For me, preparing for standardized tests was the most exhausting and time-consuming part of applying to study in the United States.
Today, admissions standards at many U.S. universities have become more flexible. Some schools now follow a test-optional policy, which allows undergraduate applicants to apply without standardized test scores or submit them later after enrollment.
That said, international students still usually need to prove their English proficiency through one of the common tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or the Duolingo English Test.
Understanding the most important details—from choosing the right exam to building an effective study plan and avoiding common mistakes—can help you make your effort much more productive. Below are a few suggestions I hope will make this part of the journey a little easier.
Identify which test you actually need
Before you begin studying, make sure you know exactly which exam your program requires. Common tests include TOEFL, IELTS, the Duolingo English Test, the SAT, the GRE, and the GMAT.
Each test has its own structure and expectations. The good news is that many U.S. universities no longer require applicants to take one specific exam only. Even in fields that traditionally required the GMAT—such as the MBA, Master of Finance, or Master of Business Analytics—many schools now also accept the GRE.
So when should you choose the GRE instead of the GMAT? The GRE is often the more flexible option if you are not applying only to business-related programs. Its quantitative section is also usually seen as less tricky, which makes it easier for some students to earn a stronger score.
If possible, it helps to apply to schools that ask for the same standardized tests. That way, you can focus your preparation instead of spreading yourself too thin across multiple exam formats.
Start early and plan ahead
Based on my own experience, you should register and start preparing at least six months to a year in advance. If you are studying and working at the same time, and your available study hours are limited, you may need to begin even earlier.
Registering early gives you a much clearer timeline for both test preparation and application deadlines. It also gives you space for a backup plan in case you need to retake the exam to reach your target score.
It also helps to build a consistent study schedule. Standardized tests measure skills that take time to develop, and regular practice is almost always more effective than trying to cram everything into a short period.
Get familiar with the format of the test
One of the hardest parts of standardized testing is learning how to answer questions under strict time pressure. That is why you need a lot of practice in conditions that feel as close to the real test as possible.
When you take practice tests, pay close attention not only to accuracy but also to timing. Knowing how long each section takes you can make a big difference when you sit for the real exam.
You should also assess your ability through regular practice and break your goals down by skill. For example, you can do short practice sets every day, then spend more time on full-length mock tests over the weekend. Practicing this way helps you build all the necessary skills steadily while also getting used to the structure of the real exam.
Focus on improving your weak areas
One mistake I made when preparing for the GMAT was spending too much time on the section I was already good at—quantitative reasoning—while investing much less effort in the areas that truly needed improvement.
As a result, the section I was already strong in did not improve much, because it had started high to begin with, while the weaker sections stayed weak. When I later prepared for the GRE, I changed my strategy and focused much more on verbal reasoning while doing just enough math practice to stay sharp. That small adjustment improved my score significantly.
That is why, after each practice test, you should identify what you are doing well and what still needs work. If reading is your weak point, read more articles and academic texts. If writing is harder for you, study sample essays carefully, practice outlining and developing paragraphs, write consistently, and ask teachers or friends for feedback.
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses also helps you build a smarter test-day strategy and manage your time more effectively.
Practice in conditions that feel like the real exam
You might spend two hours a day working through smaller test sets that include every section in shortened form, then use another thirty minutes to review mistakes and make notes. This kind of daily practice helps you improve steadily across all skills.
On weekends, it is worth setting aside four hours for a full-length mock exam. To prepare more effectively, try taking it during the same time window as your real test—for example, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—so your body and mind get used to working at full intensity during those hours. Avoid using your phone, and create an environment that feels as much like a real test room as possible.
Protect your mindset before and during test day
Before test day, make sure you get enough rest and prepare all required documents in advance. A calm mindset can help you stay focused and perform much better.
Most standardized exams are long and often run through lunchtime. Bringing water, chocolate, or a small snack can help you regain energy and stay alert when you return to the exam room.
Helpful tips for test preparation
Plan for each test separately If possible, prepare for standardized tests one at a time rather than all at once. For example, if you need both IELTS and the GRE, it may be more effective to focus on IELTS first and then move fully into GRE preparation. These exams require intense concentration, and trying to study for two at once often reduces the quality of both.
Prioritize the easier points Do not spend too much time on one difficult question, especially if it could cost you time for the rest of the section. If a question is making you hesitate, move on and return to it later if you still have time.
Stay mentally flexible Many students do not achieve their best score on the first attempt, often because of nerves or unfamiliarity with the testing environment. Preparing yourself emotionally for the possibility of taking the exam twice, if needed, can reduce a great deal of pressure.
You do not need a perfect score Some schools have specific score requirements, but many institutions use standardized test results mainly as one part of the overall screening process. Once I started studying in the U.S., I realized that many classmates had very average test scores. Not because they were not capable, but because they had invested their time in strengthening other parts of their applications as well.
Trying to raise your score by just a few extra points can sometimes delay your application plans by a year or two. In my view, that is not always a worthwhile tradeoff. What matters more is reaching a score that is competitive enough and using the rest of your time to strengthen other parts of your application.