What Are These Acronyms? (SAT, ACT, MCAT ... )

has been a long time coming, but at long last, here it is: Your guide to the mess of letters and numbers that describe the standardized tests you might have to take when applying to a university in the U.S.

Not all universities require these exams - some colleges, for example, - and highly specialized programs may require different or additional exams. But these ones are the most common that you will encounter.

- Test of English as a Foreign Language

or

IELTS - International English Language Testing System

ACT

or

SAT II - Subject-specific exams

GMAT - Graduate Management Admission Test (business school)

or

- Graduate Record Examination

or

LSAT - Law School Admission Test (law school)

or

MCAT - Medical College Admission Test (medical school)