USEF Nepal

Standardized Tests

Prometric Testing Center: How To Check Your Test Date

If you have registered to take a test at USEF’s Prometric Testing Center, you will have received a confirmation email which contains details about your registration except for iBT TOEFL for which you will NOT receive an automatic confirmation e-mail. If you would like to double-check your test date, please refer to the roster posted by USEF’s front gate. Please note that this roster is updated weekly. If you have registered for an exam within the last week, or rescheduled, your name may not appear on the roster until next week.

Alternately, you may check your test registration information online. Please use the following guide to check your test date for GRE, iBT TOEFL, GED, and USMLE.

If you have any questions or do not see your name on either the USEF roster or online, please call USEF at 4444-780 and ask to be connected to the Prometric Testing Center.

GRE

Select GRE from the dropdown menu on www.prometric.com. In the GET STARTED box which appears next, click on START. Next, select Nepal on the country list, and then click on the Register online for the computer-based General Test link. In the new window that appears, click on the Exam Confirmation button. Confirm your appointment by entering your confirmation number and the first four letters of your last name.

IBT TOEFL

On www.prometric.com, select TOEFL from the dropdown menu. You will be directed to the TOEFL website. Click on MY TOEFL iBT ACCOUNT and log in. Go to View Order(s) under My Tests to verify your order and confirm your test information. You can either view or print out your confirmation.

GED & USMLE STEP 1 & 2

Onwww.prometric.com, select the test you have registered for from the dropdown menu. In the GET STARTED box which appears next, click on START. Next, select Nepal on the country list and click Next. After this, click on the Exam Confirmation button. Confirm your appointment by entering your confirmation number and the first four letters of your last name.

Standardized Tests

Standardized tests are an important component of applying to U.S. colleges and universities. They measure students’ abilities across a standard platform.

Since the 1980s, USEF has served as an information and bulletin distribution center for a variety of standardized tests in Nepal. USEF distributes test bulletins for most tests administered in the country and answers general queries about test dates, test fees, test centers, and score reports. Through the USEF library, we currently distribute test bulletins for and answer queries related to the following standardized tests:

TOEFL
SAT/ ACT and SAT Subject Tests
GRE/ GMAT
Other exams

Information about these tests is listed below. For detailed information, please visit each test program’s website or pick up a “test bulletin” from USEF’s front desk. Ensure that you prepare properly for these exams and register at least one and a half months in advance of the date you intend to take the exam. Please note that all test fees are valid as of August 2010. Test fees usually increase every year.

TOEFL

TOEFL stands for the Test of English as a Foreign Language. This exam helps to measure English proficiency for non-native speakers. Almost all colleges and universities require the TOEFL test score to evaluate a student’s English skills. Since classes in the U.S. are taught in English, colleges and universities want to assess if a student possesses the language skills to succeed in an American classroom.

TOEFL is available in Nepal as an Internet Based Test (iBT). The iBT TOEFL consists of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The cost for iBT TOEFL is $165. When you register for the TOEFL, you can choose to report your scores to four colleges or universities free of cost.

Please note that PBT (Paper Based Test) TOEFL is no longer available in Nepal. CBT (Computer Based Test) TOEFL has been discontinued worldwide.

Registration

To find test dates, test centers and to register for the TOEFL, you need to log on to www.ets.org/toefl. There are two ways by which you can register for the test. You can mail a dollar-denominated bank draft or register online with an international credit card. The easier way to register is via online registration. If you do not have an international credit card, some local banks offer online registration services to help you make the payment using their credit card.

iBT TOEFL – visit www.ets.org/toefl and create a “Profile”, meaning a user name and password to have a look at the test centers, test dates and to register. Once you create a profile and log in, you will now be able to view the test centers and register for the test. There are many test centers in Kathmandu. USEF-Nepal (also known as The Fulbright Commission) is an iBT TOEFL test center. For iBT TOEFL test takers, you can send your scores for free to four colleges or universities by designating their names from within your profile. This must be done at least one day before your test.

Additional score reports

Additional score reports for PBT and iBT TOEFL cost $17 per report.

SAT/ACT and SAT Subject Tests

In addition to the TOEFL, USEF recommends undergraduate applicants to take either the SAT or ACT, as well as the SAT Subject Tests. These tests may be required by some colleges in the United States, especially the more competitive ones. By scoring well on these tests, you make yourself more competitive for entrance and scholarship at U.S. colleges.

SAT

The SAT is also called the Reasoning Test. Previously, the SAT was known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, or SAT I. The SAT Reasoning Test consists of Critical Reading, Mathematics and Writing. The test is scored out of 2400 points with each section worth 800 points. It is a paper based exam. The cost for SAT is $75. The test is offered five or six times a year and you should register well in advance to appear for the test due to limited seats. There are three test centers in Nepal: Lincoln School, Rato Bangala School and St. Xavier’s School. Please note that on a single test date, you can either take the SAT Reasoning Test or the SAT Subject Tests.

Registration

Log on to www.collegeboard.com and create a username and password in order to register. After creating a username and password, you can register online with an international credit card. If you do not have an international credit card, you can use the services provided by some local banks, which can help you register for the test via their international credit card. Paper registration is also possible (you would send a bank draft and the paper registration form to the SAT Program). Please visit USEF-Nepal to collect a paper registration form and guide.

Sending score reports

You can send your SAT scores to up to four colleges and universities for free. In order to send the scores, upload the names of colleges or universities on your Collegeboard.com profile. If you fail to provide the names within the time limit given, or if you wish to order additional score reports, the charge is $10 per report

ACT

ACT stands for the American College Test. It is a fairly new test for Nepali students as it recently started in Nepal. The test is paper-based and consists of Reading, Science, Mathematics, and an optional Writing section. It is more of a curriculum based test. The total score for the ACT is 36 points. The cost of ACT is $59 without the writing section; including the writing section, it costs $74. If you wish to take the writing exam, you must choose a test in October, December or April. The ACT is offered five to six times a year. The test centers for the ACT are Lincoln School and Rato Bangala School.

Registration

Log on to www.actstudent.org and create a username and password. After creating a username and password, you can register online with an international credit card. If you do not have an international credit card, you can use the services provided by some local banks, which can help you register for the test via their international credit card.

Sending score reports

Students can send their ACT scores to up to four colleges and universities for free. In order to send the scores, upload the names of colleges or universities in your ACT online profile. Additional test score reports cost $9 per report.

SAT Subject Tests

Scores from the SAT Subject Tests (previously known as SAT II) help U.S. colleges evaluate a student’s skills in different subjects. There are fifteen various tests a student can choose from, and all are paper-based. Students from Nepal usually take Subject Tests in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics levels 1 and 2. Students can take up to three subject tests per test date. Please note that on a single test date, you can either take the SAT Reasoning Test or the SAT Subject Tests.

Registration

Sending score reports

GRE/GMAT

In addition to the TOEFL, USEF recommends graduate applicants to take either the GRE or GMAT. These tests may be required by some colleges or universities in the United States, especially the more competitive ones. By scoring well on these tests, you make yourself more competitive for entrance and scholarship at U.S. colleges.

GRE

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is the general test for students applying for master’s and PhD studies in fields other than management or MBA. This computer-based test consists of Analytical Writing, Verbal and Quantitative sections. The total score for analytical writing is six points and the Verbal and Quantitative sections are scored out of 800 points each. The cost for the GRE is $190 and the only test center in Nepal is USEF-Nepal (also known as the Fulbright Commission).

Registration

Log on to www.ets.org/gre to look for available test dates. You can then register online with an international credit card. If you do not have an international credit card, you can use the services provided by some local banks, which can help you register for the test via their international credit card. Paper registration is also possible (you would send a bank draft and the paper registration form to the Regional Contact Center in Malaysia). Please visit USEF-Nepal to collect a GRE bulletin which contains the registration form and instructions.

Sending score reports

Students can send their GRE scores to up to four colleges and universities for free on the day of the test. You will have the opportunity to select the names of colleges after completing the test. Additional charges of $23 per college will be required to report your scores later or to send additional score reports.

GRE Subject Tests

The GRE Subject Tests are paper-based tests in eight subject areas. Students need to give the test only if the college or university requires it. There are approximately three test dates in a year. Therefore, students must decide and prepare for the exam well in advance if they want to take the test. The cost for each subject test is $160. There is only one test center in Nepal which is St. Xavier’s School in Jawalakhel.

GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is for graduate level applicants who are applying for an MBA or management related fields. The GMAT measures a student’s ability in analytical writing, verbal, and quantitative skills. The overall marks are 800 points. The GMAT costs $250.The only test center in Nepal is Kathmandu College of Management (KCM) in Gwarko.

Registration

To register for the GMAT, log on to www.mba.com. Click on “Register for the GMAT” and create an account by signing up to be a member. Please enter your correct name and date of birth as it appears on your passport. Your account will be activated only 48hrs after you have created it. After your account is activated, you will be able to check the dates available and the test center which is KCM. You will be shown an online calendar where the underlined dates are the available dates. To register for the GMAT, you will need an international credit card; you can do the registration online or by phone. If you do not have an international credit card, you can use the services provided by some local banks, which can help you register for the test via their international credit card. If you wish to do paper registration, make a draft payable to “Pearson VUE-GMAT” and fill the form located in the GMAT bulletin (available at USEF). Both the form and the draft need to be mailed to Pearson VUE (USA).

Sending score reports

Students can send their GMAT scores to up to five colleges and universities for free on the day of the test. You will have the opportunity to select the names of colleges after completing the test. Additional charges of $28 will be required to report your scores later.

Other Exams

These are some of the additional exams that students often enquire about.

GED

General Educational Development (GED) Tests measure high-school level skills and knowledge in the following five subjects: Language Arts, Writing; Language Arts, Reading; Social Studies; Mathematics; and Science. It is a test that offers a “second chance” for students who have not completed traditional high school. The GED is a computer-based exam. The sole test center in Nepal is USEF’s Prometric Testing Center.

GED Tests were developed in 1942 to help returning American World War II veterans finish their studies and re-enter civilian life. The GED credential is recognized throughout North America. Ninety-eight percent of U.S. colleges and universities recognize the GED credential.

For additional information about GED, please refer to www.acenet.edu/clll/ged/index.cfm and www.prometric.com/ged. Also, make sure to collect an informational handout from USEF’s front desk, which contains advice about GED.

AP Exams

Advanced Placement, or AP, exams are college-level exams administered by the College Board. Good scores on AP exams can provide you advanced standing as well as college credit when you join U.S. undergraduate colleges and universities. Exams are paper-based and available in more than 30 subjects. Please contact USEF for additional information on AP testing in Nepal, and visit www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html for additional details.

USMLE

For medical doctors wanting to pursue graduate medical education in the United States, certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) is often required because graduate medical education involves completing a ‘residency,’ which is a period of clinical training in a chosen medical specialty. One component of ECFMG certification is passing Steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE, the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination. These are computer-based exams administered at USEF’s Prometric Testing Center facility. For more information, please visit the www.usmle.org.