PROFICIENCY TESTS SUPPORT SERVICES
At ISSC we collaborate with international testing partners to support the delivery of international proficiency tests for college and university admissions. We offer advisory  and support services  to testing organisations as well as candidates for: TOEFL®, IELTS, SAT®, ACT®, LSAT, LNAT,GMAT; GRE®, MCAT®, USMLE®, NCLEX; TFI, …

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Nearly all international students whose native language is not English need to provide a TOEFL® score as proof of English proficiency for university study. In fact, a TOEFL score is accepted at over 9,000 colleges and universities in over 130 countries, including nearly every top university in the U.S., Canada and Australia. Most international students take the TOEFL test in addition to another admissions test such as the GMAT, GRE, MCAT, SAT or ACT. The TOEFL test measures receptive and expressive skills equally: half of the total score on the test is based on reading and listening abilities (how well students receive and understand English) and the other half is based on speaking and writing abilities (how well students express themselves). The exam, which recently transitioned to an Internet-based format, is approximately 3 to 4 hours long. Your TOEFL score is valid for two years.

To qualify for admission to most international colleges/universities and for a student visa at some Embassies, you may be required to prove your ability to effectively understand and communicate in the Standard English language. So to prove this you will need to visit an ETS-Authorized TOEFL testing center to book your TOEFL exam before admission to college or university level.
The TOEFL iBT test measures a candidate’s ability to use and understand English at the college/university level. And it evaluates how well the candidate combines listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks.

TOEFL – What is this test about and why should you take it? 
Universities want to ensure that students joining are able to communicate in English and as a way to evaluate non-native English speakers; the TOEFL Exam is used as a benchmark. This exams tests students’ ability to speak, listen, read, and write English. The TOEFL used to have two formats – the TOEFL iBT (Internet Based Test) and the TOEFL PBT (Paper Based Test).  The Paper based version of the exam was discontinued as of July 2017.

What is the scoring system on the TOEFL iBT?
The TOEFL iBT score ranges from 0 – 120. Each section (Writing, Speaking, Reading, and Listening) is graded independently and each section has a score ranging from 0 – 30. To find the overall (or composite) score, the four individual scores are added together to generate your score from 0 – 120.

IELTS 
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assesses the English language proficiency of people who want to study or work where English is used as the language of communication. It provides a fair, accurate and relevant assessment of language skills, based on well-established standards, and covers the full range of proficiency levels, from non-user to expert user.
There are two versions of IELTS. Test takers can choose either IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. Both versions of the test consist of four separate components, assessing the four language skills – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
IELTS results are reported on a 9-band scale designed to be simple and easy to understand. This scale has remained consistent and has acquired currency around the world over the past three decades.
• IELTS is the world’s most popular high stakes English language test, with over two million tests taken in the last twelve months.
• Over 8,000 organisations in over 130 countries recognize and use IELTS for selection purposes.
• Test questions are developed by testing specialists in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the US.
• Test questions are based on authentic materials sourced from all over the world.

IELTS – What is this test about and why should you take it? 
Universities and employers want to ensure that people joining them are able to communicate in the Standard English language and as a way to evaluate non-native English speakers, the IELTS Exam is used as a benchmark. This exam tests students’ ability to speak, listen, read, and write in English Language. The IELTS has two formats – the Academic and the General training version. The IELTS is a requirement for admission into universities and training programs in UAE, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

What are the two formats used for?  
Academic – This is for institutions of Higher Learning. The Academic Version of the IELTS is used as a basis for admission to undergrad or grad courses.
General – This is for work or migration.  The General Training format focuses on basic survival skills for broad social and workplace contexts. People migrating usually require this test format for the very basic requirement for immigration.

So what’s the difference between the two? 
The listening and speaking modules are the same on both the formats. However, the difference is between the reading and writing modules.
What is the scoring system on the IELTS? 
The IELTS test score ranges from 0 to 9.0 in 0.5 increments.

Who needs a TOEFL /IELTS score?
Each year, many individuals of all ages take the TOEFL/IELTS tests to demonstrate their English-language proficiency and academic maturity:

  1. Students and some individuals applying for study visas to the US, Canada, Asia and Europe for various reasons are required to present the TOEFL/IELTS score
  2. Students planning to study at a higher education institutions abroad for High school, Bachelors, Masters Degrees, post graduate or professional studies require TOEFL/IELTS scores to satisfy admission requirements.
  3. Individuals seeking Scholarships and educational Certifications
  4. English-language learners who want to evaluate their learning progress use the TOEFL
  5. TOEFL score is also a prerequisite for most scholarship awarding institutions
  6. International recruitment agencies require potential job applicants to submit their TOEFL or IELTS scores during the recruitment process.

Where can you go with IELTS or TOEFL® test scores?
The IELTS and TOEFL test are the most widely respected English-language tests in the world, recognized by more than 10,000 colleges, universities and agencies in more than 130 countries, including Australia, Canada, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Here are some important notes about using IELTS and TOEFL scores in Australia and the United Kingdom (UK):
Australia: TOEFL or IELTS scores are accepted for student visas, and also for a number of additional visa categories including skilled migration, post-study work, temporary graduate and permanent residence. 
TOEFL or IELTS scores are also accepted by Australian professional accreditation bodies in fields such as accounting, health care and engineering.

SAT
The Scholastic Admission Test (SAT) and SAT Subject Tests are a suite of tools designed to assess your academic readiness for college. These exams provide a path to opportunities, financial support and scholarships, in a way that’s fair to all students. The SAT and SAT Subject Tests keep pace with what colleges are looking for today, measuring the skills required for success in the 21st century. The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test that lets you show colleges what you know and how well you can apply that knowledge. It tests your knowledge of reading, writing and math — subjects that are taught every day in high school classrooms. Most students take the SAT during their junior or senior year of high school, and almost all colleges and universities use the SAT to make admission decisions.

Overview of the SAT – What is the SAT and why is it important?
Created by The College Board, the SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The idea (in theory, at least) is to provide colleges with one common criterion that can be used to compare all applicants.
There are 2 SAT sections: Math & Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. The SAT Writing section includes an essay, which is optional. 
Start to finish, the SAT test will take you 3 hours (without Essay) and 3 hours 50 minutes (with essays). Each section is scored on a 400 to 1600 point scale, making a perfect score 1600.
It is one of the factors in the admissions decision. Schools also consider your high school GPA, academic transcript, letters of recommendation, interviews and personal essays. The weight placed on SAT scores varies from school to school.

In March of 2016, the SAT underwent its biggest change in 30 years.  Our awesome research team closely monitored the changes to make sure counselors, parents, and students got the inside scoop.  Here’s a brief overview of the test. 

The SAT:  In-depth Details

Sections

2 sections
• Math
• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
Total score (400–1600)

Scoring

  • 2 section scores (200–800)
  • 3 test scores (10–40)
  • 7 sub-scores (1–15)
  •  2 cross-test scores

Length of Test    
(Without Breaks)

  • 3 hours (without essay) 
  • 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay)

Answer Choices

4 answer choices per question

Incorrect answers penalty

No penalty for incorrect answers

Format of Test

Paper and pencil and a computer-based option

  • Two tests:
    • Reading Test
    • Writing and Language Test
  • No more sentence completions; focus on words with multiple meanings
  • Passages will draw from significant historical or    scientific documents – may include informational  graphics, such as charts

Reading & Writing

  • The reading passages will include complex structure and  vocabulary
  • Passage-based grammar with punctuation
 

Focuses on:

  • Application-based, multi-step questions
  • Higher-level math, including trigonometry
  • One set of “extended-thinking” grid-in questions (worth 4 points)

Math

  • Core math competencies (translating math into English and English into math)
  • A deep understanding of mathematical principles, such as building equation

Calculators

Calculators are only allowed in the longer of the two math sections

The Essay

  • The essay is optional (50 minutes, timed) 
  • Students will be provided a substantial passage (600–700 words)  and will be asked to analyze how the author built his argument
  • Students will need to understand the techniques, authors use to write persuasively

Sections

2 sections
• Math
• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
Total score (400–1600)

Scoring

  • 2 section scores (200–800)
  • 3 test scores (10–40)
  • 7 sub-scores (1–15)
  •  2 cross-test scores

Length of Test    
(Without Breaks)

  • 3 hours (without essay) 
  • 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay)

Answer Choices

4 answer choices per question

Incorrect answers penalty

No penalty for incorrect answers

Format of Test

Paper and pencil and a computer-based option

  • Two tests:
    • Reading Test
    • Writing and Language Test
  • No more sentence completions; focus on words with multiple meanings
  • Passages will draw from significant historical or    scientific documents – may include informational  graphics, such as charts

Reading & Writing

  • The reading passages will include complex structure and  vocabulary
  • Passage-based grammar with punctuation
 

Focuses on:

  • Application-based, multi-step questions
  • Higher-level math, including trigonometry
  • One set of “extended-thinking” grid-in questions (worth 4 points)

Math

  • Core math competencies (translating math into English and English into math)
  • A deep understanding of mathematical principles, such as building equation

Calculators

Calculators are only allowed in the longer of the two math sections

The Essay

  • The essay is optional (50 minutes, timed) 
  • Students will be provided a substantial passage (600–700 words)  and will be asked to analyze how the author built his argument
  • Students will need to understand the techniques, authors use to write persuasively

More about the SAT 
With over 1.8 million test-takers per year, the SAT is the most well-known
The content on the SAT will be very similar to that which is on the ACT. The major difference is in how the concepts are tested and the steps students will have to take to solve problems correctly. Students will have to reason their way through this exam by tackling problems in a linear and sequential fashion. Your ability to process information quickly will be the key.

Changes You’ll Love

Changes You Won’t Love

  • No penalty for wrong answers, so you don’t  have to worry about losing points for wrong answers (Just    like on the ACT)
  •  Only 4 answer choices instead of 5 (Just like on the ACT)
  • More familiar vocabulary, but you’ll need to know multiple definitions of those words
  • Questions require multiple steps to get an answer
  • Reading passages include complex structure and vocabulary
  •  Foundational math skills are more important
  •  Reasoning and critical thinking skills are paramount
  •  You’ll have fewer but longer sections

How Should I Prepare for the SAT? 
The SAT is still a timed pencil and paper test. Speed and accuracy count.

Colleges will accept either the SAT or ACT. So which should you take?

SAT

Time

Questions

Minutes Per Question

Math

80 minutes

58 questions

1 minute 22 seconds

Reading

65 minutes

52 questions

1 minute 15 seconds

Writing and Language *

35 minutes

44 questions

47 seconds

ACT

Time

Questions

Minutes Per Question

Math

60 minutes

60 questions

1 minute

Reading

35 minutes

40 questions

52.5 seconds

English *

45 minutes

75 questions

36 seconds

Science

35 minutes

40 questions

52.5 seconds

* SAT Writing and Language is similar to the ACT English


 You can see that the ACT expects you to answer almost everything in less than a minute, while the SAT always gives you more time.
College admissions officers care about how you did on each section of the SAT. On the ACT, they’re most concerned with your composite score. So if you’re weak in one content area but strong in others, you could still end up with a very good ACT score.
What are the SAT Subject Tests and why are they important?


SAT Subject Tests are one hour tests that focus on specific academic subjects. Many selective schools require you take at least one if not more SAT Subject Tests. Check with the admissions department of your prospective schools to learn more about their requirements. The best part about the Subject Tests is that in many cases you get to choose which ones you’ll take, so you should pick the ones where you’re strongest. 
What specifically do the SAT Subject Tests test?


It depends on the test. There are 5 content areas–Math, History, Literature, Science, and Languages. There are multiple tests in every content area except Literature.


More about each Subject Test 
Math Level 1
Tests: Algebra, geometry, basic trigonometry, Algebraic functions, elementary statistics, logic, elementary number theory, and arithmetic and geometric sequences.


Math Level 2
Tests: Algebra, three-dimensional and coordinate geometry, Trigonometry, functions, probability, permutations, combinations, logic, proofs, elementary number theory, sequences, and limits.


Physics
The Physics Subject Test measures your ability to solve specific problems with the application of physical principles. The test also assesses your understanding of simple algebraic, trigonometric, and graphical relationships, the concepts of ratio and proportion, and how to apply these concepts to physics problems.


Chemistry
The Chemistry Subject Test measures your ability to organize and interpret results obtained by observation and experimentation. The test also assesses your aptitude for drawing conclusions and/or making inferences using experimental data, including data presented in graphic and/or tabular form.


Biology 
The Biology Subject Test assesses your understanding of general biology at the college preparatory level, your recall and comprehension of the major concepts of biology, and your ability to apply the principles learned to solve specific problems in biology.


World History 
The World History Subject Test measures your understanding of key developments in global history, your use of basic historical techniques and terminology, and your aptitude for the critical analysis and interpretation of documented events. To learn more about SAT Subject Tests, visit the College Board.


U.S. History 
The United States History Subject Test assesses your familiarity with historical concepts, cause-and-effect relationships, geography, and other data necessary for interpreting and understanding major historical developments in U.S. History.
Literature


The English Literature Subject Test asseses how well you can read and interpret literature. Questions focus on issues of theme, argument, tone, etc.  It also tests you on rhetorical devices such as metaphors, similes, hyperbole, juxtaposition, and more.


Foreign Languages 
All the foreign language tests measure a student’s reading ability in a specific language. Beyond that, you can opt to take the foreign language tests called “Language with Listening,” which examine both reading and listening skills. Languages available for testing include: French, German, Spanish, Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.


How are the SAT Subject Tests scored? 
Each Subject Test is scored on a scale of 200–800.

How do I register for SAT Subject Test?

ACT
The ACT is an internationally administered, standardized test that helps universities to evaluate candidates for undergraduate study. The ACT comprises four subject areas — English, mathematics, reading, and science and includes an optional essay. Also administered in paper-and-pencil, the ACT lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes (excluding the Writing Test) or 3 hours and 25 minutes (including the Writing Test). The weight placed on ACT scores varies from school to school. Other important factors that schools consider in their admissions decisions are: Your high school GPA, Your academic transcript, Your letters of recommendation, Your interviews, and Your personal essays.

What specifically does the ACT test? 
The ACT has 4 tests: English, Reading, Math and Science, as well as, an optional 30 minute essay. Some schools may require the essay, so be sure to ask before you take the test. 

How is the ACT scored? 
You’ll earn one ACT score (1 to 36) on each test (English, Math, Reading, and Science), and a composite ACT score, which is an average of these 4 tests. Usually, when people ask about your score, they’re referring to your composite ACT score. The composite score falls between 1 and 36. The national average is about 21.
 If, for example, you scored 31 on the English, 30 on the Math, 29 on the Reading, and 30 on the Science Test, your composite ACT score would be 30.
You’ll receive sub-scores in English, Math, and Reading that range between 1 and 18. These scores provide you with more detail about your performance, but they are not actually used by colleges or universities.
The ACT includes an optional essay, known as the Writing Test. If you take the Writing Test, you will receive a Writing Test sub-score and a Combined English/ Writing score. Visit ACT.org for detailed information about how your ACT essay will be scored.

Graduate Record Examinations® (GRE®)
As the most widely accepted admissions test for graduate and business school programs, GRE® revised General Test scores are used for admissions decisions for all types of master’s, MBA, specialized master’s in business, and doctoral programs as well as for awarding fellowships. The test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills. These skills closely align with the types of skills that are required for success in today’s demanding graduate and business school programs. The test is only administered at ETS authorized test centers worldwide. The GRE® Subject Tests measure undergraduate achievement in specific fields of study. The paper-delivered Subject Tests are approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes in length. GRE test scores are valid for 5 years.
The overall testing time for the computer-based GRE General Test is about three hours and 45 minutes, plus short breaks. There are six sections on the GRE:

  1. One Analytical Writing Section: Includes two separately timed tasks; 30 minutes per task
  2. Two Verbal Reasoning Sections: 30 minutes per section
  3. Two Quantitative Reasoning Sections: 35 minutes per section
  4. One Unidentified, Unscored Section: An unidentified section, typically a Verbal Reasoning or Quantitative Reasoning section, that does not count toward a score may be included and may appear in any order after the Analytical Writing section.
  5. Research: An identified research section may be included in place of the unscored section. The research section will always appear at the end of the test. Questions in this section are included for the purpose of ETS research and will not count toward a score.
  6. Note: The Analytical Writing section will always be first, while the other five sections may appear in any order.

What specifically does the GRE General Test? 
On the verbal side, the GRE tests vocabulary, primarily in context, and a whole lot of reading comprehension. The three distinct subject areas on the verbal portion are Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, and Reading Comprehension.
On the math side, the GRE tests basic math concepts up through Geometry I. The most commonly tested topics include basic algebra, geometry, averages, ratios, number properties, exponents and square roots, and numeric problem solving.
There are also two essays. One tests your ability to formulate a convincing argument based upon a topic you select from two choices. The other will give you the argument and you have to evaluate it.
Of course, ETS likes to claim that the GRE tests skills that you will need to be successful in graduate school, but really all it tests is your ability to take the GRE. Fortunately, that can be learned and mastered.

How is the GRE General Test Scored? 
Test-takers will get three separate scores, one for the Quantitative (the math), one for the Verbal, and one for the Analytic (the essays). Math and Verbal scores will range between 130 and 170 in one point increments. Analytic scores range between 0 and 6 in half point increments.
The most unique feature of the Revised General Test is that it is adaptive by section. Every test-taker will see at least two math sections and two verbal sections. The difficulty level of the second section of each subject will be determined by the test-takers performance on the first section. If you get lots of questions right on the first section, you will get a harder second section, but access to higher scores. If you do poorly on the first section, you will get an easier second section and your scoring potential will be capped at a lower range.
Students will also likely see an additional math or verbal section, but it will not count. This is the experimental section. If you see three math sections, you will know that your experimental section was math, but it is impossible to tell which of the math sections counted and which did not.
Essays will be read by one human and one computer. Each will place a score on the 1-6 point scale. Final scores for both readers and both essays will be averaged and quarter points will be rounded up. A student who skips the essays or writes an essay on a different topic other than the ones that have been presented, will receive a score of 0.
Scoring is based on how you perform on each section of the GRE: Verbal 130-170 (1-point increments); Quantitative 130-170 (1-point increments); Analytical Writing Assessment (0 to 6 points).
Your GRE score remains valid for five years. If you have taken the GRE several times, ETS will report all GRE scores from the past five years.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a 3hr 45min., multiple–choice, multi-stage test required by most graduate schools. It’s run by the Educational Testing Service, the same people who run the SAT.
Schools differ in how they use your GRE score. Some consider it very important, while others view it as a formality. We recommend asking your prospective programs—most will be quite willing to tell you what part the test plays in their admissions decisions.

What’s the breakdown of the GRE? 
Students will see six sections on every test. The first section contains two essays, one 30 minute issue essay and one 30 minute argument essay. The next five sections will cover Verbal Ability (Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence are the question types) and Quantitative Ability (Problem Solving, Quantitative Comparison, and Numeric Entry are the question types). All test-takers will see two math sections and two verbal sections. Each section has 20 questions. Math sections are 35 minutes, while verbal sections are 30 minutes. The sections could come in any order.
Test-takers will also see a fifth section that may be either math or verbal. This is the Experimental section and it will not count. It will look just like the other sections and could come in any order so it is impossible to tell which section counts and which one does not. This is where ETS uses test-takers as unpaid guinea pigs to test out new questions that they will later inflict on future test-takers. Do not let the way you perform on one section affect your performance on another section. If you think you did poorly on one section, it may not have counted. On the other hand, don’t blow off a section because you think it is the experimental because there is no way to tell.

How is the GRE scored? 
The GRE is a multi-stage test. The computer will use your performance on each section to determine the difficulty of the section you will be given next. You will receive separate Verbal and Quantitative Scores: Verbal 130-170 (1-point increments); Quantitative 130-170 (1-point increments). The Analytical Writing section is listed separately, and is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half–point increments.

What are the GRE Subject Tests? 
The GRE Subject Tests are similar to SAT IIs in that they test your knowledge of a particular subject like chemistry or literature. Not every school requires a GRE subject test, but many of the most competitive programs do. ETS offers the tests three times a year –they are not part of the standard GRE. 

What are the differences between the GMAT and GRE?
A comparison between the GRE and GMAT test

 ………….

GRE

GMAT

Why Take It

The test is required for admission to most graduate schools and a growing number of business schools.

The test is required for admission to business schools only.

Test Structure

The GRE consists of two 30-minute Analytical Writing sections, two 30- minute Verbal Reasoning section, two 35-minute Quantitative Reasoning section, and one 30/35 minute Experimental section.

The GMAT features one 30-minute Analytical Writing Assessment section, one 30-minute Integrated Reasoning section, a 75-minute Quantitative Ability section, and a 75-minute Verbal section

Test Format

Offered in paper-based and computer-adaptive formats

The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test.

How It’s Scored

Quantitative Reasoning is from 130 to 170.
Verbal Reasoning in 130 to 170.
The Composite is the sum of these: 260 to 340.

The overall, or composite, GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800 in 10-point increments.

Testing Time

3+ hours depending on the format

3.5 hours

How Long Are Scores Valid For?

5 years

5 Years

Which schools accept the GRE?

Our goal is to help you to get into one of your top-choice business schools. We recommend you research the schools you’re interested in and find out if they also accept the GRE. Click here to see the list of the 250+ schools that currently accept both the GRE and the GMAT.

Which test is right for me?
The best way to determine whether the GMAT or GRE is better suited to your abilities is to get your feet wet with a practice test for each exam. Getting into business school is competitive and you don’t want to take an actual GRE or GMAT sight unseen. 

Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
If you are thinking about going to business school, the GMAT is almost always a necessary part of your application. A 3½ hour computerized exam, the GMAT tests analytical writing skills, quantitative skills and verbal skills (reading comprehension, sentence correction and critical reasoning) through 78 multiple choice questions and two analytical essays. An estimated 110,000 individuals take the GMAT each year. At least 1,500 graduate business and management programs use GMAT scores as part of their application process. Your GMAT score is valid for five years.

Brief overview of the GMAT 
Now that you are all set to take a leap in the business world, the first step you have to take is to beat the GMAT. Before you beat the test, let’s take a look at 

What is the GMAT test, and why should you take it? 
 The Graduate Management Admission Test, commonly known as GMAT, is a computer adaptive test (CAT). Most business schools make use of the GMAT score during their admission process. Based on the schools you are applying for, the GMAT score is important in determining your acceptance. A ‘Good’ GMAT score varies with different schools. Therefore, make sure you look at the schools to determine and understand their unique requirements. 

What is tested on the GMAT test? 
 There are four sections that make up the GMAT Test: an Analytical Writing Assessment section, an Integrated Reasoning section, a Quantitative Section and a Verbal Section. 

Scoring system on the GMAT? 
The widely familiar number on the GMAT is the Overall, aka composite, GMAT score. Ranging from 200 – 800, the score is a combination of your Verbal and Quant score. This score has a 10-point increment. Business schools pay more attention to this Overall score.

The Verbal and Quant sections of your GMAT test are graded independently, and although the scores for each section range from 0 to 60, scores less than 8 and more than 51 are seldom encountered.

The Integrated Reasoning section scores range from 1 to 8 in increments of 1-point. Certain questions have sub-parts, and one must get each part correct in order to get marks for the question. This score is not included in the Composite score.
 
The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section scores range from 0 to 6. Even the AWA section is not added towards ones composite score.
 
The GMAT score is valid for five years. 

How to register for the GMAT? 
Visit mba.com to register to take the GMAT test.

How to prepare for the GMAT? 
We can help you to prepare. We have convenient and personalized GMAT prep solutions that fit any learning style and schedule.  Come in and take a Free Diagnostic Test!

The GRE®, GMAT®, business school and you. 
If you want to apply to business school but don’t want to take the GMAT, you may be in luck. More than 1,200 MBA programs now accept the GRE General Test in lieu of the GMAT for admissions, and that means more options for you. Admissions trends are showing that business schools are looking for applicants with more than just a background and experience in business, and that means that the GMAT is not the only test in the game anymore. Before you choose which test to take, you should find out what the schools you are applying to are looking for, and from there the choice is all up to you.

What’s the difference? 
The GMAT and the GRE are very different tests, but they have one thing in common. No matter which test you decide to take, you’ll need to prepare if you want to get a score that admissions officers can’t ignore. Once you pick the test you want to take, your next step should be to choose how you want to prep for that test. We have prep options for both the GMAT and GRE to ensure you get the best score possible.

To help you compare the differences between the tests, check out this handy chart.

So how do I choose? 

Our goal is to help you to get into one of your top-choice business schools. We recommend you research the schools you’re interested in and find out if they also accept the GRE. 
Which test is right for me? 
The best way to determine whether the GMAT or GRE is better suited to your abilities is to get your feet wet with a practice test for each exam. 

Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)
The LSAT is a 3½ hour paper-and-pencil test required for admission to most U.S. law schools. Comprised of roughly 125 multiple-choice questions plus a writing sample, the test is designed to test the critical reading, data management and analytical thinking skills that are deemed necessary for success in the first year of law school. Of all admissions tests, the LSAT carries the most weight in the admissions decision-making process, and can account for up to 50 percent of a candidate’s application at the most competitive schools. An estimated 110,000 students take the LSAT annually. Your LSAT score is valid for five years.
It is a grueling grind for aspiring lawyers and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is only one of the many hurdles that must be overcome. The LSAT is a pre-requisite for most law schools and is held only four times every year. The competition is tough and the top Law schools are looking for perfection. Borrowing from the cliché that practice makes perfect, candidates need the extra edge that’s offered by a top-notch LSAT test prep program.

What is the LSAT and why is it important?
The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is required for admission to most law schools and is offered four times each year. The top law schools will be looking for scores that are close to perfect (think 170 out of 180), so if you’re aiming high, you need a high score.
What specifically does the LSAT test?
The LSAT has 4 main sections – Logical Reasoning (also known as Arguments), Analytical Reasoning (also known as Games), Reading Comprehension, and an essay

How is the LSAT scored?
The LSAT is scored on a scale of 120 to 180 points. Because most top law schools average multiple LSAT scores, it’s best to prepare as thoroughly as possible and only take the test once.
How do I know if my score is good enough to get me into my dream school?
Good question. Check out the Can I Get In function in our School Search.

How do I register?
The LSAT is offered only 4 times a year. LSAT registration deadlines are typically one month before the LSAT test date. You can register online at www.lsac.org.

What fees are associated with the LSAT?
It costs $180 to take the LSAT and receive one free score report. The late LSAT registration fee is $66. In addition, subscription to the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) is required for application for most law schools. This subscription costs $121 and includes one free score report. Additional score reports cost $12. Waiver forms for the LSAT and LSDAS fees are available through LSAC and can be downloaded from the LSAC website at www.lsac.org.

What is the LSAT? 
The LSAT, or Law School Admission Test, is a four–hour exam run by the Law School Admissions Council.  It is arguably the most significant single factor in law school admissions decisions. Most admissions committees weigh it just as heavily as (or more heavily than) your undergraduate GPA. Many schools also consider LSAT scores when awarding merit scholarships and grants.

How is the LSAT structured? 
The LSAT includes approximately 100 multiple–choice questions designed to gauge your reading comprehension, reasoning and analytical skills. It also includes an un-scored 35–minute essay.

How is the LSAT scored? 
The LSAT is scored on a scale of 120 to 180, with the median score being a 151. You need to get about 56 questions right (out of 101) to get that median score of 151. Very few people get a perfect score, mainly because the test is designed so that very few people can correctly answer all the questions, let alone do so in the time allotted. Correct responses count equally, and you will not lose points for incorrect or blank responses.
Along with your LSAT score, you will receive a percentile ranking that compares your performance with that of everyone else who has taken the LSAT for the previous three years.

The National Admissions Test for Law or LNAT is designed to gauge the analytical skills of candidates. The weightage allocated to the LNAT is growing as university admissions counselors continue to use it extensively. 

The LNAT does not follow a fixed syllabus as much as the skills being tested are usually those that are acquired over a longer period of time. The unique approach is finding favour with more and more admissions counselors around the globe. This makes it all the more important to prep for LNAT in the best possible way.

Prep on your terms. Whatever the academic learning needs, we’ve got an option that’s just right for you. Our options come with flexibility baked into the framework and can adapt to varying budgetary, time, and learning variances.

Buy with confidence. Opting for a course at ISSC was never this easy. Simply choose the one that best meets your requirements and begin your preparations for a higher score. We guarantee your investment will offer you fair returns.

Learn from experts. Our vast pool of expert academic instructors is well versed with all the nuances of preparing for the exams. Furthermore, they are actively encouraged to update their own knowledge and skills at periodic training interactive. Consequently, each one of our students receives the best guidance and tips that they can get, to help them on their pathway to success.

What is the LNAT and why is it important? 
The LNAT is a test that allows universities to understand your analytical skills. It is a requirement for some universities. LNAT is now required by 11 universities including Bristol, in which the admissions counselors use it as a tool to weigh within 2,500 applications for 145 places. The LNAT does not have a syllabus because it tests skills acquired over a period of time. In the end, you either have it or you don’t since there is no law to study.  Attempting to learn everything in a single day would be stupid. It is also absolutely unnecessary.

What specifically does the LNAT test? 
 The LNAT is a 2 hour and 15 minutes test in two sections.
• Section A consists of 42 multiple choice questions. The questions are based on 12 argumentative passages, with 3 or 4 multiple choice questions on each. There are 95 minutes to answer all of the questions.  
• For Section B, there is only 40 minutes to answer one of five essay questions on a range of subjects.

How is the LNAT scored? 
The LNAT is scored out of 42. Because most top law schools average multiple LNAT scores, it’s best to prepare as thoroughly as possible and only take the test once.

How do I know if my score is good enough to get me into my dream school? 
There are many things the universities will consider besides just the score. More importantly, each university’s criteria are different in what they are looking for. Also, each part of the test is looked at evaluated and balanced with the rest of the application that you are submitting.
How do I register? 
You may register for the LNAT exam online at http:// http://www.lnat.ac.uk/registration/. Set up an online account and register your contact details – candidates who are applying to a UK university will need their UCAS Personal Identifier number before they can register for the LNAT.

What fees are associated with the LNAT? 
The costs for candidates are:
Test fees are determined by the test centre location, not on place of residence or nationality.

Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
The Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®), developed and administered by the AAMC, is a standardized, multiple-choice examination created to help medical school admissions offices assess your problem solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine.
The MCAT is a computer-based multiple choice examination used by medical school admissions officials to predict future success. The test consists of 3 hours and 20 minutes of multiple-choice testing, plus one hour devoted to a writing sample. With all of the administrative details and breaks, the exam can last for 5½ hours. Approximately 71,000 people worldwide take the MCAT each year. In most cases, MCAT scores are valid for 3 years. However, this time frame varies from school to school.

What is the MCAT? 
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a pre-requisite for those aspiring to make their careers in the Medical sector. This is because an overwhelming majority of Medical Schools in the United States, and a growing number of those across the border in Canada, accepts these scores for screening admissions.
The test layout is standardized and features questions in the multiple-choice format. The MCAT tests for problem solving and critical thinking abilities. This is in addition to the core knowledge requirements of the concepts pertaining to the medical field: Biology and Chemistry.

How much does it cost to take the MCAT?
The Cost of the MCAT Exam. The basic registration fee for the MCAT exam is $310, which covers the cost of the exam, as well as distribution of your scores. Beyond that, you will incur additional fees for late registration, changes to your registration, and testing at international test sites.
About the test 

MCAT – What is it? 
The Medical College Admission Test known by its acronym MCAT is a pre-requisite for gaining entry into most medical school programs. A computer based test (CBT), each aspirant gets about five hours to attempt it. Given that only a single attempt is allowed for each candidate, preparation becomes hyper-critical.
MCAT test scores are often held as an important barometer of one’s potential for succeeding at med school. The MCAT evaluates candidates for their performance in key skills that one would need in their medical career. These include generic skills such as writing and verbal reasoning, besides knowledge about core, biological science. The MCAT is often considered to be one of the toughest to score, considering the intensive nature of the questions and the duration (5 ½ Hours).
Canada medical schools too aren’t that far behind their North American counterparts when it comes to believing in the integrity of MCAT. Many schools have a cut-off percentage to filter applications.

Guide to MCAT Scoring 
The highest MCAT score possible is a 528. The MCAT scale is centered so that a 500 represents the mean score. AAMC recommends that med school admission committees consider applicants near the center of the range, rather than placing the most emphasis on the higher end of the scale. 

MCAT Raw Score 
The MCAT is a scaled exam, meaning that your raw score (based on the number of questions you got right) is converted into a scaled score that takes into account the difficulty of the questions.

MCAT Score Range 
Each MCAT section is scored on a scale of 118–132 (highest). Your MCAT total score (which is the sum of your section scores) ranges from 472–528. Because different versions of the test have varying levels of difficulty, the scale will be slightly different from one MCAT administration to the next.

Registration 
While registration for MCAT is carried out online, it must be channelized through the American Medical Colleges Association is where all MCAT aspirants. It is recommended that one register early to improve their chances of getting a preferred test-date and location.

Tackling the MCAT 
The MCAT is undoubtedly a steep hurdle in one’s medical career aspirations. However, it is merely the first of many more to come. Thankfully, expert help is at hand to see you through this first step. To learn more about our excellent MCAT test prep solutions, contact us

United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) 
Before you can apply for a medical license, you must pass a three-step test called the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), also known as the board exam.
This test is unusual for two reasons. First, you take each part at a different stage of your medical education. Second, unlike many standardized tests, the USMLE actually assesses your mastery of the material, not how well you take a test. While there are some test–taking strategies that will improve your performance, you won’t pass without comprehensive and detailed knowledge of the sciences, as well as an ability to apply that knowledge in a clinical setting.
The USMLE is designed for students of allopathic medicine, who are on the path to an MD. Students of osteopathic medicine can take either the USMLE or a similar test called the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMEX).
The USMLE is divided into three steps:

  1. Step 1 is a one–day test, usually taken at the end of the second year of med school. It emphasizes knowledge of basic sciences, including anatomy, biochemistry, behavioral sciences, microbiology, immunology, pathology, pharmacology and physiology. Topics such as nutrition, genetics and aging are also covered. All questions are multiple–choice.
  2. Step 2 is a two–day test, usually taken in the fourth year of med school. It has two components. The first (called Clinical Knowledge, or CK), requires you to answer multiple–choice questions on clinical sciences like surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology. The second (called Clinical Skills, or CS) requires you to examine and diagnose actors posing as patients. For the Step 2 CS, students must travel to an authorized testing center.
  3. Step 3 is a two-day test, usually taken after the first year of residency. This is the final assessment of whether or not you’re prepared to practice general medicine in an unsupervised setting. Like Step 2, Step 3 focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of patients. It includes both multiple choice questions and computer simulations of patient care.

The Step 2 CS has no numerical score. You earn a “pass” or a “fail” based on your ability to gather data, communicate with the patient and write an effective report.
On all other parts of the test, the number of correct answers you earn is converted into two numerical scores, one on a three–digit scale and the other on a two–digit scale. These are simply two ways of reporting the same result to schools. You must earn a 75 on the two–digit scale to pass.
While your medical school education will give you many of the skills and much of the knowledge necessary to pass the USMLE, you are still likely to log a substantial amount of time reviewing and preparing for each stage of the test.

About the TFI™ Test 

What Is the TFI™ Test?
The TFI test is a French-language proficiency test for people whose native language is not French. The TFI test results show how well you communicate in French in business and academic environments.

Who Takes It and Why?
The TFI test is for language learners of all levels, regardless of occupation or background. You do not need to have special knowledge beyond that of a person who uses French in everyday work activities.
◾Training organizations can use the TFI test to group students homogeneously and validate their proficiency with an unbiased external test.
◾The TFI test enables students to demonstrate their French-language proficiency for academic and business institutions.
◾Individuals choose to take the TFI test to determine their level of proficiency and have it validated by an external measure.

Where Do People Take It?
The TFI test is taken:
◾through ETS on-site testing services at: 
◦business locations
◦language schools
◾at open public sessions ◦Registration for public test sessions in the United States can be completed by email.
◦In many countries at local ETS Preferred Network offices. (Contact ETS if there’s no representative in your country.)

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