Importance of Standardized Tests for Indian Students

Standardized tests evaluate a student's academic abilities and language proficiency. They are designed to assess students' abilities objectively, regardless of their prior academic performance. You need to compare different exams based on your academic goals to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Have plans to study abroad? Get ready to appear in standardized tests like GRE, GMAT, IELTS and TOEFL. Why is it mandatory to appear in these tests? These exams provide a standardized measure of a student's academic abilities, language proficiency, and overall readiness for pursuing higher education. To study in an English-speaking country, Indian students need to prove their proficiency in the English language. They present scores of IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo English Test at the time of admission.

Exams like GRE and GMAT set a clear benchmark for students who belong to different countries. The scorecard of these exams helps universities to understand a student's skills, subject-specific knowledge and academic abilities. If you have plans to study abroad, then this blog is for you! It will help you to understand the importance of standardized tests to study abroad.

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What is a Standardized Test for Studying Abroad?

A standardized test is a uniform assessment, which is designed to evaluate a candidate's academic performance, subject-specific knowledge and proficiency in a certain language. There won't be any change in the test format based on your background. Universities across the world use the scorecard of these standardized tests to have a quick overview of a candidate’s readiness.

Let’s understand different types of Standardized tests and their use

• Language Proficiency Tests: Language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE are essential to show your ability to communicate effectively in the English language. These tests typically evaluate reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Other than English, you can appear in the language proficiency exams related to different languages.
• Graduate Exams: Tests like GRE and GMAT are required for getting admission in PG courses offered by top universities in the world. These tests often assess a student's critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

All these exams are widely accepted across the world. However, it is advisable to check the admission requirements for better clarity. It happens that some universities prefer one test over the other. One can also check the easiest exams in the world.

Benefits of Standardized Test

Is there any benefit of these standardized tests for Indian students? Yes, it offers an equal stage to compete with students from other countries at the time of university admission. Also, it helps you to get scholarships to cover your finances. Here are some advantages of appearing in standardized tests:

• Academic Assessment: The aim of any standardized test is to do an unbiased evaluation of candidates' academic abilities. No matter, what score you have got according to the institutional grading system, your performance will be compared with other students of the world.
• Admission in Universities Worldwide: The score of a standardized test is an integral part of eligibility for admission in Many world-renowned universities.
• Scholarship Opportunities: There are multiple organizations that prioritise the performance of a candidate in any standardized test at the time of getting a scholarship. Securing scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.
• Career Opportunities: There is a high chance of getting selected for a high-paying job if your score on standardized tests is high. The score is proof of the student's academic abilities and language proficiency.

Which Standardized Test is Best For Me?

Choosing the right test to reach the objective is important. Which test is right for you depends on your goals such as your desired field of study, university admission and more.

Before you select any test to appear, it is important to understand your requirements. For example: the GMAT is well known for getting admission to MBA programs whereas the GRE is more versatile and accepted by a wider range of programs.

Tips to Prepare for Standardized Tests

 GRE, GMAT, IELTS and other standardized tests are popular and a large number of students appear in these exams. Here are some tips to prepare for such competitive tests:

• Improve your skills: Practice speaking, reading, writing, and listening in English as much as possible.
• Choose Official Study Material: Utilize official study guides, practice tests, and online resources. Do not change your study material frequently.
• Mock tests: Practice with mock tests to assess your progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Understand the Exam: It is essential to know your exam better. Without knowing the syllabus and exam pattern, it won’t be easy to prepare for the exam.

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Undoubtedly, standardized tests play an important role in the study abroad journey for Indian students. Some of these tests are hard to crack. To succeed on standardized tests, careful planning and preparation are mandatory. Students should familiarize themselves with the test pattern and practice regularly.

Candidates looking for assistance with studying abroad can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors on our website. Readers with queries can get in touch with us in the comments section below.