Test Prep

1. Which standardized tests are required by U.S. schools?

Standardized tests are used by schools to help determine your academic background and potential. These tests vary from school to school - and for international students. 
Typical tests:

  The TOEFL® Test (The Test of English as a Foreign Language)^TM is required for international students by nearly all colleges and universities.

  SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and ACT (American College Test) may or may not be required for international undergraduate applicants. 

· The GRE® Exam (Graduate Record Examinations)^TM or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are generally required for graduate school applicants, depending on the program selected. 

· LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is required for law school applicants.

· MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is required for medical school applicants.

Remember that standardized tests are not entrance exams and that other factors weigh significantly in the admissions process. Test scores are usually considered valid for two years from the test date.

2. How can I best prepare?

Practice is the best way to prepare for these standardized tests. You can practice for many of these tests right from this website. 

Also, you may want to search the UScampus Bookstore for study guides that can be ordered directly from your computer.

3. What can I do if I don't score high enough on my TOEFL® test, GMAT or GRE® tests?

U. S. admission tests are offered several times a year. Almost all institutions will credit your highest score on a particular test. 

Generally, however, you will not improve your scores unless you continue to study the subject matter thoroughly between each testing attempt. 

For greatest results, begin well in advance so you are fully prepared to take the standardized tests and perform your best. 

4. Doesn't a high TOEFL® score mean my English is good enough to study at an American college or university?

You will need to have very good English writing and speaking skills to do well in the classroom and make friends. A good TOEFL® score will help your chances of acceptance, but it's not enough. 

Remember that the TOEFL® exam takes about two hours, but a college or university education can last four to six years of your life. 

That's why most experts encourage students to not rely only on passing the test. Instead, students should concentrate on learning proper language skills. 

Learn which English skills you'll really need before you begin your studies. 

5. Must I take the TOEFL® test to apply for college admission?

It is advisable to take the TOEFL® exam before studying in the U.S. 

This will demonstrate to the school and visa officials that you are seriously trying to improve your English language skills - and improve your chances of acceptance.

Knowing your TOEFL® scores will help you determine which English skills you need to improve. Even if your scores are not high enough for acceptance into a college, you will probably be eligible to enroll in an English as a Second Language (ESL) program in this country. 

GRE and TOEFL are registered trademarks of Educational Testing Service (ETS) in the United States of America and in other countries throughout the world. TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE is a non-registered trademark of ETS. This website is not endorsed or approved by ETS.