For those of you out there who are looking into the college admissions process, you will likely find yourself inundated with countless conditions needed to submit an application these days. One of these conditions involves the dreaded score from a standardised test. While many colleges do require students to take some form of test as a prerequisite for admission, the different kinds of testing systems out there can be mind-boggling.

We’ve put together a list for you to go through as you begin the process of college admissions.

TOEFL

What it stands for: Test Of English as a Foreign Language

Who is it for: Non-native speakers of English. It is a common prerequisite for admission to universities in America

What is it: designed to assess the English proficiency levels of non-native speakers of English. It consists of four parts – reading, listening, writing and speaking. The first three parts are taken on paper at a test centre while speaking can be done at home on a computer, monitored online by a human proctor.

SAT

What it stands for: Scholastic Assessment Test

Who is it for: High school students who wish to gain entry into U.S. colleges

What is it: used as a common data point for colleges to compare applicants. Scored on a scale of 400-1600. It comprises two main sections, the SAT includes the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (commonly known as the English portion) and the Math section. The test is made up of multiple choice questions that are done on-site.

ACT

What it stands for: American College Testing

Who is it for: High school students who wish to gain entry into U.S. colleges.

What is it: Like the SAT, it is also used as a common data point for colleges to compare applicants. It comprises four parts – English, Math, Reading and Science – with an optional Writing section. The entire test takes about 3 hours and consists of a whopping 215 questions in total.

IELTS

What it stands for: International English Language Testing System

Who is it for: Non-native speakers of English who wish to move to, study or work in a country where English is spoken.

What is it: A testing system that measures proficiency of the English language and is used worldwide, not just for academic purposes. It consists of four parts – reading, writing, listening and speaking. There are two types – the Academic Test for university or work in English-speaking countries, and the General Training Test for work and UK immigration purposes.

GMAT

What it stands for: Graduate Admission Management Test

Who is it for: Those who wish to apply to graduate management or business programs such as MBA.

What is it: A multiple-choice, computer-based, and computer-adaptive standardized exam that is used globally. It is made up of four parts – Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing Assessment. Quantitative and Verbal components are usually the more important sections and candidates tend to start with those first.

GRE

What it stands for: Graduate Record Examinations

Who is it for: Undergraduate students who wish to apply to a Master’s program in the United States.

What is it: Widely used testing system for entry into graduate programs. It is made up of the General test and the Subject tests. The GRE General test is made up of three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing. The GRE Subject tests are for undergraduate students who have a major in the disciplines of Mathematics, Physics or Psychology. They help to supplement the applicant’s academic records.

LSAT

What it stands for: Law School Admission Test

Who is it for: Those who wish to apply to law school in the U.S. and Canada

What is it: The test is mainly made up of three scored sections – Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension – and one unscored Writing sample which can be done remotely.

MCAT

What it stands for: Medical College Admission Test

Who is it for: Those who wish to apply to medical school globally

What is it: A standardised, multiple-choice examination designed to assess problem-solving, critical thinking and knowledge of natural, behavioural and social sciences that are prerequisite to medicine.

So there you have it. If you need more information about college admissions, contact us and our friendly consultants and mentors will assist you.