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Start with our page on U.S.
Admissions: Testing, which covers the
most frequently asked questions on this
subject.
Below are additional questions we’ve
answered about U.S. study-related testing
requirements and options. Each month, we
add any new questions that we’ve responded
to on this subject, so check back for more.
If you have questions not currently answered
on our site, please write
us.
How can I prepare for exams?
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Most U.S. entrance examinations
assess fundamental skills in language,
critical thinking, and mathematics that
provide a base for building academic
knowledge. Strong knowledge of English
is probably the most essential prerequisite
for international students. English
language training involving integrated
exposure to the different skill areas
(listening, speaking, reading, writing)
and exposure to “real life”
English, whether through conversations
with native speakers or even watching
television and movies, will help prepare
you not only for tests but also for
U.S. academic campus life. Be sure to
brush on college-preparatory level mathematical
skills as well.
Some other examinations,
such as the SAT Subject examinations
at the
undergraduate level and GRE Subject
examinations at the graduate level,
require more specific subject area
knowledge. Check what content areas
any such exams
you are taking cover and be sure you
have a solid background of knowledge
in those areas.
In addition to the content,
become familiar with the format of the
different examinations that you will
be taking. The Web sites and test bulletins
for specific exams will provide information
as well as sample questions. Additional
practice tests (print and/or online)
can be ordered from the exam developers
as well as from commercial publishers.
What if I have a disability and
need help or extra time to take an exam?
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Please check the Web
sites for the particular tests that
you are planning to take. All U.S.
admissions test sites should include
information on procedures to request
“special accommodations.”
Typically, you will need to document
a long-term disability as well as
describe what changes would allow
you to take the test. You should start
the process as soon as possible to
ensure that you can be accommodated.
Test takers with temporary
disabilities, for instance a broken
leg, should generally plan to register
for or transfer to a later test date
when the disability will not be an
issue.
How long is my test score valid?
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The TOEFL score has
a two year validity period; GRE
and GMAT five years. There is no
time limit on SAT scores. However,
any SAT scores requested more than
five years after the test date will
be accompanied by a message from
the Educational Testing Service
explaining that the scores may no
longer be an accurate reflection
of your academic performance.
Are there any examinations
I can take that will help me complete
my studies more quickly?
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There are several
tests for which students may be
able to earn as much as a year
of undergraduate credit before
actually entering a U.S. college
or university (such credit is
not usually available for graduate
programs, except occasionally
in relation to undergraduate-level
prerequisites). These tests can
save you significant time and
money if you have the background
to complete them successfully.
Besides tests based
on particular secondary school
curricula, such as the Advanced
Placement and International
Baccalaureate examinations,
the most commonly accepted of
these examinations for credit
are the College-Level
Examination Program (CLEP)
and the DANTES
Subject Standardized Tests (DSST).
The CLEP tests,
developed by the College Board,
are currently accepted by over
2,900 U.S. colleges and universities.
Thirty four examinations are offered
covering different academic subjects.
The DSST is a very
similar examination-for-credit
program developed by Thomson Prometric
that expands and complements the
range of tests offered by CLEP.
DSST currently offers over forty
tests, accepted by over 1,900
colleges and universities.
Both tests are offered
in limited overseas locations,
including in the United Arab Emirates
and Kuwait, though not currently
in Iran. Many U.S. colleges and
universities also have centers
that administer the tests and
will grant credit for these tests,
not only at the time of admission
but also later in the student’s
academic career.
Check with universities
in which you are interested to
get the most current details on
their policies regarding awarding
undergraduate credit for these
tests.
Also
check our list of subjects for
which these tests are available.
What is the difference between the PBT and iBT TOEFL exams?
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The primary differences are that—
- PBT is paper based and iBT is Internet based.
- iBT includes a speaking assessment; PBT does not.
- The iBT TOEFL is given several times a month in Iran. PBT TOEFL is no longer commonly offered anywhere—it is given only in exceptional circumstances, for example when a country does not have dependable electricity or where there are more testing candidates than the local iBT centers can accommodate.
- If you have not yet taken TOEFL, you will almost certainly be taking the iBT version. To find out when the next iBT TOEFL exam is going to be given near you in Iran click here.
Is the IELTS exam accepted at universities in the United States if I want to take that instead of the TOEFL?
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Over 1,500 US universities and professional bodies accept IELTS scores as proof of English language skills. Here is a link to check if IELTS is accepted at the university you are applying to.
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