Difference Between GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT Exams | More Details

Get to know the meanings of these most popular Language tests; TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT and GRE. Do follow to know what each Language tests entails.

Every year, thousands of students travel to various parts of the world to further their education. While the global study abroad scene has grown dramatically to accommodate students with a wide range of academic backgrounds and interests, some academic requirements must still be met in order to be admitted to a university or institution abroad.

These are obtained by passing extremely difficult international admission exams. Competitive ‘study abroad’ exams can also assist you in obtaining scholarships and other financial aid.

Exams such as the GRE, GMAT, SAT, and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are used in various countries for university admissions. Because English is the medium of instruction at the majority of colleges worldwide, students must take the IELTS or TOEFL to demonstrate their language proficiency.

Students may be required to take one or more admission tests depending on the course, university, and country chosen for study abroad.

These proficiency tests are simple to pass if students remember a few key points. To get a clear picture of these exams, let’s go over the specifics of the SAT, GMAT, GRE, IELTS, and TOEFL.

Language Tests

These tests assess a candidate’s command of the English language. The candidate is tested in all four language sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

It is the most popular English proficiency test among students who want to study abroad. IELTS was introduced in 1989, and over 30 million tests have been administered. This is the most widely accepted academic test by over 10,000 institutions in over 140 countries.

IELTS is divided into two categories: Academic and General Training. Both tests assess a candidate’s English proficiency in four areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The IELTS General Training Test is appropriate for people who want to pursue a lower-level education or work-related training in English-speaking countries.

IELTS exams can be taken from anywhere, and candidates can opt for paper-based (offline) or online exams. This exam is graded on a scale of 1 to 9; a score of 7 or higher is considered ideal for admission to top universities worldwide. IELTS is valid for two years.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL is another widely used and recognized English proficiency exam. This test, like IELTS, assesses a candidate’s ability to read, write, speak, and listen to English. It is widely accepted in educational institutions in the United States and several other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and France.

This exam is given by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the world’s largest private educational assessment organization based in the United States. TOEFL scores are assigned out of 120, with a two-year validity period.

Entrance Tests

These tests evaluate a candidate’s ability to perform in a specific program, such as undergraduate, graduate, management, or legal courses.

• Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

Students who want to study at a university in the United States or Canada can take the SAT exam. The College Board administers a multiple-choice assessment evaluation.

Although the SAT is not required for university admission in the UK, many top universities around the world value a high SAT score. The scoring is done on a scale of 1,600, with an expected average score of 1,100. A score of 1450 or higher is considered appropriate for admission to top universities. The SAT results are good for five years.

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers this standardized test. Students who want to pursue a master’s degree, such as the Masters in Business Administration (MBA), JD, or doctoral program, can take the GRE General Test. The GRE, like the SAT, assesses both language and math skills, but the difficulty level is higher and the question format is different.

GRE is the first step for students who want to pursue MS or PhD programs, as well as some MBA programs around the world. The GRE scores supplement the candidate’s undergraduate records and serve as a standard yardstick for comparison in the admissions process.

Study destinations such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia accept GRE scores from students from all over the world. Admission to the top universities requires a minimum GRE score of 320+, with a 4.0 in the Analytical Writing section. The GRE scores are valid for a period of five years.

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