Which exam should I take?

Students desirous of studying abroad have to take up examinations given below:

• SAT- for undergraduate studies
  
• GRE - for Masters excluding management
  
• GMAT- for Management Courses
  
• TOEFL/ IELTS- English language proficiency exams
  

What are the pre-requisites for these exams?

Students need to have a valid passport and a recognized degree.

What is the difference between IELTS and TOEFL?

• TOEFL is valid for U.S. and Canadian universities, the maximum score on the TOEFL-iBT is 120 .
  
• IELTS is required for British, Australian and New Zealand universities; there are nine band levels, from one (non-user) to nine (expert user).

For how long are the scores valid?

• GRE/GMAT scores are valid for 5 years
  
• SAT, TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years
  

Are these exams computerized or paper based?

• GRE, GMAT and TOEFL are computerized. However the software is very user friendly. In a CBT (Computer-based Test), the more difficult a question, the more marks one gains. The tests do not have negative marking. The student cannot return to a previous question.
  
• IELTS has both paper-based and computerized options.
  
• SAT I, SAT II are paper-based tests where all questions carry the same marks. The student can return to a previous question.
  

How do we register for the examination?

Registration can be done over the telephone, online or by filling in the application form.

How often are these exams held?

• GRE/GMAT/TOEFL are held on all working days. Students have to apply 2 - 21 days in advance.
  
• SAT I and SAT II are held 6 times in a year (May, June, October, November, December, January). Students have to apply at least 40 days in advance.
  
• The IELTS and TOEFL are held three - four times every month on pre-determined dates.

When is it a good time to take the exam?

• SAT- XI grade of school
  
• GRE/ GMAT- final year of graduation

However, the tests should be taken no later than 8 months before one intends to join the college there.

More than 90% of the universities/colleges accept students with GRE Reasoning Test only and therefore not mandatory. The subject tests are to be taken only if the university asks for it. Hence it is on the sole discretion of the student

• GRE/ GMAT- Students can retake the exam once a calendar month.
  
• IELTS- One has to retake the test if one does not achieve the desired score but not before three months of the first test date.

Usually the better score is considered, but sometimes they take the average.

Can I Cancel or Reschedule my exam?

One can cancel or Reschedule the test within the given duration and by paying the respective fees for the same.

• GRE - no later than 10 full days before your appointment (not including the day of your test or the day of your request) or your test fee will be forfeited. The rescheduling fee is US$50.
  
• GMAT - to reschedule the date, time, or location of your appointment at least seven full calendar days between the date and time of your original appointment. There is a US$50 fee.
  
• SAT - Students can change the test center, test date, or test type up to two and a half weeks before test day. The rescheduling fee is US $21. Once a registration is submitted, it cannot be canceled, and the test fees are not refundable.
  
• TOEFL iBT - no later than 3 days before your test date (not including the day of your request or the day of the test). The rescheduling fee is US$50.
  
• IELTS - no later than 5 weeks before your appointment. The rescheduling fee is The rescheduling fee is Rs. 1,800/- .

Apart from standard exam scores, what else do the colleges look for?

The colleges/ grad schools consider a well-rounded personality. In addition to past academic and professional records, extra curricular achievements are also closely scrutinized.

Ideally 12+ 4 years of education is required for degrees like Engineering, Pharmacy, and Architecture. But there are some courses like MBA, Environmental Studies etc. wherein students with 15 years of education can also apply.

What are the application deadlines?

Deadlines vary from college to college for the two sessions-

• Spring (January session)- deadlines start in June and carry on till December
  
• Fall (August session) - deadlines start in October and carry on till March.

Many universities offer rolling admissions till the start of the session.

What is the cost of studying?

US- Tuition fees range from $ 10000 to $ 45000 per annum depending upon the course and the university.
UK- Tuition fees depend upon the course and the university.
ITP helps you in choosing universities according to your budgetary constraints.

How much scholarship can one get?

A student can get up to 100% scholarship. ITP students have been successful in securing 100% scholarship for many undergraduate and graduate programmes including MS, MBA, PhD.

What are the living expenses?

US- the living expenses may vary from $ 400- $1200 per month. In mid-western and southern places like Texas, Alabama, Missouri, Oklahoma living expenses are approximately around $ 500 per month and in the northeastern and western places like Boston, Massachusetts, New York, Chicago, Illinois, San Francisco, California it is approx. $ 1000- $ 1200 per month.

UK- the average international student spends about £6000 - £7000 per annum. You may spend more or less, depending on the course you choose to study, where you choose to live and your lifestyle.

What are the possibilities of on-campus jobs?

On-campus jobs pay quite well and help students meet their personal expenses. Students can easily get jobs of up to 20 hours a week on campus. Graduate students often get TA / RA (Teaching/ Research Assistantships), because of their busy schedules. These are best obtained when students reach their Universities.

What is GPA?

Grade Point Average (GPA) is given on a scale of 0-4 where 4 is the highest. It is equivalent to the Indian percentage system (0-100%). Since it is difficult to convert, students need to attach their score, along with the highest, lowest and average scores of their class when sending the information to the college, using this Admissions Committee deduces the students GPA.