As part of the university application process, many students are required to take one or more admissions tests. Universities around the world use these tests to assess applicants’ aptitude, skills and language proficiency.
Admissions tests can vary widely depending on the location and institution. Some tests are recognised internationally, while others are specific to certain countries. They may cover a broad range of topics or be focused on specific subject areas.
To make things easier, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of university admissions tests, including standardised tests, country-specific tests and English language assessments. It also offers tips on how to best prepare for these tests to achieve your academic goals.
Table of contents:
- Standardised admissions tests
- Country-specific admissions tests
- English language proficiency tests
- Preparing for university admissions tests
- Registration, fees and retake policies
Standardised admissions tests
Standardised admissions tests are used for university admissions across various countries and geographic areas. Common examples include:
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and ACT (American College Testing)
The SAT and ACT are multiple-choice entrance exams widely used by universities in the USA and some institutions globally for undergraduate admissions. Many students in the US take one or both tests as part of their application process.
The SAT consists of two main sections: reading and writing, and mathematics. It also includes an optional essay.
The ACT includes four core sections: English, mathematics, reading and science, along with an optional writing test.
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
The GRE is used by thousands of universities around the world for graduate admissions, including business schools and law schools. It features three sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing skills. It tests the skills and abilities needed for graduate level study, and is not subject-specific.
GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test)
The GMAT is used by +2,400 business schools globally for graduate admissions to business and management programmes including the MBA. It tests candidates’ quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, integrated reasoning and analytical writing skills.
GAMSAT (Graduate Medical Schools Admissions Test)
The GAMSAT is used by many graduate-entry medical programmes in the UK, Ireland and Australia, including those for medicine, dentistry and veterinary science. The test assesses critical thinking, writing and reasoning skills in the humanities and sciences.
It is important to note that the GAMSAT is not focused on any specific subject and does not evaluate medical knowledge.
Universities accepting the GAMSAT include:
- Imperial College London (UK)
- Royal College of Surgeons (Ireland)
- University of St Andrews (UK)
- University College Dublin (Ireland)
- University of Melbourne (Australia)
- University of Sydney (Australia)
Country-specific admissions tests
Some countries have national admissions tests that are recognised for university entry within that country but are generally not accepted elsewhere. These tests may be required by all universities in the region or only by specific institutions for certain courses. Some universities administer their own admissions tests.
In many cases, these admissions tests assess applicants in designated subject areas, especially those leading to highly skilled professions such as medicine, law or business, where specific knowledge and competencies are essential for success.
Common examples of country-specific admissions tests include:
United Kingdom and Ireland
UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)
The UCAT is used by over 40 universities in the UK and a select number of international institutions for admissions to certain medical and dental programmes. This multiple-choice exam evaluates candidates' medical abilities and skills rather than their subject knowledge.
Universities accepting the UCAT include:
- University of Cambridge
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Oxford
LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test)
The LNAT is used by several universities in the UK for undergraduate law school admissions. The test consists of multiple-choice questions followed by an essay. It does not assess legal knowledge but rather evaluates the skills necessary for successful legal practice.
Universities that accept the LNAT include:
- University of Cambridge
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- University College London (UCL)
TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission)
The TMUA is used by select UK universities for undergraduate programmes in mathematics, economics and computer science. It has two sections: applications of mathematical knowledge and mathematical reasoning.
Universities that accept the TMUA include:
- Imperial College London
- University of Cambridge
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test)
The ESAT is used by Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge for admissions into certain engineering and science programmes. It is a multiple choice test that includes a core module in maths, along with two additional modules chosen from: biology, chemistry, physics and a second maths module.
The required additional modules depend on the programme to which the candidate is applying.
HPAT (Health Professions Admission Test)
All medical schools in Ireland use HPAT for admission to undergraduate medicine courses and a small selection of closely related postgraduate professional qualifications. It assesses non-academic skills, emphasising logical reasoning, problem-solving, interpersonal skills and nonverbal reasoning.
United States and Canada
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
The MCAT is a requirement for nearly all medical school admissions in the USA and Canada, as well as for some international universities. It assesses candidates’ knowledge of a wide range of concepts in both natural and social sciences, while also testing their critical thinking and scientific problem-solving skills.
LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
LSAT is accepted by all US and Canadian law schools for admissions, as well as some international universities. It features multiple-choice sections in reading comprehension, logical reasoning and analytical reasoning, followed by an argumentative writing essay section.
OAT (Optometry Admission Test)
The OAT is used by all optometry schools in the US and Puerto Rico, as well as the University of Waterloo in Canada. It tests candidates’ skills in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, reading comprehension, physics and quantitative reasoning.
DAT (Dental Admission Test)
The DAT is accepted by all US dental schools, as well as some in Canada. It tests candidates’ skills in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, perceptual ability, reading comprehension and quantitative reasoning.
CASPer (Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics)
CASPer is accepted by all medical schools in Canada and several international universities. This open-response situational judgment test is used for admission to medical and professional programmes. It assesses soft skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, ethics and empathy but does not evaluate scientific or medical knowledge.
TSIA (Texas Success Initiative Assessment)
The TSIA is a standardised test used by public colleges and universities in Texas, USA to assess university readiness. It evaluates students' skills in English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) as well as mathematics.
The test is primarily required for domestic students to determine whether they need developmental coursework before starting college-level studies. Some students may be exempt from taking the TSIA based on their SAT, ACT or other qualifying test scores.
Australia and New Zealand
ISAT (International Students Admissions Test)
The ISAT is used by several Australian universities and some international institutions to evaluate international students applying for courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. It is a multiple-choice test that assesses both critical reasoning and quantitative reasoning skills.
Universities that accept the ISAT include:
- Monash University
- The University of New South Wales
- The University of Western Australia
UCAT ANZ (University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand)
The UCAT ANZ is a required admissions test for medical and dental programmes in Australia and New Zealand, as well as some institutions internationally. It assesses candidates across multiple areas, including verbal reasoning, decision-making, quantitative reasoning and situational judgement.
STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test)
The STAT is an aptitude test used by some Australian universities and a few international institutions. Designed for non-school leavers, it includes a multiple-choice section assessing critical and quantitative reasoning, as well as a written communication component requiring two short essays.
Universities accepting the STAT include:
- Deakin University
- Monash University
- The University of Melbourne
English language proficiency tests
Most countries require international students to meet a minimum level of English proficiency for student visa eligibility. Many universities also have their own English language requirements, which may vary by institution, programme and level of study.
To prove English language proficiency, students are typically required to submit scores from a recognised English language test. Commonly accepted tests include:
- IELTS Academic: Accepted by over 12,500 institutions in 140 countries, as well as immigration authorities in the UK, US, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
- TOEFL iBT: Accepted by over 13,000 institutions in more than 160 countries, and by Australian and New Zealand immigration authorities.
- PTE Academic: Accepted by over 3,500 institutions in more than 70 countries, as well as immigration authorities in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Several other standardised English language tests are recognised globally. Be sure to check the specific requirements for your chosen university and course before applying.
Preparing for university admissions tests
Understanding test formats and requirements
In order to achieve the best possible result in an admissions test, it’s important to fully understand the test, how it is scored, and what is expected of you.
All tests have different requirements, and individual sections of a test may include different question styles, so familiarise yourself with the standard format of the test in advance.
Scoring styles also vary between tests, so it is equally important to understand how tests are marked and what a score means for you.
A valuable way to gain insight into a test is to review official guidelines and study resources. These can usually be found on the test’s website. Your university may also be able to offer some guidance.
Tips for effective study and using official resources
Preparation is key to performing well on admissions tests. Here are some ways to maximise your study efforts:
- Employ good study strategies. Use practice papers to get a feel for the exam, and complete mock exams and practice questions under timed test conditions.
- Use official test preparation materials to make sure your knowledge and skills are primed for test day, and to have the fullest understanding of what to expect. Most admissions tests offer a range of official resources, which may be free or be available for a fee. Examples include:
- The US College Board offers free SAT practice resources.
- ETS provides a mix of free and low-cost tools for GRE preparation.
- IELTS offers free official preparation materials.
- Seek additional support by joining study groups, finding a reputable tutor or attending a preparatory course to strengthen your understanding and test-taking skills.
Registration, fees and retake policies
Every test has its own registration criteria and you should familiarise yourself with these. You must usually register for your admissions test well in advance of your preferred test date, allowing enough time to submit your result to your chosen university before their admissions deadline.
To ensure you can take your test on a preferred date or in a designated exam period, it’s advisable to register as soon as possible, and well in advance of the test provider’s registration deadline. Common deadlines include:
- ACT and SAT: Two to three weeks before the exam date (but registering as soon as possible is recommended).
- GMAT: 24 hours before the exam date (but allowing a minimum of three to four weeks is recommended).
- GAMSAT: Approximately six weeks before the exam date.
You can usually register for an admissions test via the test website. You will need to provide personal details and pay a fee.
If you do not achieve your desired result in your admissions test, you may be able to retake the test, either as a whole or in part. There is usually a fee associated with this service. You should also check with your university that they will accept a retake result.
Some tests, such as the SAT and GAMSAT, allow unlimited retakes, while others have stricter rules. For example, the GRE and GMAT are limited to no more than five times in a year. IELTS Academic permits test-takers who performed less well in a particular area to take a One Skill Retake within 60 days of their original test.
Final thoughts
It is essential to know which admissions tests are required by universities and specific study programmes, as well as the scores you need to attain for acceptance. This is especially crucial for international students, who may need to take both an English language exam and an admissions test to be eligible for their chosen programme.
Start your application process in good time so that you can familiarise yourself with the test and prepare effectively, using official study resources where possible.
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