
Study Smart, Study Abroad
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Test Preparation
Get ready to embark on your ultimate test-taking adventure as you gear up to conquer exams like GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, SAT and more! Say goodbye to dull study routines and hello to a thrilling journey filled with brain-bending challenges and academic triumphs. With our test preparation resources, you'll unlock the secrets to acing exams while having a blast along the way. From mastering vocabulary to cracking complex math problems, we've got your back every step of the way.
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Standardized exam for study abroad
To enroll in an undergraduate program, you must pass exams such as the SAT, MCAT, or ACT.
For entry into a postgraduate program, the LSAT, GRE, or GMAT is required. These tests assess the candidates' problem-solving, critical thinking, and writing abilities, as well as their understanding of science principles and concepts pertinent to their specific field of study.
The specific standardized entrance exam you need to take varies based on your chosen course.






GRE
- GRE Overview: The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a key test for Indian students planning to study postgraduate degrees in the USA, Canada, and at business schools worldwide. It evaluates verbal, mathematical, and analytical skills.
- Purpose: Essential for students seeking MS or MBA degrees in the USA, the GRE is a gateway to advanced education in science and business..
- Validity: 5 Years
- Duration: 3 hours
- Minimum Score: 400
GMAT
- GMAT Overview: Students targeting an MBA degree abroad often opt for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), a key test for admission into top global business schools and management colleges.
- Purpose: GMAT assesses problem-solving, critical, logical, reasoning, and analytical skills, and is required for admission to over 21,000 universities and colleges in more than 114 countries.
- Validity: 5 Years
- Duration: 3 hours 7 Minutes
- Minimum Score: 200
SAT
- SAT Overview: The SAT, or Scholastic Assessment Test, is a globally recognized test for college admission, assessing written, verbal, and analytical skills.
- Purpose and Recognition: It is essential for students aiming to enroll in undergraduate courses in Canada and the USA after the 12th grade.SAT scores are also recognized by some universities in the UK.
- Admission Criteria: Candidates are advised to research the admission criteria of their desired universities and courses before taking the SAT for studying abroad.
- Validity: 5 Years
- Duration: 3 hours
- Minimum Score: 400
MSAT
- MCAT Overview: The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is crucial for admission into medical courses in the USA, Canada, and 18 other countries, designed by the Association of American Medical Colleges with a multiple-choice format.
- Purpose: The MCAT aims to evaluate individuals' knowledge of science and medicine, crucial for a career in healthcare.
- Validity: 3 Years
- Duration: 7 hours 30 Minutes
- Minimum Score: 118
LSAT
- LSAT Overview: The LSAT, or Law School Admission Test, is required for those pursuing a Master’s degree in Law at universities in the USA, with the test also accepted in Canada and Australia.
- Conducting Body: It is administered by the Law School Admission Council.
- Admission Criteria: Candidates are advised to research the admission criteria of their desired universities and courses before taking the SAT for studying abroad.
- Validity: 5 Years
- Duration: 3 hours 15 Minutes
- Minimum Score: 151
ACT
- ACT Overview: The ACT, or American College Testing, is a standardized test for admissions into U.S. universities for various undergraduate courses, also accepted by several colleges outside the USA.
- Purpose and Evaluation: It assesses international and native students' academic readiness for undergraduate courses, evaluating written, mathematical, verbal, and scientific skills.
- Admission Criteria: Candidates are advised to research the admission criteria of their desired universities and courses before taking the SAT for studying abroad.
- Validity: 5 Years
- Duration: 2 hours 55 Minutes
- Minimum Score: 16-17
But let's dive in deeper and explore some other parameters as well.
The GRE and the GMAT are foreign study exam to gain admission into higher education institutions abroad. The most significant difference between the GMAT and the GRE exam for abroad study is that the GMAT exam for abroad is mainly used for business school admissions. At the same time, the GRE exam for study abroad is accepted for graduate programs including business and law schools.
- Test Fees: The GMAT for abroad costs $250, while the GRE exam for abroad study costs $205, approximately.
- College Requirement: Most business schools prefer GMAT scores, but some have now started accepting GRE scores as well.
- Test Duration: According to the latest patterns, the GMAT exam for abroad will be 2 hours and 15 minutes long, while the GRE exam for abroad study requires less than 2 hours.
- Design: The GMAT for abroad is specifically designed to test skills relevant to business and management studies, while the GRE exam for abroad study is a more generalized test that covers a broader range of subjects.
- Test Structure: The new GMAT for abroad pattern has three sections- Data Sufficiency, Quantitative, and Verbal, while the latest GRE exam for abroad study has three sections that include Analytical Writing Assessment, Verbal, and Quantitative.
- Test Administration: The GMAT exam for abroad is a computer-based test while the GRE exam for abroad study can be attempted both as a paper-based and a computer-based test.
- Admission Criteria: Candidates are advised to research the admission criteria of their desired universities and courses before taking the SAT for studying abroad.
- Scoring System: The GMAT exam for abroad is scored on a scale of 200-800, while the GRE exam for abroad study is scored on a scale of 130-170 for both Verbal and Quantitative sections, with a separate marking for Analytical Writing.
However, scores of both these exams are valid for 5 years.
Language tests for abroad studies
The trend of studying abroad typically involves students from Asian, non-English speaking countries moving to Western, English speaking nations, making the transition to English a significant part of the process. Given that English is the primary mode of communication in these countries, clearing a language proficiency test is essential to demonstrate your language skills.
IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE are the top English language tests undertaken by students looking to study abroad. Additionally, the scores from these tests are crucial for non-native speakers planning to immigrate to English-speaking countries for employment opportunities.




IELTS
- IELTS Overview: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English proficiency test primarily for individuals looking to study abroad, conducted in partnership with the British Council, Cambridge Assessment English, and IDP: IELTS Australia.
- Purpose: IELTS is divided into two modules:
- IELTS Academic Module: Aimed at those applying to foreign universities, research positions, or academic-related work.
- IELTS General Training Module: Focuses on social skills and workplace language for those applying for work or immigration.
- IELTS Timeline: The test is available 48 times a year for Paper-based IELTS and offers computer-delivered options 7 days a week, three times a day..
- Validity: 2 Years
- Duration: 2 Hours 45 Minutes
- Minimum Score: 5.5-6.0
TOEFL
- TOEFL Overview: The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) evaluates the English proficiency of non-native speakers. It's widely recognized by institutions in Australia, the UK, Canada, the US, and many other countries, with options for both Paper-Based and Internet-Based Tests, the latter being more common.
- Purpose: TOEFL scores are crucial for non-native English speakers seeking enrollment in colleges and universities abroad, offering two testing methods to accommodate different preferences.
- TOEFL Timeline: The test is available 50 times a year, conducted 4-5 times a month.
- Validity: 5 Years
- Duration: 3 hours
- Minimum Score: 400
PTE
- PTE Overview: The Pearson Test of English (PTE) stands out from other English proficiency tests due to its unique scoring system entirely reliant on computerized technology and its swift result turnaround, typically within five days of testing. This makes PTE an excellent choice for those pressed for time.
- Purpose: PTE is especially recommended for quick processing times, ideal for applicants facing tight application deadlines or those who prefer rapid results.
- PTE Timeline: PTE is offered throughout the year, with test dates and availability varying by test center and test type.
- Validity: 2 Years
- Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Minimum Score: 51-60
DET
- DET Overview: The Duolingo English Test is a digital examination accessible via personal computers for candidates.
- Purpose: Its main goal is to demonstrate English language proficiency for those looking to study internationally.
- DET Timeline: This test can be taken online at any time and from any location, without the need for a scheduled appointment.
- Validity: 2 Years
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Minimum Score: 10
IELTS and TOEFL are standardized English tests for study abroad that showcase your proficiency to your university or employer.
IELTS refers to the International English Language Testing System while TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. Both tests include four sections: Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking and both tests are valid for a period of 2 years.
- Candidate profile: Other than academic purposes, the IELTS exam for study abroad is also used to test the proficiency of employees in the English language when migrating for work to an English-speaking country. In comparison, TOEFL is only used while applying to study abroad. Therefore, IELTS has a larger candidate pool.
- Scope of acceptance: The IELTS exam for study abroad is a prerequisite for universities and employers in the UK and Australia, while the TOEFL is accepted mainly in the USA.
- Time Duration: The new TOEFL exam is for 2 hours while the IELTS exam for study abroad requires 2 hours and 45 minutes.
- Question Types: The IELTS exam for study abroad has a diverse range of questions, including multiple-choice, diagrams, flow-charts, summaries, and short answer questions, while TOEFL comprises multiple choice questions.
- Design: The GMAT for abroad is specifically designed to test skills relevant to business and management studies, while the GRE exam for abroad study is a more generalized test that covers a broader range of subjects.
- Test Availability: TOEFL is administered online while the IELTS exam for study abroad is conducted in-person and on paper.
- Scoring: TOEFL is scored on a scale of 0-120, where each section is scored individually, and the total score is the sum of the section scores. The IELTS exam for study abroad uses a 9-band scoring system where the candidates receive individual scores for each section, and an overall band score for the entire test.
However, scores of both these exams are valid for 5 years.
Getting ready for tests to study abroad can feel overwhelming, with so much to learn and the pressure to do well. Knowing how to manage your time effectively and play to your strengths is essential when deciding which tests to focus on and how to approach your study plan. That's where Lorien comes into the picture.
At Lorien, we're known for our quality test prep services. We've teamed up with top companies to offer students the best support in preparing for their study abroad tests. All it takes is filling out a simple form on the website and submitting a request. Our consultants specialised in overseas test preparation will reach out to you quickly to help you get started on the right foot.
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