Thursday, November 28, 2019

English Language Tests – A Quick Guide for Scholarship Applicants


Scholarship guide

Do you plan to study abroad? You’ve probably been told that you might have to take the English Language Tests. Yes, this is normally required by some schools as part of the criteria for admission. But the problem is, you don’t know jack about any of these tests, nor are you aware of where (and how much it costs) to write them.

If this sounds like you, be not worry. I’ve got you covered. Below are details about the costs and purpose for some of the tests.    

Enjoy.

1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)  
As the name suggests, TOEFL is a standard test widely used to evaluate non-native speakers who applied to English speaking universities abroad. The exam evaluates students on oral as well as written English. It comes in the form of series of questions on your ability to listen, speak, read and write. Each of these aspects is thoroughly examined.

To know which schools abroad require TOEFL go here.

The fee for writing the test is around $160 to $250, depending on your country.
Institutions in the US mostly request for this test from applicants. So, if you’re planning on applying for a scholarship there, taking this exam is highly recommended.

2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
The IELTS is one of the popular systems adopted to test how proficient students are in using English. This test seeks to see if students seeking admission abroad are excellent at reading, listening, writing and speaking English. Over 9,000 organisations use this test to confirm people who truly are qualified for specific tasks. University, schools, employers, immigration authorities and others use it too to assess prospective employees.

IETLS is an online test. To take this test, you're faced with someone who communicates with you to test your conversational skill. This means the test is conducted in the form of an interview. This comes in two forms: The IELTSGeneral Training and IELTS Academic. You take the one suitable for you.

Also, if you wish to apply to study abroad via scholarships, you might need to write this test. In countries such as Australia, Canada, UK, the IELTS is usually required.  

3. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
GMAT is a computer-based test, which mainly assesses students on their skills to solve problems, reason logically, use business tactics and think critically. All these are believed to be indispensable to ensure business boom and success. The test will assist students to be admitted in graduate management programs and business learning institutions.

GMAT also tests students’ level of reasoning, oral communication and analytical writing. Exercises on knowledge of geometry, arithmetic, statistics and algebra are given.

A total sum of US$250 is often required to take this test and it's valid for 5 years.
Here is a list of countries whose universities require GMAT for admission into any course of study.

4. GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
GRE is a test used to assess the academic performance of a student who plans for admission to a graduate school. It tests students’ ability to reason, communicate orally, think creatively and write analytically.

As of May 2016, the standard fee for the test is US$205 everywhere in the world except China where it's a bit higher, at the sum of US$220.70. Note that if you need to make changes during the course of registration, other service fee is incurred. See here for the categories of these fees and other useful tools you'll need to excel in the exam. GRE too is valid for five years.


5. SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
If you're about applying for scholarships to study in the US, you might have to take the exam called SAT. It’s a test for applicants who desire to study undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the US.

It examines students' level of intelligence to write, read fluently and solve mathematical problems. The Fees for SATregistration vary based on your location and whether you're an international applicant or not.

6. LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
Are you a law student? Do you wish to apply abroad for a degree in Law?
If yes, then you might need to take the LSAT. With this test, your logical reasoning efficiency, argumentative as well as analytical writing skills are assessed.

Here’s where to get a detailed analysis of the cost of the LSAT.

Schools in countries such as the United States, Australia and Canada often require the LSAT before you’re given admission to study law in any of their colleges. LSAT is valid for five years.   

7. ACT (American College Testing)
The ACT is a test established in the United States. It’s one of the requirements for admission into undergraduate programs in the US and Canada. It tests students’ mathematical, reading and scientific skills. You’re also assessed on your writing skills, though it’s optional, depending on the school you applied to.

ACTS fees would increase if the optional writing aspect is included. It applies to late registration too.

Bottom line
It can be frustrating when after going through the requirements for a scholarship opportunity, you realize you’ve got to write a test. Worst, you don’t know anything about any of these English tests. Even though you’ve heard people talk about it, you have no idea how and where to write it and how much it costs. Yet, as a scholarship applicant, you should be conversant with several different English Language tests out there, especially if you’re applying to study abroad on a scholarship. This won’t only help you to plan well ahead, but will also save you time and money spent on seeking information where there is none.        


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