International standardised tests play a crucial role in the academic and professional journey of students around the world. These tests serve as a standardised measure of a student’s knowledge and skills, providing universities and employers with a reliable benchmark to assess a candidate’s abilities. In this blog, we will explore the various aspects of international standardised tests such as the ACT, SAT, GMAT and GRE, and provide you with a comprehensive roadmap to success.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Different Types of International Standardised Test
The student’s abilities and readiness for higher education are judged with the help of these tests in the United States. Let’s dive in a little deeper to understand each test a little more and what they entail:
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Standardised Test |
Overview |
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The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) |
The SAT is one of the oldest and most common tests used for college admissions in the USA, Canada, and other places. Anyone, no matter where they come from, can take the SAT exam. It tests a student’s English and maths skills to see how well they can use words and solve problems. The test lasts three hours and is out of a total score of 1600. |
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ACT |
The ACT is another test for getting into college in the USA and Canada, just like the SAT. But the ACT has four parts: maths, science, reading, and English. Your final score is the average of what you get in these four parts, and it can be between 1 and 36. The SAT and ACT are quite similar, but if you’re not into science, you might find the SAT more comfortable. |
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Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) |
The GMAT is a test for people who want to go to business school, especially for an MBA program. To get into most MBA programs, you need a good GMAT score. The GMAT checks your English, math, stats, and problem-solving skills. What’s unique about it is that it adapts to your answers. If you get a question right, it gives you a harder one. If you get it wrong, it gives you an easier one. The highest score you can get is 800. |
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Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) |
The GRE is a test that many graduate schools around the world ask for when you apply. You need to take it to get into Master’s programs in various fields like science, business, or law. The GRE has three parts: one to test your words and reading, one for maths skills, and one where you write. One good thing about the GRE is you can go back and change your answers, and you can also skip questions and return to them later, which makes it a bit easier than the GMAT. |
Tips on How to Prepare for Standardised Tests
Here are some general tips that can help you prepare for international standardised tests:
Start Early
International standardised tests are complex and require time to prepare. Therefore, it is crucial that you begin your preparation early to give yourself enough time to learn and review the material and then practise for the exam. Preparing early will save you from getting unnecessarily stressed when the test date comes near.
Understand the Test Structure
Each of these standardised tests has a unique format, sections, and question types. Understanding the test structure is crucial. Knowing the format of the test is the first step in effective preparation, this is why it is crucial that you check out the format and what each section of the test requires.
Set Up a Study Schedule
Now having a study schedule is very important as it allows you to see how you spend your time and make sure that you are setting aside enough time to prepare for the test. So, create a study schedule and stick to it. Plan it and allocate enough time for each session with breaks in between to avoid burnout.
Identify Your Weakness
Take practice to identify which section needs more work. Once you identify your weaknesses, work on improving them.
Use Study Material
Utilise a variety of study resources such as textbooks, online courses, practice tests, and flashcards to enhance your understanding of the test content. Official study guides and practice tests provided by the respective testing organisations are highly recommended. Additionally, various test preparation companies offer comprehensive courses and personalised study plans for the GMAT and GRE. These resources provide valuable insights, practice materials, and strategies to improve your performance and confidence.
Seek Professional Help
If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to effectively prepare for international standardised tests, seeking professional help can provide valuable guidance and support. Test preparation companies and tutors specialise in helping students navigate the complexities of these tests. They can provide personalised study plans, offer expert insights, and help you identify and address your specific areas of improvement
Master the Basics
Almost all standardised tests evaluate your knowledge of high-school-level maths. While you don’t need to learn the more complex and advanced concepts, you may need to brush up on your calculus skills, especially if you have used that kind of maths in a while. Consider taking advanced maths courses or seeking assistance from a maths tutor if necessary.
Practice Time Management
Time management is crucial for preparation for any test and more so for a standardised test. Practice pacing yourself during practice tests and ensure you have enough time to answer all the questions. If you are struggling with managing your time, try practising with a timer to get more comfortable with the test format.
Self-Care
Self-care is important for everyone, especially for students as they can forget to take care of themselves when they are in the middle of preparation. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat healthy, exercise regularly and take breaks to avoid burnout. Getting enough sleep and break in between sessions will help your brain retain information more easily.
Mistake To Avoid While Preparing for International Standardised Test
Preparing for an international standardised test is an important stage in student lives and to be successful you need to avoid some common mistakes students make to ensure your preparation is as effective as possible.
Procrastination
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is procrastinating. Waiting until the last minute to start studying can lead to stress and ineffective preparation. Begin your preparation well in advance to allow ample time for practice and review.
Neglecting a Study Plan
Without a structured study plan, your preparation can become all over the place and inefficient. Not having a detailed study plan can lead to inadequate coverage of all test sections, and you may not address your weaknesses effectively. Also, avoid making major changes to your study routine right before the test. This can lead to confusion and anxiety. Stick to your established study plan and strategies.
Overloading on Study Materials
While it’s essential to have study materials, using too many resources can lead to confusion. Stick to a few reputable study guides and official practice tests. The more resources you will use the more confused you will become so make sure that you choose a few and stick to them throughout the preparation phase. Avoid the temptation to collect every study resource available.
Cramming
Cramming the night before the test rarely leads to success. It’s impossible to absorb a significant amount of information in a short time especially if it is for an international standardised test as these tests measure students’ knowledge and skills. Studying the night before the test will ultimately not help as you won’t be able to understand the format of the paper properly. Hence, start early and be consistent.
Ignoring Official Materials
Official test prep materials, provided by organisations like ETS (GRE), GMAC (GMAT), ACT, and SAT, are invaluable. Ignoring these resources can lead to inadequate preparation because they are specifically designed to reflect the actual test.
Disregarding Weaknesses and Practice Tests
Focusing solely on your strengths can be a mistake. It’s important to address your weaknesses as well. Neglecting areas where you struggle can lead to suboptimal scores. Take the mock test again and again and identify your weaknesses then start working on them in order to do your best on the day of the test.
Practice tests are not to be underestimated. Skipping them can leave you unprepared for the test conditions, timing, and question types. Consistently taking practice tests is crucial for building confidence and improving your performance.
Memorising Rather Than Understanding
Simply memorising answers or vocabulary without understanding the underlying concepts is counterproductive. Tests like the GRE and GMAT often require critical thinking so focus on comprehension and application of knowledge instead of trying to memorise everything.
Neglecting Official Test Policies
Each standardised test comes with specific policies regarding items allowed in the test centre, time limits, and more. Neglecting these policies can lead to issues on test day, including disqualification.
Assuming All Tests Are the Same
Don’t assume that the strategies for one test apply to all standardised tests. Each test has its unique structure and requirements. Tailor your preparation to the specific test you are taking.
In conclusion, effective preparation for international standardised tests involves more than just studying. Avoiding common mistakes like procrastination, neglecting a study plan, overloading study materials, and cramming is crucial. By staying organised, focusing on weaknesses, and practising with official materials, you can optimise your preparation and increase your chances of success on test day.
