Exams to Study in USA in 2025 | IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, SAT

Exams required to study in the USA are SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, DAT, PTE, Duolingo, and OAT. The USA is a popular choice for over a million international students each year, offering life-changing experiences. The USA has several renowned institutions with advanced education and career prospects. US Universities offer a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma courses in various disciplines. This makes the country a most preferred study destination among international students.

However, to study in the USA, students are required to take English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE and standardised tests like GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, etc based on the chosen program. These tests show that students have good English proficiency and are eligible for the particular course. Moreover, for undergraduate (UG) courses, students typically need to take standardised tests such as the SAT and ACT. On the other hand, for postgraduate (PG) programs, exams like the GRE or GMAT are commonly required. 

Let’s discuss the list of required exams to study in USA and more information in this article.  

Table of contents

• Top 12 exams required to Study in USA 
• 1. SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
• 2. ACT (American College Testing)
• 3. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• 4. PTE (Pearson English Test)
• 5. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
• 6. GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
• 7. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
• 8. MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
• 9. LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
• 10. DAT (Dental Admission Test)
• 11. Duolingo
• 12. OAT (Optometry Admission Test)
• Other Resources
• Summary
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

What Exams Required to Study in the USA?

Top 12 exams to Study in USA are,

1. SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
2. ACT (American College Testing)
3. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
4. PTE (Pearson English Test)
5. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
6. GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
7. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
8. MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
9. LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
10. DAT (Dental Admission Test)
11. Duolingo
12. OAT (Optometry Admission Test)

1. SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

The SAT is a standardised exam used for college admissions in the USA. It evaluates students' skills in reading, writing, and maths. The test comprises two main modules, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math, with an optional Essay section. Top US universities like the University of Chicago, Yale University, etc accept the SAT, but specific score requirements vary. So it is essential for applicants to check their respective universities. The average accepted SAT score ranges from a score scale of 1200-1350, however, students should aim for a score of 1500-1600.

SAT Exam Details

SAT Exam Details
Duration of the SAT	SAT takes 3 hours and 50 minutes to complete (or 4 hours, 5 minutes with breaks)
Fees to take SAT in INR	$60+$43 (regional fees) $103, INR 8,444 (approx)
Modules of SAT	Reading, Writing, Math (with calculator) & Math (no calculator), Essay (optional)
Required SAT score range	400 - 1600
Upcoming SAT Exam Date 2025	March 8, 2025
Official website	https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat

2. ACT (American College Testing)

The ACT exam is a standardised test commonly used by colleges and universities in the USA as part of their admissions process. It assesses a student's readiness for college and measures their knowledge and skills in English, Math, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing section. Approximately 2000 US colleges accept the ACT, and its scores play a crucial role in the admissions process. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 - 36. 

ACT Exam Details

ACT Exam Details
Duration of the ACT	ACT takes 3 hours and 35 minutes (with optional essay writing)
Fees to take ACT in INR	$68 (without essay writing) (INR 5,575) and $93 (with essay writing) (INR 7,626)
Modules of ACT	English, Reading, Math, Science, and an Optional Essay Writing Test
Required ACT score range	Qualifying score is 20 - 22. Above 33 is considered a good score.
Upcoming ACT Exam Dates 2025	February 8, 2025
Official website	https://www.act.org/

3. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

The TOEFL is a standardised test required by many US colleges to assess the English language proficiency of international students. It includes modules for Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, with a total score range of 0 - 120. Many US colleges accept TOEFL scores, but the minimum and maximum score requirements vary. 

TOEFL Exam Details

TOEFL Exam Details
Duration of the TOEFL	3 hours for an Internet-based test 2.5 hours for a Paper-delivered test
Fees to take TOEFL in INR	INR 13,832 - INR 16,900
Modules of TOEFL	Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing
Required TOEFL score range	46 - 102
Upcoming TOEFL Exam Dates 2025	January 2025 Online: January 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 Centre-Based: January 3, 4, 8, 11, 18, 22, 24, 25
Official website	http://www.ets.org/toefl.html

4. PTE (Pearson English Test)

The PTE is a computer-based English language proficiency exam that evaluates reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The exam is scored on a scale from 10 to 90, with 90 being the highest possible score. Test-takers can attempt the PTE exam as many times as they wish, but there must be a gap of at least five days between test attempts. There were over 1,500 PTE accepted universities in USA.

PTE Exam Details

PTE Exam Details
Duration of the PTE	2 hours and 15 minutes
Fees to take PTE in INR	INR 14,700, including taxes
Sections of PTE	Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening
Required PTE score range	50 - 70
Upcoming PTE Exam Dates 2025	5th, 11th, 18th, 25th January 2025
Official website	https://www.pearsonpte.com/

5. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

The IELTS exam is required by many US colleges to assess the language proficiency of international students. The IELTS has two types: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. It consists of four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, with band scores ranging from 1 to 9. As the USA is an English-speaking country, there are more than 3,400 IELTS Accepting universities in USA with the IELTS band score requirement of 5.5 (min) to 8.0 (max).

IELTS Exam Details

IELTS Exam Details
Duration of the IELTS	2 hours 44 minutes plus 10 minutes of transfer time
Fees to take IELTS in INR	INR 17,000 (Pen and paper-based & computer-delivered)
Types	IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training
Modules of IELTS	Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing
IELTS Score for USA	5.5 (min) to 8.0 (max)
Upcoming Exam Date 2025	Varies based on location. Check out the official website link
Official website	http://www.ielts.org/

6. GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

The GRE is required by graduate schools and business schools as part of their admissions process. It evaluate applicants' analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills. Verbal Reasoning & Quantitative Reasoning sections are scored on a scale of 130 to 170 and the Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6. Overall, the GRE score ranges from 260 to 340. The subject tests have a GRE score range of 200 to 900. Many top US top universities like Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, etc are accepting GRE scores.

GRE Exam Details

GRE Exam Details
Duration of the GRE	General test takes 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete and Subject tests take 2 hours and 50 minutes to complete
Fees to take GRE in INR	INR 22,550 - GRE General Test INR 14,500 - GRE Subject Test
Modules of GRE	Analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning
Required GRE score range	260
Upcoming GRE Exam Dates 2025	GRE General Test can be taken once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-months period (365 days) GRE Subject Tests: April 21, 2025, through May 4, 2025
Official website	http://www.ets.org/gre

7. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

The GMAT is accepted by many universities in the USA, with over 5,000 business and management programs considering GMAT scores for admissions. The score range of the GMAT is from 200 to 800. The minimum and maximum GMAT score requirements vary among universities and programs, ranging typically from around 500 to 750 for competitive programs. A student can only appear five times for the test in an annual year and not more than eight times in the entire lifetime. The GMAT exam can be taken once every 16 days on the calendar.

GMAT Exam Details

GMAT Exam Details
Duration of the GMAT	3 hours, 07 minutes (excluding two 8-minute breaks)
Fees to take GMAT in INR	US $275 (INR 22,800 approx.) - offline US $300 (INR 24,600 approx.) - online
Modules of GMAT	Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning
Required GMAT score range	500 to 750
Official website	http://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam

8. MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

The MCAT is a standardised exam required for admission to US medical schools, assessing critical thinking and scientific knowledge. It consists of four modules, covering biology, chemistry, psychology, and sociology. Over 150 US medical schools accept MCAT scores, with accepted scores ranging from around 500 to 528, and the average falling between 510 to 512. Test-takers can attempt the MCAT up to three times in a single testing year, four times over two consecutive years, and seven times overall in a lifetime. 

MCAT Exam Details

MCAT Exam Details
Duration of the MCAT	7 hours, 30 minutes
Fees to take MCAT in INR	INR 25,750
Sections of MCAT	Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (BBLS), Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (CPBS), Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (PSBB) and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
Required MCAT score range	512
Upcoming MCAT Exam Dates 2025	January 10, 2025
Official website	http://students-residents.aamc.org/taking-mcat-exam/taking-mcat-exam

9. LSAT (Law School Admission Test)

The LSAT is an exam required for admission to US law schools, assessing critical thinking and analytical skills. It consists of modules like Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension. Over 200 US law schools accept LSAT scores, with accepted scores ranging from around 120 to 180. Applicants can take the LSAT up to three times in a single testing year and up to five times within a five-year period.

LSAT Exam Details

LSAT Exam Details
Duration of the LSAT	2 hours, 20 minutes
Fees to take LSAT in INR	INR 3,499 discounted fees INR 3,999 regular fees (without discount)
Sections of LSAT	Reading Comprehension, Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning
Required LSAT score	160
Upcoming LSAT Exam Dates 2025	January 2025 - 15,16,17,18
Official website	http://www.lsac.org/lsat

10. DAT (Dental Admission Test)

The DAT is an exam for dental school admission, evaluating academic and scientific skills. It consists of modules in Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, and Reading Comprehension. The exam's duration is around 4.5 hours, and it includes 280 multiple-choice questions. The DAT is typically scored on a scale from 1 to 30, with 18 being the average score for each section. Applicants can take the DAT up to three times in a single testing year, with a waiting period between attempts.

DAT Exam Details

DAT Exam Details
Duration of the DAT	4.5 hours approx. (including breaks)
Fees to take DAT in INR	INR 17,200
Sections of DAT	Survey of the natural sciences (90 minutes), Perceptual ability (60 minutes), Reading comprehension (60 minutes), and Quantitative reasoning (45 minutes)
Required DAT score	18
Official website	https://www.ada.org/en/education/testing/exams/dental-admission-test-dat

11. Duolingo

The Duolingo exam is required for non-native English speakers applying to colleges in the USA. It assess their language proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. There are over 1,000 duolingo accepted universities in USA . The exam allows students to take it up to two times a year, and the score range is from 10 to 160, with 100 being the average score for most universities. 

Duolingo Exam Details

Duolingo Exam Details
Duration of the Duolingo	1 hour
Fees to take Duolingo in INR	$49 (INR 4,032) including tax
Modules of Duolingo	Introduction (five minutes), the Adaptive test (45 minutes), and Writing and Speaking sample (ten minutes)
Required Duolingo score range	110 - 120
Upcoming Duolingo Exam Date 2025	Duolingo English Test does not launch any schedule for test dates, because it is an online test that can be taken anytime
Official website	http://www.duolingo.com/

12. OAT (Optometry Admission Test)

The OAT is required for admission to optometry programs in the USA, assessing applicants' academic knowledge and critical thinking skills. It consists of four modules: Natural Sciences, Reading Comprehension, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning. There are over 23 optometry schools in the United States that accept OAT scores for admission to their programs. The OAT score range is from 200 to 400 for each section, with a total possible score of 1000. Applicants can take the OAT up to three times in a 12-month period, but specific policies may vary among schools.

OAT Exam Details

OAT Exam Details
Duration of the OAT	4 – 1/2 hour
Fees to take OAT in INR	$465 (INR 38,251)
Sections of OAT	Survey of the Natural Sciences, Reading Comprehension, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning.
Required OAT score range	200 to 400
Official website	https://oat.ada.org/

Summary

Now you are familiar with the exams to study in the USA. Remember to choose the exam based on the program or course you prefer. Scoring high in the entrance exam helps you get a scholarship to help you manage your expenses. Know the exam and start preparing. Early preparation enhances the chances of a successful application process and a fulfilling academic journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the exams to study in the USA? 

The exams required to study in the USA vary depending on the level of education and the chosen field of study. Common exams include the SAT or ACT for undergraduate programs and the GRE or GMAT for graduate programs.

2. What exams are required to study in USA after 12th? 

For undergraduate programs after 12th grade, international students often need to take standardised tests like the SAT or ACT, along with English language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS.

3. What exams are required to study MS in the USA? 

For Master of Science (MS) programs, international students typically need to take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or sometimes the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) for specific MS programs in business-related fields.

4. What exams are required to study MBA in the USA? 

MBA programs often require the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) for admission. Some universities may accept the GRE in place of the GMAT for MBA programs.

5. Are there alternative language tests besides TOEFL and IELTS for studying in the USA? 

Yes, some universities accept the Duolingo English Test as an alternative to TOEFL and IELTS for demonstrating English language proficiency for admission to their programs.

6. How many times can I take the SAT or GRE if I want to improve my scores? (h4)

For the SAT, students can take the test multiple times, and most universities accept the highest scores. For the GRE, there is a limit of five attempts within any continuous 12-month period, with a waiting period of 21 days between attempts.