🎯 1. Overview of Standardized Tests for U.S. Admissions

To study in the USA, many universities require standardized test scores for admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programs.

📋 Most common tests:

• TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo English Test – English proficiency
• SAT / ACT – Undergraduate admissions
• GRE – Graduate programs (MS, MA, PhD)
• GMAT – Business schools & MBA programs
• LSAT / MCAT – Law & Medicine

🧾 Always check individual university and program requirements before applying.

🗣️ 2. English Proficiency Tests (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo)

U.S. universities require international students to prove English language ability.

• 👉 TOEFL iBT – Widely accepted by U.S. universities
• 👉 IELTS Academic – Also accepted by most U.S. schools
• 👉 Duolingo English Test – Accepted by over 4,000 institutions, budget-friendly and taken from home

💡 Minimum scores typically range from TOEFL 80–100, IELTS 6.0–7.0, or Duolingo 105–120.

🧠 3. GRE – Graduate Record Examination

The GRE is required for most MS, MA, and PhD programs in engineering, sciences, and humanities.

• 👉 GRE Official Site – ETS
• Sections: Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing
• Duration: ~1 hour 58 minutes (new GRE format)

🎯 Top tips:

• Start prep 3–6 months in advance
• Use GRE-specific platforms like Magoosh, ETS PowerPrep, and Kaplan
• Check if your program offers a GRE waiver

📊 4. GMAT – For MBA and Business Programs

Most U.S. business schools require the GMAT for MBA or Masters in Management/Finance programs.

• 👉 GMAT Official Website
• Focus areas: Quantitative, Verbal, Data Insights, and Analytical Writing
• Duration: ~2 hours 15 minutes (GMAT Focus Edition)

💼 Some universities now accept GRE instead of GMAT for MBA programs.

📚 5. SAT / ACT – For Undergraduate Admissions

These are required for undergraduate programs at many U.S. universities.

• 👉 SAT – College Board
• 👉 ACT – Official Site

Test-optional trend: Many U.S. universities no longer require SAT/ACT, but scores may strengthen your application or scholarship chances.

🧠 Prep tools: Khan Academy (free), Kaplan, The Princeton Review, CollegeVine

🎓 6. Test-Optional Policies & Waivers

Due to changing admission trends, many U.S. schools now offer test-optional or test-flexible admissions.

✅ This means:

• You may apply without GRE/SAT/ACT at some universities
• Some graduate programs waive GMAT/GRE for applicants with strong work experience or academic records
• English test waivers are available for applicants from English-speaking countries or with prior English-medium education

🔍 Always check university websites or contact admissions for updated policies.