Frequently asked questions on Standardised Tests in USA
1. What standardized tests are required for university admission in the USA?
If you are seeking undergraduate admission, you will need to take the SAT reasoning test (usually known as simply “the SAT”) and the TOEFL. The SAT reasoning test consists of three sections: mathematics, critical reading and writing. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an admission requirement for non-native English speakers and consists of tests of reading, listening, speaking and writing. Some universities also require that you take SAT subject tests (also know as SAT IIs).
For graduate admission, you will need to take the GRE general test, GMAT for management related studies, MCAT for medical studies or LSAT for legal studies. The TOEFL is required to show English proficiency. The GRE general test consists of three sections: verbal skills, analytical writing and quantitative skills. Some universities recommend that you also take GRE Subject tests, though this is rarely mandatory. Usually, you would take the subject test only if the field you are applying to differs from that of your undergraduate degree (for example, if your Bachelors degree is in Physics and you are applying to a Computer Science Masters program).
2. How should I prepare for tests?
The key to succeeding at tests is to practice thoroughly. It is vital that you start preparing early. Standardized tests are rarely academically difficult. The common reason for low scores is a lack of time during the exam. The best solution to this is to take plenty of practice exams, which can be found on the test’s website and also at many third party websites. There are also many books on standardized tests which contain practice exams. Barrons, Kaplan and the Princeton review are some well known publishers. You can order these books online, or visit the library at the Fulbright Commission in Sri Lanka.
3. What test scores are required to gain admission into a “good” university?
Tests scores are usually considered minimum requirements – a great test score rarely ever “guarantees” you admission. Also, depending on your field of study, some test scores might be more important than others. For example, engineering, physics and mathematics programs would require good scores for the SAT mathematics section (for undergraduate admission) or the GRE quantitative skills section (for graduate admission), while liberal arts programs would consider language related scores more important.
The relative importance of your test scores (compared to other factors such as recommendation letters, statements of purpose, grades, GPA and publications) also depends on the degree program you are applying to. Some graduate programs would consider test scores less important, compared to undergraduate programs. However, this varies by type for graduate programs. For example, most science graduate programs typically consider recommendations and publications more important, and an MBA program might consider work experience more important. Test scores, however, are still a crucial component of admission to law programs. Also, lower ranked universities tend to consider tests scores comparatively more important than higher ranked universities.
4. Are standardized test requirements similar in other countries?
Universities in the UK require the IELTS (International English Language Test), though many also accept the TOEFL. A few graduate programs also recommend taking the GRE, though this is rare. Australian universities have requirements very similar to UK universities (most require IELTS, while some accept TOEFL). Canadian universities require one of the TOEFL, the IELTS or the CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language).
Please check the specific requirements of your preferred country, and college or university of choice, to make sure that you meet the minimum entry requirements.
Date of publication in the Sunday Observer: November 27, 2011
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely that of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of SL2College. More details about standardised tests and other requirements are available on www.sl2college.org, under the resources section. Please post your queries on the forum at www.sl2college.org or email info@sl2college.org.
