Standardized Tests
Different standardized tests are available for students and one or more may be required for getting admission depending on each university and program of study. Some institutions or programs may have minimum score requirements for the application to be considered.
Tests required may include one or more of SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT, or other specialized tests for professional studies. These evaluate students on English, quantitative problems, logic, and analytical skills. Most tests are computer-based, however, paper-based tests may also be offered in special cases.
Registration Process
Registration for standardized tests is available online on the official test website which also has information on the list of available dates and time slots along with test locations around the world. The process usually includes registering online, picking the convenient available time and location, and paying the application fee. Most computer-based tests are conducted all year round, however, some tests may be conducted only on specific dates listed on their official websites.
Study Material
The study material for each of the tests may be available on the official website. Also, several organizations offer test prep material like books or sample tests. Some of the global names include Kaplan, Peterson’s, Barron’s, Princeton Review, and others.
Official Score Reports
Official score reports are mandatory and required as part of the application process. Some institutions may require a score report sent directly by the organization conducting the test. If the list of the universities is chosen within a specified time frame of the test, then test taking organization may forward official scores for free of cost. But, if a student chooses to send a score at a later date, a request will need to be made with the test conductor at an additional cost.
SAT and Subject SAT
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is required of students applying for an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree at most universities and those applying for undergraduate scholarships. It tests the student on critical reading, math, and writing. The test is 3 hours and 45 minutes long and is multiple choice. The student is also required to write a 25-minute essay. Subject SATs test the student on specific subjects and may be required for admission to certain programs. A student may take multiple tests from the 20 subject tests conducted by ETS. These are 1 hour long and are mostly multiple choice. The test is conducted by ETS or College Board and official test websites are www.ets.org and www.collegeboard.com
ACT
The ACT is another widely accepted test for Undergraduate or Bachelor programs in the US. It is a multiple-choice test that evaluates students in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. There is also an optional writing section. The test is about 3 hours long with a 30- minute optional writing test. The official test website is www.actstudent.org
TOEFL
TOEFL (the Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required by many US universities for students who are non-native English speakers. The TOEFL measures English Reading, Speaking, Listening, and Writing skills. The computer-based test is about 4 and a half hours long. The official test website is www.ets.org
Ielts
IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) is also a test of English and is widely accepted by US universities as an alternative to TOEFL. Like the TOEFL, the IELTS also measures English Reading, Speaking, Listening, and Writing skills. It is a computer-based test; however, the speaking section is a face to face interview with a certified examiner. The reading, writing, and listening modules are two and a half hours long. The speaking module may be offered on the same day or up to a week before or after the other modules. Test results are provided 13 days after the test. The official test website is www.ielts.org
GRE and Subject GRE
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is required by most graduate programs in US universities. It is a test of Verbal reasoning, Quantitative reasoning, and Analytical writing skills. The computer-based test is 3 hours long and is a combination of writing as well as multiple-choice questions. Subject GREs test the student extensively on specific subjects and may be required for admission for certain majors. These may also be required while applying for scholarships or financial support. Subject GREs are paper-based and conducted three times a year, in April, October, and November. The official test website is www.ets.org
GMAT
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is required of students applying for a graduate business or MBA program in most US universities. The test is conducted by GMAC (the Graduate Management Admission Council). The GMAT is a test of Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing skills and is a 3 and a half-hour long, computer-based test. The test has a combination of multiple-choice and writing sections. Official score reports are available three weeks after the test. The official test website is www.mba.com
University selection
A total of 4,000 state and private universities are there in the USA which might make a little hard for students to choose from. Finding the right match for the student is our core goal at Radhika Consultancy. Especially for graduate and Ph.D. students, professors, and the university’s track record in interest play a decisive role in the selection process. Our experts have lived and experienced international life which helps our students to decide on real-time experiences.
We work with student’s budgets as getting an education and qualification in the USA is a long-term investment. The wise selection of the university with future job prognosis can help reduce the financial burden without compromising quality.
Recommendation letters
A letter of recommendation gives an insight into a student’s extracurricular activities, academic records, or any other outstanding performance by the student. It helps the admission committee to decide if the student is the right fit for their universities based on the information provided in the letter. These can be obtained from the professors or past employers and most programs require at least 3 recommendation letters.
Statement of purpose and essays
The statement of purpose also sometimes called the personal statement or statement of personal intent is required with most application packages and is a short note on the applicant’s background, aspirations, and career goals. This is a highly personalized essay that helps differentiate the applicant from the general pool. The university is most interested in finding students whose areas of interest match the university’s goals and the statement of purpose is highly influential in the admission process.
Certain programs, especially MBA and undergraduate programs, may require submission of essays written on topics provided. The topics would aim to reveal a personal trait or experience that the student may have had during his past academic or professional life or during social interactions with the community.
Financial standing
Financial funding plays an important role in pursuing international studies. Most universities require the student to submit proof of funding that shows if the student has sufficient funds in their bank account to cover the expected expenses of the program. Usually, the acceptance letter has a total of annual expense, or the university official website has listed in it to give student insight of required funds for the entire course of study.
Application forms and fees
Depending on the university and program of study, the application form can be filled out online or may have downloadable paper versions as well. The application form starts by creating an online portal for students and uploading all required documentation. Some universities have a fee waiver, while others have application fee which can be made online or sent as a demand draft along with the application package. An application will be considered incomplete until all the required documents are uploaded with the required application fee.
It is important to keep a note of the deadlines as it may vary depending on the universities and program of study.
Admission interview
Several programs may require applicants to sit through a personal admission interview. These are more frequent for PhD program applicants or when a student is being considered for a scholarship or financial aid.
Admit
After finishing the complete application package, the university usually responds within two business weeks’ time to the consultants. University will decide if the applicant is approved, rejected, or waitlisted.
If the student is accepted, an acceptance letter could be accompanied with the I-20 and introduction package. Few universities might require a fee to secure the seat before sending the I-20.
If a student is waitlisted, another letter will follow up from the university, or students/consultants can follow up with the admission committee to get the answer.