When I apply to universities, what admission tests may I be expected to take?

TOEFL.  If English is not your native language, you must submit a TOEFL score.  Many institutions require a minimum score of about 80 on the Internet-based (iBT) TOEFL, about 213 on the computer-based version of the TOEFL, or about 550 on the paper-based version for both undergraduate and graduate students to enter their academic programs.  A few schools may not require the TOEFL if you completed high school or college in the United States or if you graduated from a four-year, degree-granting institution where English is the language of instruction.

SAT^® I.  The SAT  I may be required of undergraduate applicants.  No standard score is required; results are weighed with secondary school grades and other elements of the undergraduate application.

SAT^® II.  Each SAT II examination tests knowledge in a specific subject area.  One or more may be required of some undergraduate applicants.

GRE^®.  Most graduate applicants are required to submit results on the Graduate Record Examination general test and sometimes subject tests as well.  Some graduate programs require a minimum 450 verbal score; others may also have a 420 minimum required on the quantitative section.

GMAT^®.  Graduate applicants in business- and accountancy-related areas usually must take the Graduate Management Admission Test.  (Applicants to programs in such areas as public administration may have a choice between taking the GMAT and the GRE.)  A minimum score of 500 is often required, with a score of at least 25 percent on the verbal portion.

TSE^®.  The Test of Spoken English may be required for graduate students seeking teaching assistantships.

Are there tests other than the TOEFL and TSE that may be useful in assessing my English proficiency?

AMIDEAST regularly administers the following English proficiency tests that will be useful in assessing proficiency (though they are not designed to meet U.S. university admissions requirements):

Institutional Testing Program (ITP) TOEFL. Based on past editions of paper-based TOEFL tests and designed as an assessment and learning tool for intermediate and advanced students of English.

Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC). An English language proficiency test designed for international workplace environments.  It is taken by more people than any other English language test and is recognized as a worldwide standard for English proficiency.

What about tests that may help me complete college more quickly?

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is accepted by about 2,900 institutions in the United States and overseas for undergraduate credit or advanced standing.  CLEP currently offers 34 tests covering a wide range of academic subjects.

When should I take university entrance exams?

Begin your testing plan at least one year before you wish to start your academic program.  The U.S. school year begins around the end of August and ends in May.  Many universities have application deadlines in December for school entry the following late August/early September.  Organized university applicants take TOEFL and other exams in September, a year before school entry.   International mail can be slow and unreliable, and you will also need time to register for and take standardized tests. This also gives you time to take tests a second time if you are not pleased with the results and to request score report mailings.

Where do I find information about the tests?

The test bulletins are your best source of information. AMIDEAST has a supply of bulletins for the public. Test bulletins are also generally available online at the Web site for the particular examination. Take the time to read the bulletin completely and carefully.  When you fill out the registration form, make sure your name, address, telephone and other personal information are entered correctly.  The Educational Testing Service (ETS) sends score reports from Princeton, New Jersey, in the United States, and any inconsistencies in your registration information will cause delays.

AMIDEAST can also provide information and/or registration services regarding other academic and professional tests. If you are interested in taking such a test in the Middle East/North Africa, please contact your nearest AMIDEAST office to learn what support we can provide.

What if I have a disability?

Please check the test information bulletin for procedures to request special accommodation, if you have a documented disability.  Test takers with temporary disabilities, i.e., a broken leg, should register or transfer to a later test date.

What should I do on the day of the test?

1. Arrive 30 minutes before the assigned test time.  Check-in procedures take time.  If you arrive late, you may not be admitted to the test, and you will forfeit your test fees.
2. Bring identification, as listed in the test bulletin.
3. Bring your test confirmation.

How long is my test score valid?

The TOEFL score has a two year validity period; GRE and GMAT five years.  There is no time limit on SAT scores.  However, any scores requested more than five years after the test date will be accompanied by a message from ETS explaining that the scores may no longer be an accurate reflection of your academic performance.

How can I prepare for the exams?

Beyond having studied English and a well-rounded academic curriculum, there are a variety of test preparation materials available through AMIDEAST.  For further English language and test preparation, check the courses offered in AMIDEAST's English Language Program.

When should I receive my test scores?

Generally, scores are sent from ETS two to three weeks after a computer-based or Internet-based test and three to four weeks after a paper-based test. If you are taking a test with an essay and choose to handwrite the essay rather than typing it on the computer, you should expect to add another three weeks to that time.  With international mail, a computer-based or Internet-based score report may take six weeks to two months to arrive at a home address.  Score reports from paper and pencil testing take an average of two months.

What should I do if my test scores don’t arrive in this time frame?

You should get in touch with ETS by telephone, e-mail, or fax.  Contact information is listed below.  Do not contact AMIDEAST because this office has  no information about score reports and we regret that we are unable to help with this.

When you contact ETS with questions about missing score reports, payment questions, or requests for additional score reports, you will need to provide your name, address, birth date, and test registration number in your correspondence.

How do I contact ETS?

TOEFL

• Telephone:  1-609-771-7100
• Fax: 1-609-771-7500
• E-Mail: toefl@ets.org

SAT

• Telephone:  1-609-771-7600
• Fax: 1-609-683-1234
• E-Mail: sat@ets.org 

GRE

• Telephone: 1-609-771-7670
• Fax:  1-609-771-7906
• E-Mail: gre-info@ets.org

GMAT

• Telephone: 1-609-771-7330
• Fax:  1-609-883-4340
• E-Mail: gmat@ets.org