Content Writer - Study Abroad | Updated On - Nov 11, 2024
Every year many international students choose a US university to get their MS degrees. As per the Open Doors Report published by US Embassy and Consulates in India, there were 268,923 Indian students were studying in USA in the last academic year. Out of it, 165,936 were graduate students, constituting 62.6% of the total student body. It indicates that, Indian students are more inclined to study MS in USA than undergraduate programs.
US universities require specific test scores to assess your readiness for graduate-level studies. These MS entrance exam in USA can be divided into two categories. They are:
- English language Proficiency test: These tests will determine your English speaking, reading, writing and listening ability.
- Standardized tests: These tests will check your grasp and knowledge on academics.
Exam to Study MS in USA From India
Those willing to study MS in the USA, must start preparing for basic requirements by taking exams like GRE, IELTS or TOEFL. The GRE for MS in USA helps to evaluate your critical thinking skills, quantitative reasoning, analytical skills, and verbal reasoning. On the other hand, English proficiency tests assess your English speaking, reading, writing and listening ability.
For better understanding, we have categorized the exams to study MS in USA into two categories.
- Standardized Tests
- English Language Proficiency Tests
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
GRE or Graduate Record Examination is one of the most widely accepted tests around the world. GRE for masters in USA is conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service). You can complete the GRE registration online. The details of the exam are:
| Duration | 1 hour 58 minutes |
| Score range |
260 to 340 (combined) 130 to 170 (per section) |
| Qualifying Score required | 150 and above in each section |
| Results Delivered | 8-10 days |
Also Check: Universities in USA Without GRE
GRE Test Fees
Check out the GRE fees from the table below.
| Particulars | Fees in INR |
|---|---|
| GRE General Test | 22,550 |
| GRE Subject Test | 14,500 |
| Rescheduling fee | 5,000 |
| Changing test center | 5,000 |
| Additional score report | 2,900 |
| Score review | 5,900 |
| Score reinstatement | 5,000 |
| Returned payment | 2,900 |
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
Educational Testing Service (ETS) operates and manages the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). The Graduate Management Admission Test, also known as the GMAT, is a standard admissions test that many universities and colleges require for admissions to business or management related programs.
| Duration | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
| Score range | 205-805 |
| Sections | Quantitative reasoning, Verbal reasoning, and Data insights |
| Qualifying Score required | 600 and above |
GMAT Exam Fees
Check out the GMAT fees tabulated below
| Services | Fees for Test Centers | Fees for Online |
|---|---|---|
| GMAT Exam | 275 USD | 300 USD |
| Additional Score Report | 35 USD each | 35 USD each |
| Rescheduling to More than 60 days before appointment | 55 USD | 60 USD |
| Rescheduling 15-60 days before appointment | 110 USD | 120 USD |
| Rescheduling 14 days or less before appointment | 165 USD | 180 USD |
| Cancellation fees for More than 60 days before appointment | 110 USD Refund | 120 USD Refund |
| Cancellation fees for 15-60 days before appointment | 80 USD Refund | 90 USD Refund |
| Cancellation fees for 14 days or less before appointment | 55 USD Refund | 60 USD Refund |
LSAT
To take admission in law courses, taking up the LSAT is mandatory for students. The accepted score for the LSAT is 130. However, if you want to take admission in top law schools such as Yale, Harvard, Stanford, and more, you will have to score higher than 160.
| Duration | Approximately 3 hours |
| Score range | 120-180 |
| Sections | Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Writing Sample and Reading Comprehension |
LSAT Exam Fees
LSAT exam and services fees are given below.
| Services | Fees in USD |
|---|---|
| LSAT Exam (includes LSAT Argumentative Writing) | 238 USD |
| Credential Assembly Service (CAS) | 207 USD |
| CAS Report | 45 USD |
| LSAT Score Preview |
45 USD for first day of testing for a given test administration 80 USD during a specified period after testing concludes |
| Official Candidate LSAT Score Report (includes nonreportable LSAT scores) | 50 USD |
| Score Audit | 150 USD (waivers available) |
| Test Date Change |
145 USD for up to 7 days after your test administration’s registration deadline 238 USD for 8 days after your test administration’s registration deadline through the day before testing begins |
MCAT
The MCAT exam, which stands for the Medical College Entrance Test, is a test that is taken on a computer and is necessary for admission to medical schools. Applicants are reviewed on their problem-solving skills, capacity to analyze evidence, and comprehension of scientific concepts examined, amongst other things.
| Duration | 7 hours, 30 minutes |
| Exam fees | USD 345 |
| Sections | Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems. Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behaviour. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills |
| Qualifying Score required | 500-650 |
English Language Proficiency Tests for MS in USA
To study MS in USA you must take English language proficiency test scores since you belong from a non English speaking country. These tests include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and Duolingo English test. The details of the exams required for MS in USA are given below.
IELTS
Almost all the universities in USA accept IELTS as a standard language test for English. However, you can get your IELTS score waived off if you have enough documents to prove your English speaking ability. International English Language Testing System checks your ability to speak, read, write and listen.
| Duration | 2 hours and 45 minutes |
| Exam fees | INR 17,000 for general and academic |
| Score range | Band 0 - Band 9 |
| Number of Sections | Speaking, Reading, Writing, & Listening |
| Qualifying Score required | 6 and above |
| Results Delivered | 3-5 days |
TOEFL iBT
TOEFL is among the most taken ELP exams to study MS in USA. It is also accepted for USA student visa. The TOEFL iBT scores are valid for 2 years.
| Duration | 1 hour and 56 minutes |
| Score range | 0 to 120 (Each section 0-30) |
| Number of Sections | Speaking, Reading, Writing, & Listening |
| Qualifying Score required | 75 and above |
| Results Delivered | 4-13 days |
TOEFL iBT Test Fees
Check out all the important fees related to TOEFL iBT.
| Service | Fees in INR |
|---|---|
| Late Registration | 3,900 |
| Test Rescheduling |
5,900 |
| Reinstatement of Canceled Scores | 1,990 |
| Additional Score Reports | 1,950 |
| Speaking or Writing Section Score Review | 7,900 |
| Payment Return | 2,900 |
DET (Duolingo English Test)
Duolingo English test or DET is the fastest and the cheapest ELP test available. It is accepted in most of the major universities in USA. Universities include Yale University, Harvard University, Cornell University, etc.
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Exam fees | $65 for one test and $55 for two tests |
| Score range | 10 to 160 (Each section 0-30) |
| Number of Sections | Speaking, Reading, Writing, & Listening |
| Qualifying Score required | 90 and above |
| Results Delivered | 2 days or 48 hours |
Pearson Test of English
PTE is a computer-based exam to evaluate a candidate's English language proficiency level for visa or academic purposes. You must be at least 16 years of age to be eligible for the PTE exam.
| Duration | 2 hours and 20 minutes |
| Fees | 17,000 INR (For Academic, Academic Online and Core) |
| Score range | 10-90 |
| Number of Sections | Speaking, Reading, Writing, & Listening |
| Qualifying Score required | 90 and above |
| Results Delivered | 2 days |
OET
The Occupational English Test or OET is specially designed for healthcare professionals who aim to work in an English-speaking environment.
| Duration | 2 hours and 45 minutes |
| Exam fees | 455 USD |
| Score range | 0-500 |
| Sections | Listening, reading, Writing and Speaking |
| Qualifying Score required | 350 and above |
TOEIC
TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) is an internationally standardized test of the English language proficiency of the candidates. ETS conducts the TOEIC exam for applicants wanting to study abroad. TOEIC examination is accepted and trusted by over 14,000 organizations in more than 160 countries.
| Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Exam fees | 85 USD |
| Score range | 10 to 990 |
| Sections | Listening, Reading, Biographical questions |
| Qualifying Score required | 750 and above |
Eligibility For MS In USA
There is no specific bachelor's degree required in order to be eligible for admission to an MS program in the USA. However, the students must have pursued a bachelor's degree relevant to the program they are willing to pursue.
- 3 to 4 years of bachelor's degree in a related field.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 or 65-70%.
- Statement of purpose
- English Proficiency test scores like TOEFL and IELTS.
- A GRE score of 290 or higher
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
Additional Requirements:
- Research project
- Internship
- Published research papers
- Leadership or social activity
Students seeking admission into MS programs in US universities must take MS entrance exam for USA. While GRE is usually required for programs related to medicine or engineering, the GMAT may be required for admission in management or business programs. These test scores are used by the admission committee to evaluate a candidate's quantitative skills, analytical skills, and technical skills.
FAQs
Ques: Which entrance exam for MS in USA?
Ans: The most common exam required for an MS in the USA is the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). However, specific program requirements may vary, so you must check with your chosen universities for their specific entrance exam requirements.
Ques: Which exam is good for MS in USA?
Ans: GMAT and GRE are two exams required for MS in the USA if you wish to pursue programs like MS in Finance, MS in Management, etc. While for some courses it is a must to have a decent GMAT score, for others it is not compulsory. You also need ELP test scores.
Ques: Which exam is required for MS?
Ans: The most common entrance exams for MS are GMAT, GRE, LSAT, and MCAT. You need ELP test scores of IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo English test. You can take any one of the exams to qualify.
Ques: Is GRE compulsory for MS in the USA?
Ans: No, GRE is not compulsory for MS. International students can apply to MS in USA without GRE requirement. However, students may be required to submit additional documents, such as English proficiency scores, to meet the admission requirements.
Ques: Is 7.5 CGPA good for MS in the USA?
Ans: A CGPA of 7.5 is generally considered good for MS in the US. However, it is important to note that admission decisions are based on a holistic evaluation, including various factors like standardised test scores, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and relevant experience.
Ques: Is MS in USA tough?
Ans: Yes, MS in USA can be tough due to many factors. This includes the level of the course and study along with managing your living expenses. The cultural difference can also make it tough for international students.
Ques: Does 12th marks matter in MS in USA?
Ans: Your 12th marks don't matter for MS in USA. Universities only accept you based on your TOEFL/GRE/GMAT/ILETS score , personal interview and your statement of purpose. But an aggregate of 70 % and above would be better for your resume.
Ques: Is MS better in India or USA?
Ans: US is definitely a better choice because of the engineering research and facilities being provided. Unfortunately, Indian institutions are yet to catch up with their UK/US counterparts. To have a better future, one tends to study in USA.
Ques: What is the minimum marks required for MS in USA?
Ans: The minimum marks required for admission varies as per the university. A bachelor's degree of 3-4 years in a relevant field with an average GPA of 3.0 or 60 – 70% and above. English language proficiency score and standardized GRE score are required.
Ques: How many years is MS in the US?
Ans: The duration for MS is generally for 1.5 – 2 years, which is preferred by most students. There are some MEng, MIS programs offered for one year.
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