Posted by High school graduates tend to be confused about their future path. Here are 4 international admission examinations SPM leavers should know to narrow down their options.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
TOEFL is one of the best English tests conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Center) and is widely accepted by some of the best places to study abroad. Over 11,000 universities and other schools accept TOEFL scores in over 150 countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
TOEFL is a 4-hour online test that checks a person’s reading, writing, listening, and speaking English skills.
The exam is marked on a scale from 0 to 120, and the fee for the TOEFL examination in Malaysia is around RM850. The ELS Language Centre conducts the TOEFL test in 5 places in Malaysia. Students can take the test at the school in Malaysia that is closest to them.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
IELTS is the most popular English test worldwide; over 5 million people from 140 countries take it annually. Both British Council and the IDP owned IELTS It tests people’s communication skills in four main areas: speech, writing, reading, and listening. The test is scored on a range from 0 to 9, with a score of 6 being the average score accepted worldwide.
Important universities in countries like Australia, Canada, and the USA accept IELTS for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs. IELTS has two types: academic and general. More than 11,000 companies trust it.
The test can be taken more than once a year, and the fee is RM935. There are both computer-based and paper-based versions of the test. The score on the test is valid for two years.
Related article: 5 Essential Job Search Tips for SPM Leavers
What about when you already have your bachelor’s degree and would love to further studies into graduate school? Here are your options:
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
GMAT tests a candidate’s ability to analyze, write, do math, talk, and read. The Graduate Management Admission Council runs and takes care of it. Most top business schools use the test to decide who gets into their MBA programs. Canada, Germany, and the United States accept GMAT scores in their universities.
In Malaysia, the test fee is close to RM1,300, and the exam takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes—scores on the test range from 200 to 800, with 550 being the average.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The GRE is a test for getting into graduate school. All English-speaking countries, like Canada, Australia, and the USA, accept the test. Most colleges in Europe do not require the GRE, and in some cases, you can choose not to take it. Also, more than 1200 business schools worldwide take the GRE.
The online test examines how well a candidate can use verbal thinking, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills.
The test cost is now almost RM950, given all year long; there are no set dates for GRE. When you get your GRE scores, they are valid for 5 years. ETS has started GRE at home, which is a way to speed up test-taking when people can’t get to test centers.
Anisa is a writer who focuses on career and lifestyle topics in an effort to motivate both job searchers and employers towards greater fulfillment in their professional lives.
Reach me at anisa@jobstore.com.