The Educational Resource Stations have limited copies of the application materials for the standardized university admissions tests required for admittance to an undergraduate American institution. All admission test application and informational brochures for undergraduate, graduate and professional licensing exams are available on the internet.
Undergraduate Admissions Tests
Most colleges and universities in the United States require standardized testing for undergraduate admissions. Admissions requirements vary, so be sure to confirm which test(s) you need with the institutions that interest you.
American College Testing Assessment (ACT)
ACT: a curriculum-based multiple-choice assessment that tests reading, English, mathematics, and science, with an optional essay section. The ACT is widely accepted at accredited two and four-year colleges and universities in the United States, and hundreds of institutions around the world.
The ACT exam is offered six times a year at numerous testing sites throughout Switzerland. The deadline for contacting the test center is approximately five weeks before the scheduled test date. There is a standby option for international students. Test center contact information and additional ACT exam information is available on the ACT web site.
Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) I & II
SAT: a test that measures critical reading, writing, and mathematical abilities. The SAT Subject Tests measure knowledge in specific subject areas. The SAT is widely accepted at accredited two and four-year colleges and universities in the United States, and hundreds of institutions around the world.
The majority of the four year US universities and colleges require that undergraduate applicants take either the SAT or the ACT admissions tests as part of the application process. Community colleges/two year colleges often do not require either test as part of the admissions process. Tests are offered six times per year at numerous testing sites located around Switzerland.
Postgraduate Admissions Tests
Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
http://www.mba.com/us
Most US graduate business or management-related programs require that applicants take the GMAT as part of the application process.
Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
http://www.gre.org
The GRE is usually an admissions requirement for most graduate programs other than business or law.
Law Schools Admission Test (LSAT)
http://www.lsac.org/jd/lsat/about-the-lsat
US law schools require that applicants take the LSAT as part of the application process.
Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
http://www.aamc.org/
Medical schools in the US require that applicants take the MCAT as part of the application process to the MD program.
English Language Test
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
http://www.toefl.org/
The majority of universities and colleges in the US require that non-native English speakers must take the TOEFL as part of the application process in any undergraduate, postgraduate, or professional degree program. Other English language certificates or diplomas may be accepted instead of the TOEFL, but you will need to confirm this with each institution. Non-native English speakers who have completed a number of years in an English language educational system may be exempt from taking the TOEFL, but you will need confirmation this with each US university.
Professional Licensure Exams
Commission Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)
http://www.cgfns.org
Registered nurses who have been educated in a nursing program outside the US will have to take the CGFNS exam as part of the licensing requirements to work as a registered nurse in the US.
Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (USMLE)
http://www.ecfmg.org
Medical doctors (or medical students) who have been educated in a medical program outside of the US will have to take the USMLE exam as part of the licensing requirements to work, participate in a medical residency or educational fellowship in the US.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
http://www.toefl.org/
The TOEFL is required of all medical doctors/students and registered nurses who have been educated outside the US or who were not educated in an English-speaking country.
Test Preparation
It is recommend that a prospective test taker spend considerable time becoming familiar with the tests. How much time will be required in preparation for the test will depend on each test taker. Test preparation books and computer software are an enormous help in preparing for each individual exam.
