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Introduction
Standardised tests sit at the centre of nearly every US university application and for international students, they carry more weight than most people expect going in. Beyond just meeting a university’s minimum cutoff, these scores directly influence which universities will even look at your application, how much scholarship money you are offered and, in some cases, how smoothly your F-1 visa interview goes.
US universities generally require two categories of tests: academic aptitude tests like the SAT, ACT, GRE or GMAT and English language proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS or the Duolingo English Test. Which combination you need depends heavily on your degree level, whether you are applying to an undergraduate program straight after Class 12 or a graduate program after your bachelor’s degree, and on the specific university’s testing policy, since many US schools have moved to test-optional admissions in recent years while a growing number are now reinstating requirements.
For Indian students, choosing the right test and starting preparation early can be the difference between a rushed, underwhelming application and one that genuinely reflects your ability.
Exams Required for Studying in the USA
The most commonly required and accepted tests for international students include:
- SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), for undergraduate admissions
- ACT (American College Testing), an alternative to the SAT for undergraduate admissions
- TOEFL iBT, for English language proficiency
- IELTS Academic, for English language proficiency
- Duolingo English Test, an increasingly accepted, faster alternative for English proficiency
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination), for most master's and PhD programsGRE (Graduate Record Examination), for most master's and PhD programs
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), primarily for MBA and select business programs
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
The SAT remains the most widely recognised undergraduate admissions test in the US, administered by the College Board.
Why the SAT matters
- Accepted by nearly every four-year university in the US
- Fully digital via the Bluebook app
- Accepted by leading USA universities
It evaluates:
- Thinking
- Reading
- Writing
- Solving
Score Range
- General competitive range: 1300+
- Top-ranked universities: 1500 to 1580
ACT (American College Testing)
The ACT is accepted as an equal alternative to the SAT by virtually every US university that requires standardised testing.
Key Advantages
- Covers English, Math, Reading and an optional Science and Writing section
- Often preferred by students who are stronger in science reasoning
Score Range
- Competitive universities generally expect 30 and above
- Top universities like NYU, USC, and UC Irvine typically admit students with ACT scores of 32–35
TOEFL iBT
TOEFL is the most widely accepted English proficiency test specifically within the United States, developed by ETS.
Key Advantages
- Entirely computer-based with results generally available within a few days
- Preferred by many US universities for its academic American English
Score Requirements
- Community colleges: 60 to 70
- Mid-tier state universities: 70 to 90
- Competitive universities: 90 to 100
IELTS Academic
IELTS remains widely accepted across US universities.
Key advantages
- Includes a face-to-face speaking section, which many students find easier than computer-based speaking tests.
- Accepted by the vast majority of US universities, though slightly less universally than TOEFL at some institutions
Score Expectations
- Undergraduate programs: 6.0 to 6.5 overall
- Postgraduate programs: 6.5 to 7.0 overall
- Highly competitive programs: 7.0+ overall, with no band below 6.5
Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test (DET) has grown rapidly as a faster, more affordable alternative to TOEFL and IELTS.
Key advantages
- Taken entirely online from home, with results available within 48 hours
- Considerably cheaper than TOEFL or IELTS
Score Expectations
- Overall Score Range: 10-160
- Most universities accept: 105-120
Even where a university’s central admissions office accepts DET, it is worth double-checking with the specific department, since some engineering or specialised programs still require TOEFL or IELTS directly.
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
The GRE is the standard admissions test for most master’s and PhD programs in the US, administered by ETS.
Common Programs Requiring the GRE
- Engineering and Computer Science master's programs
- Data Science and research-focused degrees
- Accepted by over 1,400 business schools as an alternative to the GMAT
- The test runs approximately 1 hour 58 minutes
Score Expectations
- Competitive general range: 310+
- Top-tier programs: 320+
Many programs have made the GRE optional in recent admission cycles, but a strong score still meaningfully strengthens an application, particularly for students from academic systems that admissions committees may be less familiar with.
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
The GMAT is required by many MBA and business master’s programs, though its exclusivity to business schools has blurred significantly in recent years as more schools accept the GRE as well.
Required for
- MBA programs
- Business Analytics and Finance-focused master's programs at many schools
- GMAT runs approximately for 2 hours 15 minutes
Score Expectations
- Mid-tier business schools: 550 to 650+
- Top-tier business schools: 650 to 740+
Many universities also offer GMAT or GRE waivers for applicants with strong undergraduate academic records and several years of relevant work experience.
Unsure Which Exam You Need?
University-Wise Score Expectations (Indicative)
| University | TOEFL | IELTS | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|---|
|
New York University
|
100 |
7.0
|
125 |
|
University of Southern California
|
100 |
7.0 |
130 |
|
University of California – Irvine
|
80 |
6.5 |
115
|
|
University of Texas at Dallas
|
80 |
6.5 |
105
|
|
Northeastern University, Boston
|
No minimum published
|
7.5–8.0 (middle 50%)
|
135–145 (middle 50%)
|
|
University at Buffalo (SUNY)
|
70 |
6.0 |
105 |
|
University of Illinois Chicago
|
80 |
6.0 |
105 |
|
University of New Hampshire
|
80 |
6.5 |
120 |
|
San José State University
|
80 |
6.5 |
120 |
|
Arizona State University
|
80 |
6.5 |
105 |
|
Stevens Institute of Technology
|
80 |
6.5 |
105 |
|
California State University Long Beach
|
61+
|
6.0+ |
105+
|
|
Pace university
|
80+ |
6.5+ |
105+
|
|
Syracuse University
|
85+ |
6.5+ |
125+
|
Test Preparation Tips
- Start preparation at least 4 to 6 months before your target application deadline
- Take full-length mock tests under timed conditions at least once every 2 weeks as your test date nears
- For SAT and ACT, focus heavily on time management, since both tests are more about pacing than pure difficulty
- For TOEFL and IELTS, do not neglect the Speaking and Writing sections just because Reading and Listening feel more familiar
- For GRE and GMAT, prioritise Quantitative Reasoning and Data Insights, since these sections often separate mid-range scores from top-tier ones
- Plan for at least one retake in your overall timeline, since very few students hit their target score on the first attempt
Ready to Ace Your USA Admission Tests?
Common Mistakes Students Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Starting test preparation too late
Many students begin SAT or TOEFL preparation just 6 to 8 weeks before their deadline, which leaves no room for a retake if the first attempt falls short.
How to avoid it: Start at least 4 to 6 months in advance and build in time for at least one retake.
Choosing the wrong English test for the target university
Some students default to IELTS without checking whether their shortlisted university actually prefers TOEFL, or vice versa.
How to avoid it: Check each university’s official English proficiency policy before committing to a test.
Ignoring minimum score requirements
Applying with a borderline score and hoping the rest of the application compensates is a common and costly mistake.
How to avoid it: Aim for scores at least 5 to 10 points above the published minimum wherever the program is competitive.
Underestimating how test-optional policies actually work
Just because a university does not require the SAT does not mean a strong score will not help. Submitting a competitive score at a test-optional school often improves admission chances.
How to avoid it: If your score is at or above the university’s middle 50 percent range, submit it even if it is optional.
Not budgeting time for GRE or GMAT alongside English tests
Students often underestimate how much additional preparation the GRE or GMAT requires on top of TOEFL or IELTS.
How to avoid it: Sequence your tests so you are not preparing for two entirely different exam formats in the same month.
Applying without professional guidance
Many students apply independently and miss university-specific score nuances, departmental waivers or scholarship-linked testing requirements.
How to avoid it: Work with experienced USA study abroad consultants like iVish Study Abroad to align your test strategy with your target universities and scholarship goals.
FAQs
Which is easier, SAT or IELTS?
The SAT and IELTS serve different purposes among the exams required to study in USA. The SAT measures academic skills in Mathematics and Reading & Writing for undergraduate admissions, while IELTS evaluates English language proficiency for international students. Students should choose the exam based on university requirements rather than difficulty.
What is the validity of TOEFL and IELTS scores?
Among the exams required to study in USA, both TOEFL and IELTS scores are generally valid for two years from the test date. Universities require applicants to submit valid scores at the time of application, so students should plan their test dates accordingly.
Which is better for a management course: GMAT or GRE?
Both GMAT and GRE are widely accepted exams required to study in USA for management programmes. The GMAT is specifically designed for business schools, while the GRE is accepted by many MBA programmes as well as other graduate courses. The better option depends on your target universities and career goals.
Is the GMAT required for an MBA in the USA?
The GMAT is one of the common exams required to study in USA for MBA admissions. However, many universities now accept GRE scores as an alternative and several MBA programmes have also made GMAT/GRE optional. Applicants should always check the specific admission requirements of their chosen university before applying.
Can I get admission to a US university without the GRE?
Yes. A growing number of master’s programs, particularly in business analytics, public health and some engineering departments, have made the GRE optional or waived it entirely for applicants meeting certain academic or professional criteria.
