Most American colleges and uni­versities require all applicants to take one or more academic en­trance examinations, in addition to TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Two-year community col­leges usually require only TOEFL.

Most graduate departments require at least one academic admissions examination, either a general aptitude test such as the Graduate Rec­ord Examination (GRE), or a demonstration of proficiency in your field (GRE subject test), or sometimes both.

These tests are standardized, multiple-choice tests that require a higher degree of English proficiency. Some also require mathematical skills or in-depth knowledge related to the field of study.

Don’t take the wrong tests

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People often end up taking some tests they never actually needed and leave out some others that could have helped them a lot.

Getting to study at a good American college is by no means an easy task whichever way you look at it, including the financial aspect. Therefore, since you are going to need some money later on, it is a good idea to save as much as you can by taking only those tests which you really need. On the other hand, be sure you also take some not-so-commonly taken ones to maximize your chances of getting aid later.

Tests for Master’s courses

If you are trying for graduate admissions without financial aid, then you need to take the follow­ing:

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1. GRE: Graduate Record Examination

2. TOEFL

3. GMAT: (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) only if you are trying for MBA.

Sometimes only a GMAT and TOEFL are needed.

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If you are trying for a Ph.D. and Master’s together, or are looking for financial aid for a Master’s program, you must take the following:

1. GRE

2. TOEFL

3. TSE: Test of Spoken English

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4. Subject GRE.

Make sure you take the TSE if you are seri­ously trying for an assistantship, since it will help you both before as well as after joining a college.

Test for Bachelor’s courses

If you are applying for a Bachelor’s program, then the tests you need to take are:

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1. SAT I: (Scholastic Aptitude Test) Reasoning Test

2. TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Lan­guage

3. SAT II: Subject Tests: Depends on the uni­versity and courses you are planning on. Roughly for the price of a SAT I, you can give three subject tests for a one-fee pay­ment.