How Admission Officers Evaluate Your Application: Test Scores
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In the previous article, we looked at how admission officers look at your academics. Now, we will see how your standardized and language exam scores like those of SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS etc. are seen. For now, we are only assessing where you stand with the test scores you have.
Test scores are an important factor for the admissions but they are not the most important factor always. As a matter of fact, there are many foreign universities which don't require test scores. So to an admission officer, it doesn’t matter if you submitted either SAT or ACT scores, TOEFL or IELTS scores. For them, the exams in the same category are all the same. They also look at only the highest scores, if you attempted the test more than once. So if you gave the test first in July and scored more than the second time in August, your July score will be used.
If you have taken the tests, then you know your starting point. If you have not, then you should start with the prep tests to give you an idea. You can find practice tests for free on most of the official websites. In addition, you can always purchase the test prep materials.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
One thing you should remember is that you can’t plan to get certain scores on these exams. If you keep such expectations, it will lead to more anxiety, and possibly disappointment. These tests are supposed to be hard and they test skills you learnt through your life. However, there are some students who increase their scores the second time of taking the test. Even you can, but you will have to be realistic about your increase.
By taking the prep or mock tests, you will know your starting point. Once you have a score in mind, then you will have to work to improve it. Unlike standardized tests, which test multiple skills, language exams test only your language skills. And your language skills are something you can improve by practice.
During the mock test, if you score lower than expected, figure out what you will do to improve your English skills. Create your improvement plan based current scores, and change your plan when your scores increase.
So to summarize, here is what the admission officers consider while looking at your test scores.
Do your academic scores match your test scores?
Figure out what are average test scores accepted at a university.
Most importantly, if you were to pretend to be an admission officer, how would you look at your profile and answer will this student academically succeed?
Previous Article: How Admission Officers Evaluate Your Application: Academic Profile |
Next Article: How Admission Officers Evaluate Your Application: Extra Curricular Activities |
Complete Series: How to Apply to Universities Abroad
Q: How do I register for SAT in India?
There are six easy steps to register for SAT exam in India and they are as follows:
- Register on College Board website for SAT.
- Using the login credentials, re-login and click on SAT Registration.
- Begin submitting each section of the application.
- Choose your country and SAT exam centre.
- Pay the fee for SAT registration and submit your application.
- Also upload your headshot picture, for security purposes beforehand.
For detailed information and steps, check out How to Register for SAT Exam 2024?
Q: Is GMAT registration open?
Yes, GMAT registrations are open between six months to 24 hours before the desired GMAT exam date. Applicants can register for GMAT exam anywhere between this given timeline to appear for GMAT exam. Applicants can also register at the last minute and can register 24 hours before the GMAT exam date as well. Last minute registrations may not leave applicants with nearby centres also for taking the exam if planning to take it at the GMAT exam centre.
Q: What is the GRE registration fee for Indian students?
Indian students appearing for the GRE exam will need to pay approximately INR 22,550 for the GRE General Test and INR 14,500 for a GRE Subject Test. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) reserves the right to change the fee structure. This GRE exam fee excludes the cost of rescheduling, test center changes, score reviews, and other additional expenses.
Q: What is the SAT registration fee for Indian students?
The cost of registering for SAT exam is USD 68 for Indian students. The bifurcation of SAT registration fee is as follows:
| Components | SAT Registration Fees |
|---|---|
| SAT registration fee | USD 68 |
| Non US Regional Fee | USD 43 |
| Sales Tax | USD 19.98 |
| Total SAT Digital exam fee | USD 130.98 |
However, for late SAT exam registrations, centre changes or cancellation of SAT exam, applicants will have to submit an additional fee.
Q: What is the current TOEFL registration fee in India?
The registration fee for the TOEFL in India is INR 16,900. Candidates should note that additional fees will apply for late registration, rescheduling, or score review. For the latest fee structure and details, candidates can check the official website of TOEFL.
Q: How do I register for the GMAT exam?
Here's 7 easy steps to register online for GMAT exam: 1. Sign up on MBA online site 2. Start the GMAT registration process 3. Enter your personal information 4. Enter optional information 5. Verify Your Profile 6. Schedule your GMAT exam 7. Pay the GMAT registration fee There are 4 ways to register for the GMAT: 1. Online 2. Phone 3. Postal Mai 4. Fax GMAT exam dates may differ from state to state for example exams dates of GMAT in New Delhi are: October: 6,7,18,20 November: 2,3,11 December: 16,20,23,30 For further details about GMAT you can visit:- https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/exams/gmat.
Q: Is passport required for GRE exam registration?
Yes! As a primary ID proof, ETS ask valid passport of student at the time of GRE test registration. Make sure all the detailes mentioned on passport should be same on your GRE registeration page. Earlier, the ETS was accepting Aadhar Card as primary ID proof but after Arpil 15, 2023, Passport is the only valid and primary ID proof to complete the GRE exam registration.
Q: How far in advance should I register for the TOEFL?
TOEFL test takers are advised to plan strategically. To guarantee your scores reach universities on time, candidates are advised to register at least 3 months before their first admission deadline. Remember, while online registration allows you to register up to 2 days before the test, late fees will apply. So, registering early is sensible to avoid unnecessary costs and ensure a smooth application process.
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