List of Exams Required to Study in the USA in 2026

The exams required to study in the USA vary by degree level, university, and programme. While many US universities have adopted test-optional policies for exams such as the SAT, GRE, and GMAT, English proficiency tests such as IELTS and TOEFL remain widely required for international students in 2026.

Test requirements for studying in the USA change with the level and type of programme you choose. Use the table below to quickly identify the USA exams for bachelor’s, MS, MBA, and PhD programmes, including the key tests typically considered during admission.

The most common English proficiency exams required to study in the USA are TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, and the Duolingo English Test. The minimum score required varies by university, course, and level of study, making it important to check your program's admission criteria.

1. TOEFL iBT

TOEFL iBT is one of the most widely accepted English language tests, recognised by more than 11,000 institutions worldwide, including almost all US universities. It evaluates your ability to use English in an academic environment through an internet-based test. 

From January 2026, ETS has introduced a new 1 to 6 proficiency scale alongside the existing scoring system, so always check which format your target university accepts before applying.

2. IELTS

IELTS is accepted by more than 3,400 institutions across the USA, including all Ivy League universities. It is jointly administered by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge and is available in both computer-delivered and paper-based formats, giving applicants flexibility when choosing a test date.

3. PTE Academic

PTE Academic is accepted by more than 2,000 US universities and is entirely computer-based. It uses AI-assisted scoring and is popular among international students because results are usually available within 48 hours, making it a good choice if you are applying close to university deadlines.

4. Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test is a fully online English proficiency exam accepted by more than 2,200 US universities, including institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and Yale. You can take the test from home with remote proctoring, making it one of the most convenient options for international applicants.

The primary standardised exams needed to study in the USA for undergraduate programs are the SAT and ACT. While many universities adopted test-optional policies in recent years, several highly selective institutions have reinstated SAT or ACT requirements for the 2026-27 admissions cycle, making competitive scores increasingly important.

1. SAT (Digital)

The SAT exam is accepted by thousands of US universities for undergraduate admissions and uses a multistage adaptive format. Although many universities remain test-optional, applicants targeting highly selective institutions such as MIT, Harvard, and Stanford should aim for a score of 1,500+.

2. ACT (Enhanced)

The ACT is accepted as an alternative to the SAT by most US universities. The enhanced ACT includes an optional Science section, giving students greater flexibility based on university requirements.

Important: Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, Cornell, MIT, Caltech, Stanford, and the University of Pennsylvania require SAT or ACT scores for the 2026-27 admissions cycle. 

Columbia will require standardized test scores starting with the 2027-28 admissions cycle.
Since testing policies continue to evolve, always check your target university's latest admission requirements before applying.

The standardised exams needed to study in the USA for master's programs depend on the course you plan to pursue. While the GRE is commonly accepted for graduate programs, exams like the GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT are required for business, law, and medical programs, respectively.

1. GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

The GRE is accepted by most graduate programs in engineering, sciences, social sciences, and some MBA programs. A GRE score of 310-320 is competitive for many programmes, while top universities may expect 320+.

2. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

The GMAT Focus Edition is preferred for MBA admissions, although many leading business schools also accept GRE scores. Most competitive MBA programmes expect a score of 655+ or higher.

3. LSAT (Law School Admission Test)

The LSAT is the standard admission test for law schools in the USA and is scored on a 120-180 scale. While the average score is around 152, a score of 160+ is competitive for many leading law schools, and 170+ is expected by the top-ranked programs.

4. MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

The MCAT is required for admission to medical schools in the USA and is scored on a 472-528 scale. Students admitted to medical schools score between 511 and 512, while top-tier institutions often expect 515 or higher.

Several US universities, including Princeton, Duke, the University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern University, and Rice University, continue to offer test-optional admissions for many programs. 

This means you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores, while universities also evaluate your GPA, essays, extracurricular activities, and LORs.

Here's how test-optional admissions fit into the exams required to study in the USA:

• Benefits of applying test-optional: Students with strong academics, extracurricular achievements, or compelling application essays can apply without a lower SAT or ACT score affecting their overall profile.
• Why test-optional isn't always test-blind: Choosing not to submit scores doesn't disadvantage applicants by policy, but a strong SAT or ACT score can still strengthen an application at many competitive universities.
• How to decide whether to submit your scores: If your SAT or ACT score is at or above the 75th percentile of admitted students, submitting it can strengthen your application. If it falls below the 25th percentile, applying test-optional may be the better choice.
• Always check the university's policy: Test-optional requirements differ by university, course, or program. Before applying, confirm the latest admission policy on your target university's official admissions website.

The most common mistakes students make with exams for studying in the USA include taking unnecessary tests, booking exam dates too late, and missing important score deadlines.

Here's what to avoid when preparing for exams for the USA: 

• Taking exams you don't need: Not every program requires the GRE, GMAT, SAT, or ACT. Always check your university's program-specific requirements before registering for an exam.
• Booking your exam too late: Test slots fill up quickly, especially before major application deadlines. Booking late can limit your preferred test date, lead to additional fees, or leave you without enough time for a retake.
• Sending scores to the wrong universities: Entering the wrong university code can delay your application and result in additional score reporting fees. Always verify the university details before submitting your scores.
• Ignoring score validity: Exams such as TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, and GMAT have limited validity periods. Before applying, confirm that your scores will remain valid throughout the admission cycle.
• Not planning for a retake: If your first score falls short, you may need to wait before taking the exam again. Build enough buffer into your preparation timeline so a retake doesn't affect your application deadlines.
• Overlooking score validity for your intake: A score may still be valid when you apply but expire before your university begins evaluating applications or before enrollment. Always check validity against your intended intake.

The biggest mistake students make isn't choosing the wrong exam but preparing for exams they don't actually need. Before you register, shortlist your universities and compare their latest admission requirements, since testing policies and score expectations can vary across programs within the same institution. 

Yocket Premium helps you identify the right exams for your target universities, understand program-specific admission requirements, and build a realistic application strategy based on your profile. With expert guidance on university shortlisting, applications, timelines, and visa preparation, you'll have support at every stage of your study abroad journey.