Exams to study in the USA | GMAT, GRE, SAT

Dreaming of pursuing higher education in the land of opportunity? The United States of America continues to be the top destination for international students. With world-renowned universities, diverse courses, cutting-edge research facilities, and vibrant campus life, it’s no surprise that thousands of students aspire to study in the USA every year.

But before you can walk through the doors of Harvard, Stanford, or MIT, there’s one crucial step you need to tackle — standardized exams. Whether you’re aiming for an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree, these exams are essential in your application process. They help universities assess your academic readiness and English proficiency, and they often play a key role in determining scholarships and assistantships. Thus, for you to fulfill your study in the USA dream you must fulfill this initial requirement.

In this blog, we will break down the most important exams to study in the USA, giving you an overview of what each test involves, who needs to take them, and how to prepare. If you’re serious about your goal to study in USA, this guide is your starting point.

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Exams Required to Study in USA

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

For: Undergraduate Programs

Accepted by: Most U.S. colleges and universities

Sections: Reading and Writing, Math

Duration: 2 hours 14 minutes (new digital SAT)

The SAT is a standardized test required by many U.S. colleges for undergraduate admissions. It assesses a student’s skills in critical reading, grammar, and math. While many universities have gone test-optional, a good SAT score can strengthen your application and help you qualify for merit-based scholarships.

Scoring: 400–1600

Frequency: Offered several times a year worldwide

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ACT (American College Testing)

For: Undergraduate Programs

Accepted by: All U.S. colleges and universities

Sections: English, Math, Reading, Science, (Optional Writing)

Duration: About 3 hours (plus 40 minutes if Writing is included)

An alternative to the SAT, the ACT measures what you’ve learned in high school and how prepared you are for college. It includes a Science section, which makes it appealing to STEM-focused students. Like the SAT, ACT scores can improve your admission chances and qualify you for scholarships.

Scoring: 1–36

Frequency: Offered 7 times a year (international dates vary)
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

For: Graduate and business school programs (MS, MA, MBA)

Accepted by: Thousands of universities in the USA

Sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing

Duration: Around 1 hour 58 minutes (new shorter GRE)

The GRE is a crucial exam for admission into graduate programs across disciplines. It assesses your reasoning, math, and writing abilities. Many top U.S. universities require or recommend GRE scores, especially for STEM and business programs. A strong GRE score can make your application stand out.

Scoring: 260–340 (Verbal + Quantitative), 0–6 (Analytical Writing)

Frequency: Available year-round at test centers or at home

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GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

For: MBA and business-related graduate programs

Accepted by: Business schools in the USA and worldwide

Sections: Quantitative, Verbal, Data Insights

Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes (GMAT Focus Edition)

The GMAT is tailored for business school aspirants and evaluates analytical, quantitative, and verbal skills. The new GMAT places greater emphasis on data interpretation. Top MBA programs, including those at Harvard, Wharton, and Kellogg, consider GMAT scores a major admission criterion.

Scoring: 205–805

Frequency: Available throughout the year

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TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

For: Non-native English speakers

Accepted by: Over 11,000 universities including most U.S. institutions

Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing

Duration: Less than 2 hours (TOEFL iBT)

TOEFL is widely accepted as proof of English proficiency. It measures how well you can read, write, speak, and understand English in an academic context. While some schools accept other English tests, TOEFL is often the preferred choice for U.S. admissions.

Scoring: 0–120

Frequency: Offered more than 60 times a year
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

For: Non-native English speakers

Accepted by: Over 3,400 U.S. institutions

Sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking

Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes

Like TOEFL, IELTS evaluates English proficiency but uses a slightly different format. Some students prefer IELTS because of its in-person speaking test. U.S. colleges accept both IELTS and TOEFL, so check the university’s requirements before choosing.

Scoring: 1–9 Band Scale

Frequency: Offered multiple times monthly
Duolingo English Test

For: Non-native English speakers

Accepted by: Over 4,000 institutions (including many in the USA)

Sections: Integrated Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking

Duration: 1 hour

A newer alternative to TOEFL and IELTS, the Duolingo English Test is affordable, quick, and entirely online. It’s accepted by many U.S. universities, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased flexibility in admission policies.

Scoring: 10–160

Frequency: On-demand (can be taken anytime from home)
LSAT (Law School Admission Test)

For: JD and other law programs

Accepted by: American Bar Association (ABA)-approved law schools

Sections: Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, Writing Sample

Duration: About 3 hours

For students aiming to pursue law in the U.S., the LSAT is mandatory. It tests your ability to think critically, make logical deductions, and comprehend complex texts. A high LSAT score is essential for entry into top-tier law schools.

Scoring: 120–180

Frequency: Several times a year
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

For: Medical programs (MD, DO)

Accepted by: All U.S. medical schools

Sections: Biological & Biochemical, Chemical & Physical, Psychological & Social, Critical Analysis

Duration: 7.5 hours

MCAT is required for aspiring doctors and is considered one of the most challenging exams. It evaluates both scientific knowledge and reasoning skills. Competitive scores are crucial to gaining entry into a good U.S. medical program.

Scoring: 472–528

Frequency: 30+ test dates per year
USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination)

For: International medical graduates (IMGs)

Purpose: Licensure to practice medicine in the U.S.

Parts: Step 1, Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge), Step 3

Duration: Multiple days across steps

If you already have a medical degree and plan to practice in the U.S., you must clear the USMLE. It assesses your ability to apply medical knowledge in a clinical setting. Passing all steps is required to obtain a medical license in the U.S.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for the right exams to study in the USA is a major milestone in your academic journey. Whether it’s cracking the SAT for a bachelor’s degree, acing the GRE or GMAT for a master’s program, or demonstrating English fluency with TOEFL or IELTS, these exams pave the way to your dream university.

With strategic planning, rigorous preparation, and the right resources, you can ace these exams and bring yourself one step closer to your goal to study in USA. Begin early, understand the requirements of your desired institutions, and keep practicing!

If studying abroad is your dream, let these exams be your stepping stones, not roadblocks.

FAQs

If you're planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree, you should consider the SAT or ACT, along with an English proficiency test like TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (if you're from a non-English-speaking country).

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Many universities have made the GRE optional, but some still require it, especially for competitive or STEM programs. It's best to check with your target universities. A strong GRE score can still boost your profile.

Some universities waive English tests if: