minutes of the IELTS exam are divided into four crucial sections and missing any of them can lead to failure. To ensure you are on the correct path, you should take as many sample papers as possible to increase your speed and be able to answer every question.

Enhance your Skillset

Talking about answering every question in your IELTS or PTE exam, you need to enhance each of your skills. As you know every English proficiency exam is divided into four sections, each of these sections is crucial as you can’t skip any of them. Hence, when you are working hard to secure a great brand score, try working on sections you are a little weak in. For instance, if you get anxious while communicating in English with someone, you can begin with that and speak English constantly to even correct your pronunciation. Besides this, you should also work on fast reading, expanding your vocabulary, and using correct grammar and punctuation.

Find a Study Partner

To ease the burden of studies and make your revision sessions interesting you should find a study partner. Now, this study partner doesn’t have to be a fellow study abroad aspirant, it can be any of your friends who can keep you focused on your studies and ensure whatever you study, you memorise it well. The best you can do is find a guide in your study partner, someone who will not only study along with you but can also correct you when you are wrong. To find the best study partner and make the most of your study sessions, you can find a guide. One such guide, tutor, and mentor for your study abroad exams you can get is at MetaApply’s TestPrep.

Enhance Your English Skills with MetaApply’s TestPrep

To fulfill your dream of studying abroad, you must pass the obstacle of English proficiency exams. As there are various great exams you can take like PTE, IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, etc., for your student visa, ensure you know everything before you take the test because you can’t miss the crucial opportunity. In this write-up, we have mentioned the exams, what are the commonalities and differences between them along with how you should prepare for your English proficiency exams. Moreover, as you may need personal assistance to clear your language test and make it a little easier and more understandable, we have got you covered. At MetaApply’s TestPrep masterclass, you get the chance to learn from the best experts and crack your language tests with four to five weeks of practice. So, to get to your dream destination without any challenges, contact our experts today.

Getting a degree from a foreign university is popular among students nowadays mostly due to the diverse options available in foreign countries whether they are of personal growth or professional. If you are one such individual then you need to be well-versed in the concept of studying abroad. To study in a foreign university where English is the primary language, one needs to provide an English proficiency score.

Passing the exam is crucial for every study abroad aspirant. There are various types of English proficiency exams one can take. Some of the most common entrance exams to study abroad a student has to take are GMAT, GRE, SAT, LSAT, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, ACT, and MCAT. However, you must go through the university guidelines to check the eligible English proficiency exam for college admission.

In this blog, you will come across all the major study abroad tests along with the list of common assessment exams a study abroad aspirant has to take. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the ocean of knowledge.

Top Exams to Study Abroad

International students applying to foreign universities need to take certain exams to be eligible for their shortlisted universities. In English-speaking countries, students would have to take English proficiency tests along with their standardised test to get into foreign universities. Below given is the list of exams to study abroad:

1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the most popular English Proficiency Test for aspirants who wish to study, work, or migrate abroad. Every year, more than 3 million people take the IELTS exam. The British Council and IDP jointly own and conduct the IELTS exam.

The IELTS exam assesses the communication skills of the students in four segments such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The IELTS exam is scored from 0 to 9, with students who have a minimum score of 6 are accepted globally.

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

TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is another popular and globally recognised exam that is taken by the countries for admitting students to study abroad. More than 11,000 universities and 150 nations including the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada accept TOEFL scores of Indian students.

In this exam, students are required to sit for a four-hour examination administered by a computer. Also, it evaluates the mastery of the English language by scholars; this includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension. The TOEFL scores are only valid for two years after the result declaration when offering such tests for abroad studies. It is assessed by earning 0-30 points for each sector, leading to a 0-120 points overall. Each section gives a top score of 24-30.

3. PTE (Pearson Test of English)

Pearson Test of English (PTE) is an English proficiency test which is accepted by top universities in the USA, UK, Canada, and New Zealand. It gauges your ability to communicate by testing your writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills. The PTE test score is valid for 2 years for the students against the global scale of English.

The PTE test does not restrict candidates by age and does not restrict them from appearing for the PTE examination. You must be at least sixteen years of age; the exam fee is approximately Rs.13000, and this exam occurs several times in a year. PTE does not have any set of rules regarding the eligibility for the test or candidates. The exam takes place via computer and candidates are allowed a maximum of three hours.

4. Duolingo Test

Recently, the Duolingo Test has also been accepted in many countries such as the USA, Australia, and many more for students wishing to study abroad. The duration of the Duolingo test is 60 minutes.

The Duolingo Test is segregated into three segments: the introduction, adaptive test, and video interview. The Duolingo Test is scored between 10 to 160, 160 being the highest score for students with advanced knowledge of the English Language.

5. SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

The Scholastic Assessment Test is also conducted for UG programmes in both Canada and the United States. The test is in the written format and its purpose is to determine the subject level expertise in English and Mathematics. This exam to study abroad is divided into two sets; the first one is three hours and the other is three hours and fifty minutes the first section contains essay-based questions and the second section is on Mathematical questions. Moreover, the SAT scores are also recognised by different universities in the UK.

Do note that the SAT entails reading, writing, as well as mathematical skills in multiple-choice questions. Maths is then divided into two: with the use of a calculator and without the use of a calculator.

6. ACT (American College Testing)

American College Testing is a standardised test for the major universities’ admissions for undergraduate programmes in the USA. It measures the college academic preparedness of native and international students. Besides this, ACT scores are also recognised by Canadian universities. The students willing to study in the USA must take the three-hour American College Testing exam. However, those students who intend to apply to a particular college, have to decide between taking the SAT or the ACT.

Like most standardised tests, ACT is divided into four sections; English, Reading, Math, and Science. Furthermore, it ranges from one to 36 points for each of the divisions that are being assessed. Apart from the four sections, ACT has an option of writing an essay; this one comes with an additional 40 minutes.

7. GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test)

The Graduate Management Admission Test is known to be one of the best MBA programmes for overseas education. The GMAT exam is used for admission into the best business and management universities across the globe. The GMAT exam is used to evaluate student’s performance in analytical, writing, quantitative, reading, and communication skills.

This examination is administered and supervised by the Graduate Management Admission Council. The duration of the GMAT is 2 hours 15 minutes and this examination is valid for studying in Canada, USA, and Germany.

8. GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

The Graduate Record Examination is also conducted and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), it is for admission to graduate school. The score of this particular study abroad exam is accepted in countries like the US, Canada and Australia. However, most European countries do not mandate GRE scores. Over 1200 business universities recognise the GRE globally.

GRE is a computer-based exam which includes students’ quantitative, writing and verbal skills. GRE consists of various sections such as analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. Furthermore, this test is scored on a scale of 130 to 173; with 160s being the highest score.

9. MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

The Medical College Admission Test is conducted and administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). A medical entrance examination for medical schools in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Caribbean Islands. This exam is conducted 25 times in 21 different countries in a year. They mainly apply it to gauge the students’ capacities in analysis, reasoning, psychology, and systems biology. Therefore, the MCAT is one of the tests taken for foreign studies in the medical field.

This exam has four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior; and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills.

10. LSAT (Law School Admission Test)

LSAT is conducted and administered by the Law Admission Council. This exam to study abroad is of two types: LSAT Indian, and LSAT Abroad. The LSAT abroad is for admission into the best law schools in the USA, Australia and Canada. This test is administered six times a year; each session lasts three hours and thirty minutes.

There are three categories of scored LSAT; reading comprehension, logic games, and logical reasoning. In addition, there is one writing sample that is unscored throughout the test.

There are many other such study abroad exams for students wishing to gain overseas education; however, the list of exams we’ve covered are the most important ones you need to understand.

Conclusion

Choosing the right exam is crucial for students wanting to go for overseas education. Students are advised to check the country and university first before appearing for the examinations. MetaApply provides a one-stop platform for students by providing information and courses for all the study abroad examinations whether you’re looking for a standardised exam or any other English Proficiency Test.

With MetaApply’s TestPrep classes, you get an exclusive chance to connect with experts directly and crack your English Proficiency Exams within four to five weeks. So, if you are ready to study abroad and want complete assistance, then connect with us and get yourself consultations about the best university, online classes, financial aid, accommodations, and much more.

“A good education is a foundation for a better future.”- Elizabeth Warren

If you are a parent, then you will know how crucial it is for your child(ren) to get quality education for a brighter future. But if you are a student, then slowly but surely you will know the importance of quality education to build a stronger foundation for your shining future.

When we talk about the trends in today’s education, it seems like students and parents are more inclined toward practical education rather than going for theoretical knowledge. This has become one of the reasons why students prefer studying abroad. It is completely understandable if you are also a student who wishes to study abroad. Today, let’s start your journey with ease to your desired destination.

The Journey Abroad

The journey of overseas education is not an easy one. When you consider the chance of foreign yet practical education, there is a list of challenges that are always there. From finding the perfect course, university, financial aid, and a place to live there to minor yet critical challenges like feeling homesick, the planning and procedure of getting into your dream college, writing acceptable SOPs, and most importantly, clearing your English proficiency test.

As you may know, it is always better to take one step at a time, today, we are going to explore the path of English proficiency tests. In this blog, we will explore the step-by-step study guide to crack your IELTS and TOEFL exams. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

About IELTS

IELTS or International English Language Testing System, is one of the most popular English proficiency tests that is for work, study, and migration. If you are someone who wishes to study, work, or settle in a foreign land such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, etc., then this is one such test that you must take.

An IELTS exam consists of four sections; reading, writing, speaking, and listening. As these four are the most basic yet crucial parts of your English communication in a foreign land, hence, it becomes compulsory for you to take the international entrance exam for study abroad. This 30-year-old English language test is 2 hours and 45 minutes and can either be conducted online or offline based on your preference.

In the IELTS test, there is nothing as such pass or fail, there are band scores between 0 to 9 that are valid for two years. 0 indicates that the candidate didn’t appear in the exam and 9 states that the candidate is an expert in the English language. The average score to get a visa is 5. However, there is one crucial thing for students to know, if you are planning to study in the UK, you don’t need to take the IELTS test if you have a 70% or more score in your high school’s English exam.

About TOEFL

TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language, is another famous English proficiency test that people intend to take to get a visa for their abroad work, study, or migration. Just like IELTS, a TOEFL exam also consists of four sections; reading, writing, listening, and speaking. To ensure you can easily find your way in an English-speaking land, you are asked to prove it with the help of such English proficiency tests.

The time duration for the TOEFL exam is between 2-2.5 hours, where the candidate gets an extra 30 minutes to do the final checks. TOEFL, just like other English proficiency tests such as DET and IETLS, is conducted to check your eligibility for an English-speaking foreign land. Your TOEFL score is accepted by more than 11,000 universities and 150+ countries like USA, UK, Canada, etc.

However, when we talk about the scorecard, validity, and exam type, then you get flexibility here as well. The score band of the TOEFL exam ranges between 0-120, with a validity of 2 years. There are two options of TOEFL exams available; TOEFL iBT (TOEFL internet-based test) and TOEFL PBT (paper-based test), which a candidate can appear in as many times as they want. However, there should be a gap of 12 days between each attempt.

As we complete our knowledge of the two different yet similar types of English proficiency tests, it is time to know the hacks with the help of which you can easily crack your ITELS or TOEFL exams.

How to Prepare for IELTS & TOEFL?

Preparing for any exam is an overwhelming task. The stress and burden of preparing constantly for an exam because the foundation of a better future depends on how well you perform in the exams. Just like every other exam, the English language proficiency tests are overwhelming too; however, with the correct strategy, you can easily crack your IELTS or TOEFL exam. This section is your ultimate step-by-step study guide to help you prepare for your English language proficiency test without worrying about anything. So, without further waiting, let’s start with the plan.

Know the Test and Format

The first and foremost step you should begin with when you start your preparations for the English language proficiency test is to know the test and format completely. Having a complete knowledge of what you are going to face in the exam will help you to prepare in a better manner. As you know there are four sections in IELTS and TOEFL exams, reading, writing, listening, and speaking, each of the sections contains different numbers of questions and timing. To be able to crack your English proficiency exams, you must be familiarise with the test type, the format, and even the type of questions that can be asked.

Set a Clear Goal

The next step you must follow in the process of IELTS preparation is to set a clear goal. As you know there are different band scores for IELTS, TOEFL, DET, etc., so it is better you know what band score you want to achieve. It is true that any English language exam is solely needed for an institution or organisation, when you know about what band score is needed to get in there, it becomes easier for you to focus on your test prep. A decided goal like the minimum TOEFL or IELTS score will help you in preparing for the exam, whether you need 8 weeks or 90 days to prepare for your exam.

Develop a Study Plan

Once you have set the goal for your IELTS or TOEFL exam and know the exam format, the next step is to develop a study plan. For efficient learning, try setting realistic study goals. You should begin by creating a timetable and dividing different time slots to practice the different English language skills. Sometimes, when you see the entire module all at once, it can be an overwhelming task, leading you to procrastinate. To be able to study efficiently, you should practice daily and instead of sitting for five hours straight, opt for the Pomodoro technique where you study for a while and then take a break.

Enhance Each Skill

As you know there are four sections in the English language proficiency test, mainly reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Based on your abilities, you will know how much time you need to invest in practicing the asked skills. Knowing that you must be fluent in each of the sections for a comfortable stay abroad, it is better if you practice every day. For some efficient tricks, you can use the morning time for reading and writing. When it comes to listening and speaking, you can use any time of the day to listen to more English content, besides that try thinking and communicating in English for fearless English speaking.

Take Mock Test

Finally, the only thing that will make you test-ready is when you take as many mock tests as possible. To know the format of an exam is good but to know what kind of questions you will be answering gives you a better understanding of the exam. So, in your IELTS preparation timeframe, it is better you not only work on the betterment of your skills but also take as many mock tests as you can. This will not only help you to know what kind of questions you will be facing, but how you can finish your exam within the allotted time. The mock test will help you figure out what your weaknesses are and how you can make them your strengths.

MetaApply- Your Personal Guide for Acing IELTS & TOEFL Exams

Talking about making your weaknesses your strengths, you need someone who can handhold you throughout the learning process. As you had your doubts about the test type or the ways to crack it, we believe this blog must have helped you. However, if you still need a better understanding of minimum TOEFL and IELTS scores or anything else, we’d suggest you connect with our experts today. Our professionals will help you prepare for your English language proficiency test in just 45 days. Your personal tutor will guide you on how you should plan your IELTS test prep sessions. Instead of feeling overwhelmed with too much on your plate, you will be more focused on one section at a time. So, if you are willing to build a stronger foundation for your future, it is better if you start today. Connect with us and take on the world of English speaking with ease.