Embarking on a journey to study in the United States after completing 12th grade requires meticulous planning and preparation. One of the crucial steps in this process is understanding the exams required by universities in the USA for international students. These exams serve as a yardstick for assessing the academic readiness and English proficiency of prospective students. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various exams accepted by US universities, their formats, exam dates, preparation resources, and everything else aspiring students need to know.
List of Accepted Exams
Universities in the United States typically accept a variety of standardized exams for admission purposes. Among the most commonly recognized exams for international applicants are:
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
ACT (American College Testing)
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
In addition to these widely accepted exams, some universities or specific programs may require additional tests such as the SAT Subject Tests, Advanced Placement (AP) exams, or specific English proficiency exams like the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
Exam Descriptions and Formats
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test): The SAT assesses students’ proficiency in critical reading, writing, and math. The test consists of four sections: Reading, Writing and Language, Math (with calculator), and Math (without calculator). The total duration of the exam is 3 hours (without essay) or 3 hours and 50 minutes (with essay). The scoring range for the SAT is 400-1600.
ACT (American College Testing): The ACT evaluates students’ knowledge in English, math, reading, and science reasoning. It comprises four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, along with an optional Writing (essay) section. The total testing time for the ACT (without Writing) is 2 hours and 55 minutes, while it is 3 hours and 35 minutes with the Writing section. The ACT score ranges from 1 to 36.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): TOEFL measures the English proficiency of non-native English speakers. The exam consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The duration of the TOEFL test is approximately 4 hours. Scores range from 0 to 120.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System): IELTS evaluates English language proficiency across four language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The total test time is around 2 hours and 45 minutes. IELTS scores range from 1 to 9.
Exam Dates and Deadlines
It’s crucial for students to be aware of the exam dates and deadlines to plan their preparation and application timelines effectively. Here are the key details for each exam:
SAT: The SAT is offered seven times a year in the USA, typically in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June. Registration deadlines vary for each test date, typically falling around a month before the exam date. Scores are usually released within two to three weeks after the test date.
ACT: The ACT is administered six times a year in the USA, usually in September, October, December, February, April, and June. Registration deadlines are typically about a month before the exam date. Scores are released around two weeks after the test date.
TOEFL: The TOEFL test is conducted more frequently throughout the year, with test dates available almost every week. Registration deadlines are generally about a month before the test date. Scores are typically available online around ten days after the test.
IELTS: IELTS test dates are available multiple times a month. Registration deadlines vary depending on the test center and are typically about two weeks before the test date. Scores are released around 13 days after the test.
Exam Preparation Resources
Preparing for these exams requires dedication, practice, and access to quality study materials. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to help students excel:
Official Practice Materials: Each exam provider offers official study guides, practice tests, and sample questions on their websites. These resources provide invaluable insight into the format and content of the exams.
Online Courses and Tutorials: Many educational platforms offer comprehensive online courses and tutorials specifically tailored to each exam. These courses often include video lectures, interactive quizzes, and personalized study plans.
Test Prep Books: There is a plethora of test prep books available in the market, authored by experts in standardized testing. These books offer strategies, tips, and ample practice questions to aid in exam preparation.
Tutoring Services: For students seeking personalized guidance, tutoring services provide one-on-one instruction and tailored study plans to address specific areas of weakness.
Practice Apps and Websites: Various mobile apps and websites offer practice questions, flashcards, and interactive learning tools to reinforce concepts and enhance retention.
Conclusion
In conclusion, navigating the path to studying in the United States after completing 12th grade requires careful consideration of the exams required by universities. By understanding the formats, exam dates, and preparation resources for exams such as the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, and IELTS, students can embark on their academic journey with confidence and readiness. With diligent preparation and the right resources at their disposal, aspiring students can achieve their goals of studying in the USA and unlocking a world of opportunities for their future.
FAQs
Which exam is required for study in USA?
To study in the USA, international students typically need to take standardized tests like the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) or ACT (American College Testing). These exams assess academic readiness for college-level coursework and are often required for admission to undergraduate programs.
What is 12th pass called in USA?
In the USA, completing the equivalent of the 12th grade is commonly referred to as graduating from high school. Upon graduation, students receive a high school diploma, marking the completion of secondary education before pursuing further studies or entering the workforce.
What is the requirement to go to USA for study?
To study in the USA, international students usually need to meet certain requirements. These typically include obtaining a student visa (such as an F-1 visa), being accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school, demonstrating proficiency in English, and providing proof of financial support to cover tuition and living expenses.
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