Top Exams to Study Abroad After 12th

So, it looks like you have set your sights on studying abroad! It’s a great choice – one that resonates with a lot of students lately, with a rapid increase of 52.2% witnessed in the number of Indians studying abroad over the past five years. But before you pack your bags and daydream about sipping coffee in a Parisian café or exploring the bustling streets of New York, there’s one crucial hurdle that you need to get through first: entrance exams for studying abroad.

Whether you are aiming for a top-tier university, a thriving global career, or simply looking for an excuse to travel and explore some more – you may have to clear certain tests. Be it about proving your English proficiency or acing a standardised admission test – selecting the right exam can be seen as the first step towards kickstarting your international academic journey. In fact, these tests go beyond just a good score to boast about: they can determine your eligibility, scholarships, and sometimes even VISA approvals!

From IELTS to TOEFL, GRE to GMAT, SAT to ACT – the choices can seem overwhelming. If the mere thought of appearing for an entrance test makes you break into a sweat, just take a deep breath! This guide will walk you through the most popular exams to study abroad, why they matter, their formats, which one to choose based on your dream destination and program, some pro tips to crack them, and how TestPrep by MetaApply IE can help you conquer them with confidence. Ready? Let’s dive in!

1. English Language Proficiency Tests: IELTS, TOEFL, PET & Duolingo

If you’re heading to an English-speaking country, proving your language proficiency becomes a must. Here are the most common tests that you may take:

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

If English isn’t your first language, universities want to know if you are proficient enough to show your true potential and thrive in their academic environment. The IELTS is one of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests across the UK, Canada, Australia, and even some institutions in the USA. Your IELTS score can influence not just your admission but also your VISA approval – and even job prospects post-study!

The Numbers
Taken by over 3.5 million people annually.
Most top universities require a score of 6.5 to 7.5.

Exam Format
Listening: 4 sections, 40 questions.
Reading: 3 passages, 40 questions.
Writing: 2 tasks (essay and report/letter).
Speaking: Face-to-face interview (3 parts).

How to Crack It

• Listen to native content (podcasts, news, TED Talks) to sharpen listening skills.
• Practice essay structures to master the writing section for a higher score.
• Get a grasp on IELTS-specific vocabulary to help boost your scores.
• Simulate real test conditions with timed mock exams – timing is key!

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Primarily accepted in the USA and Canada, TOEFL focuses on academic English – the kind that you will have to use and gather in lectures, research, and discussions. Unlike IELTS which mandates F2F rounds, TOEFL is entirely computer-based. However, while there’s no live interaction, you have a speaking section too – which means you need strong typing, speaking, and listening skills.

The Numbers
Accepted by 90% of USA universities.
Competitive score: 90+ out of 120.

Exam Format
Reading: 3-4 passages, 30-40 questions.
Listening: 3-4 lectures, 6 questions each.
Speaking: 4 tasks (integrated & independent).
Writing: 2 tasks (integrated & independent essays).

How to Crack It

• Improve notetaking to capture key points for the listening section.
• Practice integrated tasks (reading, listening, writing combined).
• Work on quick and accurate typing as well as fluency and pronunciation.
• Use official TOEFL test materials for more accurate practice.

PTE (Pearson Test of English)

Appearing for the PTE test would be ideal for those who have set their sights on Australia and New Zealand or are considering them among their preferred destinations. This exam is entirely AI-evaluated, which means you don’t have to worry about human bias in scoring. In fact, the fast results shared by the PTE make it a preferred choice for students who are in a hurry or about to miss deadlines.

The Numbers
Score range: 10 to 90.
A good score is typically 65+.

Exam Format
Speaking & Writing: 54-67 minutes, integrated tasks.
Reading: 29-30 minutes, multiple-choice & reordering tasks.
Listening: 30-43 minutes, summarizing spoken text & MCQs.

How to Crack It

• Focus on speaking clearly – AI scoring is sensitive to pronunciation.
• Work on time management, as the sections in this test are fast-paced.
• Use templates for writing and speaking to structure answers and save time.
• Improve typing speed to maximize the speed and efficiency of your responses.

DET (Duolingo English Test)

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a newer, faster, more convenient and affordable alternative to most traditional English proficiency exams. While it is fairly recent – it is already being accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide. It can be taken right from your home with minimal preparation. Further, the AI-powered evaluation ensures fairness, and the results arrive within just 48 hours!

The Numbers
Score range: 10 to 160.
A good score is typically 120+ for top universities.

Exam Format
Adaptive Test: 45 minutes, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking tasks.
Writing & Speaking Sample: 10 minutes, open-ended responses recorded and submitted.

How to Crack It

• Practice with adaptive test simulations to get familiar with the format.
• Speak naturally and clearly, as AI evaluates pronunciation and fluency.
• Expand your vocabulary to tackle varied reading and listening tasks.
• Ensure a quiet environment and stable internet for no disturbance during the test.

2. Standardised Tests for University Admissions: SAT, ACT, GRE & GMAT

If you’re planning to pursue a degree abroad, certain universities may require you to appear for a standardised entrance test, depending on the program you choose. Here’s what you need to know:

GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

For those who are eyeing a master’s or a PhD, especially in STEM or business, GRE scores play a very important role. It tests not just your knowledge but also your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. It is accepted in several universities across the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, as well as Asian and European countries, often determining admission eligibility, financial aid, and even merit scholarships!

The Numbers
Taken by 500,000+ students yearly.
Competitive score: 320+ out of 340.

Exam Format
Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections, 20 questions each.
Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections, 20 questions each.
Analytical Writing: 2 essays (issue & argument tasks).

How to Crack It

• Learn and master 1000+ high-frequency vocabulary words.
• Strengthen concepts like algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.
• Practice analytical writing – work on structuring essays logically.
• Take full-length adaptive practice tests to understand difficulty levels.

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

If pursuing your MBA abroad is on your radar, the GMAT is often non-negotiable. It evaluates logic, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills, all essential for business leadership roles. Accepted by top B-schools worldwide, including those in the USA, Canada, Europe, and Asia, a strong GMAT score can boost your chances of admission, scholarships, and even post-MBA job prospects.

The Numbers
Score range: 200-800.
Top B-schools look for 650+.

Exam Format
Analytical Writing: 1 essay.
Integrated Reasoning: 12 questions.
Quantitative: 31 questions.
Verbal: 36 questions.

How to Crack It

• Develop data interpretation skills along with honing logical reasoning.
• Improve your mental math speed for quantitative questions.
• Time management is crucial as adaptive testing can be pretty tricky.
• Use official GMAT prep materials to understand question styles.

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

The SAT is your golden ticket to undergraduate programs in the USA and some other global universities. It evaluates your reading, writing, and math skills, and is a crucial factor in undergraduate admissions – often considered alongside GPA, extracurriculars, and essays. A strong SAT score can boost your chances of securing admission to prestigious institutions worldwide and even scholarships!

The Numbers
Taken by 2 million+ students annually.
Competitive score: 1400+ out of 1600.

Exam Format
Reading: 52 questions.
Writing & Language: 44 questions.
Math: 58 questions (calculator & non-calculator).
Optional Essay: 50 minutes.

How to Crack It

• Strengthen reading comprehension skills to boost both verbal and writing scores.
• Brush up on high-school math concepts like algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Take full-length timed tests to improve endurance and get comfortable with the format.
• Use official SAT question banks and mock tests for even more targeted practice.

ACT (American College Testing)

Accepted by almost all USA colleges, the ACT is a key admission test for undergraduate admissions, evaluating readiness for university-level coursework. It tests your English, math, reading, and science reasoning – making it ideal for students who excel in fast-paced, knowledge-based environments. A high ACT score can strengthen your application, boost scholarship opportunities, and set you apart in competitive admissions!

The Numbers
Score range: 1-36.
A competitive score is typically 30+.

Exam Format
English: 75 questions (grammar, usage, and rhetoric).
Math: 60 questions (algebra, geometry, and trigonometry).
Reading: 40 questions (passage-based comprehension).
Science: 40 questions (data analysis and interpretation).
Optional Writing: 1 essay.

How to Crack It

• Master time management as each section is fast-paced.
• Lay focus on the grammatical rules for the English section.
• Practice mental math skills and problem-solving shortcuts.
• Read and analyse scientific data quickly for the Science section.

Select the right exam for you

Final Thoughts

Entrance exams like these do not define you, but they do open doors for exciting possibilities. With the right strategy, practice, and a pinch of confidence, you can ace these tests and get one step closer to your dream university, program, or destination!

Studying abroad seems exciting, but preparing for entrance exams can feel overwhelming. That’s where TestPrep by MetaApply IE steps in! With our personalised study platform, you get:

Tailored Study Plans: Get adaptive strategies based on your unique strengths and weaknesses.
Expert-Led Coaching & Feedback: Learn from top-notch instructors with several years of experience.
Mock Tests & Analytics: Prepare under actual test conditions with performance tracked in real-time.
End-to-End Services: Beyond exams, we help with university/program/destination selection, admission process, scholarships, loans, VISA assistance, and more!

Why navigate this journey alone when you have MetaApply IE to guide you every step of the way?
Now, grab your coffee, get your study plan, and let’s make your study abroad dream a reality!

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