Quick Take
- High‑school applicants: choose SAT or ACT based on your strengths and target schools.
- English‑proficiency: TOEFL is preferred by most U.S. universities; IELTS works for many as an alternative.
- Graduate programs: GRE covers most fields; GMAT is essential for business schools.
- Check each school’s official requirements before deciding.
- Start prep at least 3‑6 months ahead to avoid last‑minute stress.
When you say, "I want to study in the USA," the first question most advisers ask is: best test for US study. The answer isn’t a single test; it depends on the level you’re applying for, the program type, and the schools on your shortlist. This guide walks you through every major standardized test you’ll encounter, compares their formats, and helps you pick the one that aligns with your goals.
Understanding U.S. Admission Tests
In the U.S., colleges and universities use standardized tests as a common metric to compare applicants from diverse educational backgrounds. They measure academic readiness (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT) or language ability (TOEFL, IELTS). While tests don’t guarantee admission, strong scores can compensate for a lower GPA, especially for international students.
High‑School Admissions: SAT vs ACT
For undergraduate entry, the two most common tests are the SAT a 3‑hour, math‑and‑reading focused exam administered by the College Board and the ACT a 2‑hour‑45‑minute test that adds a science reasoning section, offered by ACT, Inc.. Here’s how they differ:
| Feature | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | Reading, Writing & Language, Math (no calculator), Math (calculator) | English, Math, Reading, Science, Optional Writing |
| Total Score | 400‑1600 (200‑800 per section) | 1‑36 (composite) |
| Timing per Question | ~53 seconds | ~53 seconds (varies by section) |
| Popularity among U.S. schools | Accepted by 99% of institutions | Accepted by 98% of institutions |
| Typical Test‑Taking Day Length | ~3 hours (plus breaks) | ~2¾ hours (plus breaks) |
**When to pick SAT:**
- You excel in math and enjoy pattern‑recognition questions.
- Your target schools do not require the Science section.
- You prefer a slightly longer test with a 25‑minute optional essay.
**When to pick ACT:**
- You are comfortable with fast‑paced reading and science reasoning.
- Your high school curriculum aligns with ACT’s content.
- You want the option of a writing score that some schools value.
Most elite U.S. universities accept scores from either test, so you can even take both and submit the higher composite. Use free practice tests from the College Board and ACT, Inc. to see which format feels natural.
English‑Proficiency Tests: TOEFL vs IELTS
If English isn’t your native language, you’ll need to prove proficiency. The two dominant exams are the TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language, internet‑based, administered by ETS and the IELTS International English Language Testing System, offered by British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Both are accepted by over 95% of U.S. schools, but there are subtle differences.
| Aspect | TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring | 0‑120 total | 0‑9 band score |
| Sections | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
| Speaking format | Recorded responses via headset | Face‑to‑face interview with examiner |
| Accent exposure | North American | International (varied) |
| Result turnaround | 4‑6 days (online) | 5‑13 days |
| Availability in India, China, Brazil | Over 450 test centers | Over 400 test centers |
**Why most U.S. schools lean toward TOEFL:**
- The digital format matches the online application portals.
- Score reporting integrates directly with the Common Application.
**When IELTS makes sense:**
- You prefer a face‑to‑face speaking test.
- You have stronger exposure to British or Commonwealth English.
Take a free sample from ETS or the British Council to gauge which test aligns with your listening and speaking comfort level.
Graduate Studies: GRE vs GMAT
For master’s or Ph.D. programs, the GRE Graduate Record Examinations, a general test covering verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing is the default. Business schools, however, require the GMAT Graduate Management Admission Test, focusing on analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative and verbal skills. Here’s a snapshot:
| Feature | GRE | GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Intended Programs | All graduate programs (science, engineering, humanities) | Business school MBA, Master’s in Management |
| Structure | Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing | Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal |
| Scoring | 130‑170 per section; 0‑6 for writing | 0‑800 total; 0‑8 for writing |
| Computer‑adaptive | Yes (section‑level) | Yes (question‑level) |
| Preparation time | 2‑3 months for most candidates | 3‑4 months for competitive business schools |
**When to choose GRE:**
- Your target is a STEM or liberal‑arts master’s program.
- You prefer a slightly broader verbal section.
**When to choose GMAT:**
- You’re applying to top‑tier MBA programs (e.g., Harvard, Stanford, Wharton).
- You want a test that business schools heavily benchmark against.
Choosing the Right Test for Your Goal
Below is a quick decision matrix you can use when you’re stuck:
- Identify your study level. Undergraduate → SAT/ACT + English test. Graduate → GRE/GMAT + English test.
- List your target schools. Check each school’s official admissions page for required tests.
- Assess your strengths. If you’re a math whiz, SAT may feel easier; if you excel in quick‑reading, ACT might suit you.
- Consider test availability. Some regions have limited test‑center dates for ACT or IELTS; choose the one with convenient slots.
- Factor in cost. SAT/ACT fees are roughly $55‑$70 per test, TOEFL $200, IELTS $240, GRE $205, GMAT $250 (prices may vary by country).
- Plan your timeline. Register at least 2‑3 months before your application deadline to allow retake possibilities.
By answering these steps, you’ll land on a test (or pair of tests) that aligns with both your timeline and your dream schools.
Prep Timeline & Resources
Effective prep is a blend of structured study and real‑test simulation. Here’s a six‑month roadmap that works for most international candidates:
- Month1‑2: Diagnose your baseline. Take an official practice test for SAT/ACT or GRE/GMAT and a short TOEFL/IELTS sample. Record scores.
- Month3‑4: Target weak areas. Use resources like Khan Academy (SAT), Official ACT Prep, ETS’s GRE Powerprep, or GMAT Official Guide. Allocate 5‑8hours/week.
- Month5: Full‑length timed practice every two weeks. Review mistakes in depth; build a personal error‑log.
- Month6: Final polishing. Take the official test early in the month, then schedule a retake if needed before your application deadline.
Free resources include:
- College Board’s Daily Practice App (SAT)
- ACT Academy (ACT)
- ETS’s TOEFL® Test Preparation Kit (TOEFL)
- British Council’s Road to IELTS (IELTS)
- GRE’s PowerPrep 2 (GRE)
- GMAT Official Starter Kit (GMAT)
Consider a paid course only if you hit a plateau after three months of self‑study. Many students find a hybrid model-self‑study plus a few tutoring sessions-effective and budget‑friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both SAT and ACT?
No. Most U.S. schools accept either score. Take a free practice test for both; submit the higher one.
Which English test is more accepted: TOEFL or IELTS?
Both are widely accepted, but TOEFL is slightly more common among American universities because its score reports integrate directly with many application portals.
Can I use GRE scores for non‑business graduate programs?
Yes. GRE is the standard exam for most master’s and Ph.D. programs outside of business schools. Only MBA programs typically require GMAT.
What is the minimum score needed for Ivy League schools?
There is no official minimum, but competitive applicants usually score 1480‑1550+ on the SAT, 33‑35+ on the ACT, and 320+ on the GRE. Business schools often expect GMAT 720+.
How many times can I retake the SAT or ACT?
Both exams allow unlimited attempts, but most colleges consider only the highest score. Plan retakes at least a month apart to allow for improvement.
Choosing the right test is the first step toward studying in the United States. Use this guide to match your goals, schedule, and strengths with the appropriate exam, then start a focused prep plan. Good luck on your journey!