Which exams do I need to take to study in the USA?

Over a million international students choose to study in the United States every year. With over 4,300 higher education institutions, the US is a widely preferred study destination for its world-class education, flexible academic system, excellent facilities, and remarkable post-study opportunities.

Before planning to study in the US, remember that most higher education institutions require students to take at least one standardised admission test as part of the application process.

International students wishing to pursue higher education in the US should ensure they attend and pass the required entrance exams. Here’s a detailed rundown of what exams are required to study in the USA.

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What exams are required to study in the USA?

US educational institutions need international students to take standardised assessments to determine if their profile meets the eligibility criteria. These exams assess a student’s English proficiency, general knowledge, and aptitude skills; the scores play a significant role in their admission.

Here are the top exams in the USA that international students should attend before pursuing higher education.

For English proficiencyFor undergraduate coursesFor postgraduate courses
IELTSSATGMAT
TOEFLACTGRE
PTEMCAT-
DuolingoLSAT-

What English proficiency exams are required to study in the USA?

English proficiency exams determine your fluency in the language in terms of listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Your results are a mandatory requirement for visa processing and university admission. Here are the top English exams to study in the USA.

IELTS

Key highlights

IELTS full formInternational English Language Test System
Conducted byBritish Council, IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English
No. of sections4
Skills assessedReading, listening, writing, and speaking
Is the syllabus the same for IELTS Academic and General Training?No
Exam feesUSD $215-$310 (varies with every location)
Exam dateFlexible date and time throughout the year

Data updated as of November 2023

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standard exam to test your level of proficiency in the English language. The exam is specifically developed to test the language’s fluency in non-native English speakers.

Several educational institutions and workplaces around the globe widely recognise these tests to determine a person’s knowledge of English. It is important to remember that the score requirements vary with every university across the US.

There are two types of the IELTS exam. These exams serve different purposes, so check which would suit your requirements.

  • IELTS Academic
  • IELTS General Training

Difference between IELTS Academic and General Training tests

FactorIELTS AcademicIELTS General Training
PurposeSuitable for candidates planning to pursue higher education abroad.Ideal for candidates preparing to establish a career abroad and those who wish to migrate to an English-speaking country.
Exam patternTests basic English skills like reading, writing, listening, and speaking.Tests basic English skills like reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Exam syllabusCan expect academic-specific, high-level scenarios.Tests the skills required in social and workplace environments.
Who can appear?International students who wish to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, or other degrees abroad.People planning to migrate or establish a career abroad.
Validity2 years2 years

IELTS Academic is the exam international students take to pursue higher education in the US. The exam pattern is designed to assess their fluency in English through four sections. Here’s the exam pattern for IELTS.

Read more in detail: Academic vs General Which IELTS should you take?

IELTS exam pattern

SectionsIELTS exam patternTotal questionsDuration(in minutes)
ListeningFour recorded monologues and conversations.4030
ReadingThree long reading passages with tasks covering descriptive, factual, and analytical concepts.4060
WritingTwo short essays, each 150-250 words. The questions will be in the form of a graph, chart, or diagram.260
SpeakingFace-to-face interview with a few short questions, a brief conversation on a topic, and a structured discussion.3-511-14

More detail: IELTS Exam Pattern

TOEFL

Key highlights

TOEFL full formTest of English as a Foreign Language
Conducted byEducational Testing Services
No. of sections4
Skills assessedReading, listening, writing, and speaking
Exam feesUSD $205-$250 (varies with every location)
Exam dateAvailable on most dates every month

Data updated as of November 2023

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standard English language test conducted by the Educational Testing Services (ETS). The exam assesses and determines the level of English proficiency in international students through their ability to read, write, speak and listen.

TOEFL exam pattern 2023

SectionNo. of questionsDuration (in minutes)
Reading30-4054-72
Listening28-3941-57
Speaking417
Writing250

Data updated as of November 2023

Read more detail: TOEFL Exam Pattern

PTE

Key highlights

PTE full formPearson Test of English
Conducted byPearson PLC Group
No. of sections3
Skills assessedReading, listening, speaking and writing
Exam feesUSD $195-$275 (varies with every location)
Exam dateAvailable on most dates every month

Data updated as of November 2023

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based exam to determine an individual’s level of proficiency in the English language. The exam is accepted as proof of English fluency in several educational institutions and is known for its remarkable syllabus and fast results.

There are three types of PTE exams.

  • PTE Academic
  • PTE General
  • PTE Academic Online

International students should attend PTE Academic to prove their level of English fluency for higher studies abroad. Here’s the pattern for the exam.

PTE exam pattern

SectionDuration(in minutes)PTE exam pattern
Speaking and Writing54-67The longest section of the exam. 
The question types are curated to test your speaking and writing skills.
Reading29-30This section assesses your reading skills in the English language.
Listening30-43The listening section will analyse your listening skills in understanding spoken English.

Explore more about PTE Exam Pattern

Duolingo

Key highlights

Duolingo full formDuolingo English Test
Conducted byDuolingo
No. of sections3
Skills assessedReading, listening, speaking, and writing
Exam feesUSD $59-$98
Exam dateFlexible date and time throughout the year

Data updated as of November 2023

The Duolingo English test determines your proficiency in the English language by testing your four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The exam is based on computer-adaptive technology; that is, the difficulty of the test depends on the candidate’s performance. With every correct answer, the difficulty level increases and vice versa.

Duolingo exam pattern

Section

Duration

(in minutes)

Description
Introduction and onboarding5

The candidate should verify whether the device's microphone, camera, and speakers function well.

They should submit their ID (driver’s licence, passport, or government ID) for proof.

Adaptive test45

A graded section to test the candidate’s knowledge with the help of objective and descriptive questions.

Questions include multiple choice questions, fill-in-the-blanks, match the following, and so on.

Writing and speaking sample10An ungraded video interview to analyse the candidate’s writing and speaking skills in the English language.

Related topic: Duolingo Exam Pattern

While the Duolingo exam holds the same level of difficulty as the IELTS and TOEFL, some institutions in the US are yet to accept Duolingo’s scores for admission.

Here’s a list of Duolingo-accepting universities in the USA.

Some of the top US institutions that accept Duolingo are.

  • Harvard University
  • Yale University School of Art
  • Princeton University
  • Columbia University
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Dartmouth College
  • Arizona State University
  • Brooklyn Law School
  • Cambridge College
  • Glasgow Caledonian New York College

What exams are required to study undergraduate courses in the USA?

Educational institutions in the US expect international students to showcase their aptitude, skills and readiness to pursue higher education. Here are the exams you should prepare for to study in the US.

SAT exam

Key highlights

SAT full formScholastic Assessment Test
Conducted byCollege Board
No. of sections3
Skills assessedReading, writing and language, and maths
Exam feesUSD $60, excluding additional services (varies with location and other factors)
Exam dateThe College Board will announce the dates

Data updated as of November 2023

The SAT exam is a standard assessment for international students who plan to pursue undergraduate courses in countries like the US, Canada, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. This exam is widely recognised as proof of eligibility for international students to pursue their UG studies.

The SAT exam analyses the candidates’ mathematical, reading, and writing skills and helps them be admitted into institutions abroad. Here’s the SAT exam pattern for candidates.

SAT exam pattern

SectionTotal questionsTask typeDuration
Reading52Multiple choice65 minutes
Writing and Language35Multiple choice35 minutes
Maths80Multiple choice and written answers80 minutes

Also read

ACT exam

Key highlights

ACT full formAmerican College Test
Conducted byACT Inc.
No. of sections4
Skills assessedEnglish, reading, science, and maths.
Exam feesUSD $68-$93, excluding additional services (varies with location and other factors)
Exam dateACT Inc. will announce the dates

Data updated as of November 2023

The American College Testing (ACT) exam is a standardised assessment for admission to undergraduate courses in the US and Canada. It is an online or paper-based examination that evaluates the student's subject-wise knowledge and readiness to college.

ACT exam pattern

ACT exam sectionTotal questions (MCQ)Duration(Minutes)
English7545
Math6060
Reading4035
Science4035
Writing (optional)1 (essay)40

Read more about the ACT Exam pattern | How to convert from ACT to SAT

MCAT exam

Key highlights

MCAT full formMedical College Admission Test
Conducted byAmerican Medical Colleges Association
No. of sections4
Skills assessedBiology, psychology, chemistry, critical analysis, and reasoning
Exam feesUSD $335, excluding additional services
Exam dateAmerican Medical Colleges Association will determine the dates

Data updated as of November 2023

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a mandatory assessment for international students to enter medical schools in the US. This 7.5-hour computer-based test assesses your abilities and knowledge identifiable in medical school and medical practice as critical requirements, such as medical knowledge, verbal reasoning and writing skills.

Also read: Top 10 medical colleges in world

MCAT exam pattern

SectionsTotal questionsDuration (in minutes)
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems5995
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems5995
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behaviour5995
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills5390

Also read

LSAT

Key highlights

LSAT full formLaw School Admission Test
Conducted byLaw School Admission Council
No. of sections4
Skills assessedReading comprehension, analytical reasoning, logical reasoning
Exam feesUSD $222 (excluding additional services)
Exam dateThe Law School Admission Council will determine the dates

Data updated as of November 2023

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is the standardised test used as part of the admissions process for law schools across the US. It comprises four multiple-choice sections and a writing task—which can be completed up to eight days before your exam date.

LSAT tests your reading comprehension, reasoning and analytical reasoning and helps demonstrate your readiness for law school.

LSAT exam pattern

SectionsTotal questionsDuration (in minutes)
Reading comprehension26-2835
Analytical reasoning22-2435
Logical reasoning24-2635
LSAT writing135

What exams are required to study postgraduate courses in the USA?

Entrance exams for postgraduate courses like GMAT and GRE play a vital role in international students' admission into educational institutions in the US. Here's a detailed rundown of the exams you should prepare if you are applying for PG courses.

GMAT

Key highlights

GMAT full formGraduate Management Aptitude Test
Conducted byGraduate Management Aptitude Council
No. of sections4
Skills assessedAnalytical writing, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning
Exam feesUSD $250 (excluding additional services)
Exam dateThe Law School Admission Council will determine the dates

Data updated as of November 2023

The Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) is an exam for international students who wish to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or other management studies.

GMAT is a computer-adaptive test; that is, the flow of the test and the difficulty depends on your performance. The AI adapts to the answers you choose and provides the following questions based on your performance level.

GMAT exam pattern

SectionDuration (in minutes)Total questions
Analytical Writing301
Quantitative Reasoning6231
Verbal Reasoning6536
Integrated Reasoning3012

Also read: GMAT exam pattern | GMAT exam syllabus

GRE

Key highlights

GRE full formGraduate Record Examination
Conducted byEducational Testing Services
No. of sections3
Skills assessedAnalytical writing, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning
Exam feesUSD $220-$271 (excluding additional services) (varies with location)
Exam dateETS will determine the dates

Data updated as of November 2023

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standard assessment that assesses the academic and practical skills of international students who plan to pursue their postgraduate studies abroad. The exam focuses on analysing the students’ ability in critical and abstract thinking and their problem-solving skills.

There are two types of the GRE.

  • GRE General Test
  • GRE Subject Test

GRE General Test pattern

Skill evaluatedSectionsTotal questionsTotal duration(in minutes)
Analytical Writing12 tasks60
Verbal Reasoning220 (each section)60
Quantitative Reasoning220 (each section)70
ResearchVariesVariesVaries
Unscored sectionVariesVariesVaries

GRE Subject Test pattern

Field of studyTotal questionsDuration
Physics1002 hours 50 minutes
Chemistry1302 hours 50 minutes
Mathematics662 hours 50 minutes
Psychology2052 hours 50 minutes

Also read: GMAT vs GRE - Which is easier?

A rundown on the US entrance exams for international students

Exam nameApplication fee (in USD)Total duration
IELTS$215-$3102 hours 45 minutes
TOEFL$205-$2503 hours
PTE$195-$2752 hours and 15 minutes
Duolingo$59-$981 hour
SAT$603 hours and 45 minutes
ACT$68-$933 hours and 30 minutes
GMAT$2503 hours 
GRE$220-$2713 hours and 45 minutes
MCAT$3357 hours and 30 minutes
LSAT$2223 hours and 30 minutes

All set with your entrance exams? Kick-start your study abroad journey by applying for the upcoming intake today!

Frequently asked questions

What exams are required to study in the USA after the 12th? 

Here are the exams you should take to study in the US after high school.

For English proficiencyFor undergraduate courses
IELTSSAT
TOEFLACT
PTEMCAT
DuolingoLSAT

What exams are required to study in the USA after the 10th?

Here are the exams you can prepare for to study in the US.

For English proficiencyFor undergraduate courses
IELTSSAT
TOEFLACT
PTEMCAT
DuolingoLSAT

Remember that most of your English proficiency exam scores are valid for two years. So you can start preparing after your 10th and attend the exam when you plan to move to the US.

Do you need the SAT for a master's in the US?

The SAT exam assesses a student’s knowledge readiness for undergraduate courses. So, international students planning to pursue a master’s need not attend the SAT to study in the US.

Which exam is required for MS in the USA for Indian students?

Here are the exams for MS in the USA for Indian students.

For English proficiency

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL
  • PTE
  • Duolingo

For MS

  • GRE
  • GMAT (for MBA aspirants)

What exams are required to study for a master's degree in the USA?

GRE and GMAT are the major exams required to pursue a master’s in the US.

Is IELTS compulsory in the USA?

IELTS or other English proficiency exams are a mandatory requirement for international students to study in the US. These assessments evaluate your level of fluency in English by testing your reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills.

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