Getting ready to apply for universities abroad? 

As much your A Level results matter, many foreign universities emphasise on the specialised admission test scores. Common entrance exams include SAT, IELTS, TOEFL. Some universities require prospective students to sit for exams that are specialised to particular subjects and countries, and are not well known in Bangladesh. Here are some of the lesser known entrance exams. 

UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test)
To apply for Medicine in the UK, you will be required to sit for UKCAT. It is a 2-hour, computer-based exam, consisting of 5 sections – all MCQs. There isn't anything new to study as the exam tests your aptitude skills. Now when I say aptitude skills, I am referring to your ability to solve situation-based problems and abstract reasoning, as well as simple Math and English comprehension. You need lots of practice and a good command of English. Registration has begun on the official website for the 2016 intake from July 1 and the deadline is October 6, 2015. 

BMAT (Biomedical Admission Test)
Application requirements for Medicine in prestigious London universities include BMAT. It is a 2-hour written exam, consisting of three sections: one MCQ set on aptitude skills, one on science, and a discursive essay. There is no set syllabus on science but O Level knowledge should get you through. Registration starts from September 1 and closes on October 1 on the official website but with late fines, it can be extended. Browse the official website or contact British Council for further information. 

ISAT (International Student Admission Test)
Moving across the globe, if you want to study medicine in Australia or New Zealand, you need to submit your ISAT scores. It is a 3-hour test consisting only of MCQs. Again, nothing new to learn; it is a test of your aptitude skills. Registration has opened from mid-March on the official website.  

LNAT (National Admission Test for Law)
Interested to study law in the UK? Then you need to sit for LNAT. It is a two-part test, consisting of computer-based MCQs and a handwritten essay. The essay does not contribute to your LNAT score but is used to showcase your critical thinking skills. Registration starts from August 1 on the official website.

ELAT (English Literature Admission Test)
For the ones interested in studying literature at University of Oxford, you will be required to sit for ELAT. It is a 90-minute paper-based test and, as obvious as it gets, you will be asked to write an essay – a different kind though, as you need to discuss 2-3 passages of texts. The deadline for registration is October 15. Visit the official website or contact British Council for more information.

TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment)
TSA is required by Oxbridge and UCL. It will be arranged by the universities that require it; there are no centres in Bangladesh. It is a 2-hour MCQ exam and is used during admission for subjects like geography, economics and philosophy. To see the full list, check the website. The deadline is October 15.

Frankly, it will be difficult to get practice materials and books on these exams in Bangladesh, but not impossible. At times like these, the internet is your best friend. Also, check www.thestudentroom.co.uk  for practice material and soft information. Prepare and study hard. To find out about other exams extensively, visit http://www.admissionstestingservice.org/
Good luck!