A Basic Guide for Study Abroad Exams

Dreaming of studying abroad? Exciting adventures, new cultures, and top-notch education await you! But before you can start packing your bags, there's an important step you need to tackle: study abroad exams. These exams are your ticket to getting admitted into international universities. 

Why Take Study Abroad Exams

. Here's why these exams are essential

1. University Admission: Many international universities require study abroad exam scores as part of their admission process.

2. Scholarship Opportunities: Good scores can increase your chances of receiving scholarships and financial aid.

3. Visa Approval: Some countries use study abroad exam scores to determine visa eligibility for international students.

Popular Study Abroad Exams

Most popular study abroad exams with details of exam pattern and syllabus

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Exam Pattern

• Sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

• Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

• Scoring: Scores range from 0 to 9 for each section, with the overall band score being the average of the four individual scores.

Syllabus

• Listening: Four recorded texts, including conversations and monologues.

• Reading: Three long texts extracted from books, journals, newspapers, and magazines.

• Writing: Two tasks – one describing a chart, table, or graph, and the other writing an essay.

• Speaking: A face-to-face interview covering general topics, discussion of a short topic, and a structured discussion.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Exam Pattern

• Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

• Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

• Scoring: Scores range from 0 to 30 for each section, with the total score being the sum of the four section scores.

Syllabus

• Reading: Passages from academic texts with comprehension questions.

• Listening: Lectures, classroom discussions, and conversations, followed by questions.

• Speaking: Six tasks, including reading, listening, and speaking.

• Writing: Two tasks – one based on reading and listening and the other requiring you to express your opinion on a topic.

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

Exam Pattern

• Sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math (Optional Essay).

• Duration: Approximately 3 hours (without essay) or 3 hours 50 minutes (with essay).

• Scoring: Scores range from 200 to 800 for each section, with a total score ranging from 400 to 1600.

Syllabus

• Reading: Evidence-based reading and writing, including vocabulary and comprehension.

• Writing and Language: Expression of ideas, standard English conventions, and analysis in various contexts.

• Math: Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Passport to Advanced Math.

• Essay (Optional): Analysis of a provided text.

GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

Exam Pattern

• Sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.

• Duration: Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes.

• Scoring: Scores range from 130 to 170 for verbal and quantitative reasoning, and 0 to 6 for analytical writing.

Syllabus

• Verbal Reasoning: Reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence.

• Quantitative Reasoning: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.

• Analytical Writing: Analyze an issue and analyze an argument.

Tips for qualifying Study Abroad Exams

Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively for study abroad exams

1. Know the Exam: Familiarize yourself with the exam format, question types, and scoring system.

2. Practice Regularly: Dedicate time to practice each section of the exam using study guides and practice tests.

3. Seek Support: Consider joining a prep course or study group for additional guidance and support.

4. Stay Calm and Confident: Maintain a positive mindset, manage stress effectively, and believe in yourself!

Conclusion

Study abroad exams are an essential step towards fulfilling your dream of studying abroad. Remember, with determination and hard work, you can turn your study abroad dreams into reality. Happy studying!