Academic Entry Requirements – Exam Profile

Where a student wants to study will determine what academic and English requirements are required for entry. Often, leading universities will integrate formal placement tests alongside examinations such as A-Levels, CBSE, IB, or an undergraduate degree.

For students hoping to secure a place at a highly ranked and prestigious university our team recommends joining the Scholars Program. Places are limited; however, students will have access to everything they need to target some of the world’s most elite universities.

A brief description of each test is outlined below. Students studying in specific disciplines may be required to take subject specific examinations. For more detailed information please book a FREE CONSULTATION.

Undergraduate Academic Placement Tests:

ACT

The ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. The ACT test covers four academic skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and scientific reasoning. It also offers an optional direct writing test. The average ACT score is 20.8. This is the composite score, which combines all four sections: English, reading, math, and science. A score of 21 will place a student in the middle of the pack. Generally, a score of 24 or higher is considered good. A maximum score of 36 is possible.

SAT

The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test that demonstrates to a college a student’s ability in reading, writing and math comprehension. The average SAT composite score is 1051. A score of 1350 would place a student in the top 10% of test takers and permit applications to the most competitive and selective schools. The highest SAT score possible is 1600.

Did you know? There is very little difference between the SAT & ACT. Both tests require students to attend an exam for almost 4 hours in duration and students are benchmarked against others completing the test in the same year.

Postgraduate Academic Placement Tests:

GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test is a computer adaptive test intended to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English for use in admission to a graduate management program, such as MBA programs at highly ranked universities. The average GMAT score is 594.  A score of 650 – 690 would be considered good. The highest GRE score possible is 700.

Did you know? Harvard Universities GMAT score for the 2023 intake ranges from 590 to 790. This means HBS accepted at least one student with a 590 GMAT test score {considered low} all the way up to 790.

GRE

The Graduate Record Examinations is an admissions test for master’s and doctoral degree programs for many graduate schools in the United States and Canada, plus a few in in other countries. The test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills. A score of 318 and above would be considered good. A score of 329 is considered excellent. The highest GRE score possible is a 528.

Medical Academic Entry Requirements:

Studying medicine is competitive. The supply of places never meets demand; thus, significant barriers exist which allow universities to be highly selective in the admissions process. Those wanting to study medicine are required to follow the steps below prior to their medical entry exam.

• High School Qualification {demonstrate high grades; often in the 10% of students}
• Good marks in Chemistry, biology, Physics and Maths
• Letters of recommendation {from school and other relevant staff}
• Statement of Purposes
• Voluntary or work experience letter from healthcare profession {work experience strongly advised}
• Minimum score in TOEFL and IELTS results {often higher English scores are required because of subject area}
• Pass university / panel interview

Each country will have their own medical exam. Some universities may require students to complete a foundation year prior to enrolment in their choice of course. Please note, most universities will not accept state board curriculums from India.

MCAT {USA & North America}

The Medical College Admission Test is a computer-based standardized examination for prospective medical students in the United States, Australia, Canada, and Caribbean Islands. It is designed to assess problem solving, critical thinking, written analysis and knowledge of scientific concepts and principles. The mean MCAT score is 500. The highest MCAT score possible is 528.

UCAT {United Kingdom & Australasia}

The University Clinical Aptitude Test is an admissions test used in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand for medical and dental related degrees. UCAT requires the completion of 225 questions with questions divided into the following subject areas: Verbal Reasoning {44}, Decision Making {29}, Quantitative Reasoning {36}, Abstract Reasoning {50} and Situational Judgement {66}.

Other Tests

For students entering medicine at the postgraduate level a test may be required as part of the application process. These examinations may include GAMSAT, UCAT, BMAT, MCAT depending on the university. Students entering at the postgraduate level must demonstrate a cognate undergraduate background or relevant academic / work experience.

I hope you found the information on our Academic Entry Requirements page useful. StudyOverseasNow.com are overseas education consultants that specialize in providing expert advice throughout the consultation and application process. If you would like to study abroad and hope to secure a significant scholarship or study grant book a FREE Consultation with an experienced education & career counsellor to find out what overseas study options are available. We look forward to helping you start your journey to a brighter future!