Author: Sakshi Shukla

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Scholastic Assessment Test is the full form of SAT, which is a standardised  examination  for undergraduate programs, especially in the USA. Over the years, it has developed as a composite tool for academic readiness and as a gateway for various opportunities, such as scholarships emphasising a student’s academic achievement and increased chances of attending a dream school.

Understanding the SAT exam

The SAT is a standardised test conducted by the College Board and uses multiple-choice questions. This test is basically for students who intend to study undergraduate courses in countries like the United States, Canada, the UK, and so on. The areas this exam includes are as follows:

1. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: A few passages have been given to understand the student’s critical reading and comprehension of grammar.

2. Mathematics: Another major part of the test entails mathematics, which includes algebra, problem-solving abilities, data analysis, and advanced mathematics.

What Is Its Importance?

There are many significant benefits  of SAT exams that set a student apart from others and put them in the spotlight for potential admission. Here are some of the reasons:

1. Standardized Measure of Academic Readiness

The SAT provides colleges with a way to objectively compare students from different schools and regions. It sets an equal playing field by allowing an objective measure of the various candidates on the basis of their academic potential.

2. Gateway to Prestigious Universities

The SAT is a mandatory requirement for students who choose to study in the USA. A good SAT score will increase the chances to secure admission into selective, highly regarded universities significantly.

3. Scholarships and Financial Aid

A student with a high SAT score can attain study abroad scholarships. Numerous costs, such as tuition, living expenses, transportation costs, and more, can be covered with the help of such scholarships. According to a poll, 10% of students who take the SAT test are eligible for around $20,000 annually. Among the well-known scholarships are the Pacific Gas and Electric Company Asian ERG Scholarship (SAT Score 1500, Benefit $2,000) and the Deana’s Wish Memorial Scholarship (SAT Score 1100, Benefit $2,000).

4. Compensation for Low GPAs

Another benefit of the SAT exam is the reduced GPA gap. Students with lower GPAs can use strong SAT scores to demonstrate their academic capabilities.This assists some universities to even allow applicants to offset GPA deficiencies with impressive SAT results. For example, for admission to Harvard University, students with a low GPA (below 4.8 in high school) are considered. That is if they have high SAT scores.

5. Career Opportunities

A good SAT score not only facilitates admission to top universities but also sets the foundation for better career prospects. It demonstrates critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are highly valued in professional settings

FAQs

 Why is the SAT important for college admissions?

The SAT is a standardised test that provides colleges with a reliable measure of a student’s academic abilities. It helps universities compare applicants from diverse educational backgrounds on an equal footing. A strong SAT score can boost your chances of admission to prestigious institutions, qualify you for scholarships, and even compensate for a lower GPA, making it a vital component of the college application process.

 Can a high SAT score help secure scholarships?

Yes, a high SAT score can unlock numerous scholarship opportunities. Many universities and organisations use SAT scores as a criteria for awarding merit-based scholarships. For example, scholarships like the Pacific Gas and Electric Company Asian ERG Scholarship and Deana’s Wish Memorial Scholarship offer financial aid to students with strong SAT scores, helping cover tuition and other expenses.

 How does the SAT benefit students with low GPAs?

The SAT can act as a compensatory tool for students with lower GPAs. A high SAT score demonstrates academic potential and readiness for college-level work, which some universities consider when evaluating applications. For instance, institutions like Harvard University may admit students with lower GPAs if they have exceptional SAT scores, bridging the gap in their academic profile14.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Whether it was Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, or other renowned political figures, they demonstrate the impact a law degree can have on society. A law degree is considered the study of the law (legal rules) of a country and can serve as the gateway for a number of career paths. A law degree holder has the option of becoming a journalist, a lawyer, a politician, or can even explore some creative industries. Due to the history of the UK’s legal system and its influence on jurisdictions worldwide, the UK serves as the home to some of the most prestigious law schools in the world. In this blog, we provide you with the list of universities that you can apply to in the UK, which can help you gain recognition and the required skills.

Reasons To Study Law In The UK

Here are some reasons why it is a good idea to study law in the UK:

• UK law is considered to be the foundation for several legal systems globally, which includes countries like the U.S., India, and Malaysia.
• A law degree in the UK opens doors to some of the most prestigious and largest law firms in the world, as it is the home to law firms such as Clifford Chance and Linklaters.
• The world-renowned law schools in the UK mainly focus on the practical learning of the subject, as it emphasises hands-on learning, mock trials, courtroom practices, pro bono work, and internships.

Top Law Schools In The UK

There are a number of law schools in the UK, but here is the list of the top schools in the UK:

University Of Oxford

The University of Oxford is one of the most prestigious top universities in the world, and the faculty of law in Oxford is considered one of the best in the world.  Here, students can benefit from a strong academic environment and learn from top-tier faculty. The department of law at Oxford has several law courses, which include a BA in Jurisprudence and postgraduate degrees like the BCL and MJur—with an emphasis on research, critical thinking, and the real-world applications of the law.

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is one of the public collegiate research universities situated in Cambridge, England, which was established in 1209. The Department of Law under the University of Cambridge is a combination of tradition and innovation. On one hand, the undergraduate law course is highly detailed, providing students with the opportunity to learn from constitutional law to international law; on the other hand, postgraduate students have the chance to master specialized areas, where they can participate in moot competitions and pro-bono work.

London School Of Economics

The undergraduate in law at the London School of Economics is ranked in the top five in law schools worldwide. The faculty of law at LSE has a primary interdisciplinary focus on the amalgamation of law, economics and social sciences. International students have the opportunity to learn international law, criminal law, tort law, human rights and corporate law from top-ranked lawyers and professors.

Solent University

Solent University is a private university that is located in Southampton. The LLB (Hons) Law program has a focus on professional practice with the help of the foundational legal subjects. A law program at Solent University helps students to have careers as solicitors and also prepares them for a traditional courtroom with the help of their dedicated practice courtrooms and moot competitions. The University has a collaboration with the College of Legal Practice, which helps the students prepare for the Solicitors Qualification Examination (SQE1).

University Of Manchester

The University of Manchester provides flexible legal degrees, such as criminology, international law, and commercial law, that are suited to students’ interests. Through its Legal Advice Centre and other legal clinics, the institution encourages experiential learning.

Conclusion

The UK remains the top priority for students who want to pursue a career in the legal industry. Its law schools provide a combination of innovation and tradition that helps students build the foundation for their legal career.ts for both exams so you can determine which one suits you better.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

If you wish to study abroad, apply for a visa, or work in an English-speaking nation, you may need to present proof that you can communicate in English. Two English proficiency tests are hugely in demand and respected worldwide: IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). They are generally accepted, but which is better? The answer is quite dependent on individual personalities, preferences, and requirements specific to the institution or country in consideration.

IELTS vs. TOEFL: An Overview

Let’s understand the tests quickly before going to compare:

IELTS: Developed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English, Work accepted in the UK, Australia, Canada, and many other countries thus has two versions: IELTS Academic, for students applying to universities and IELTS General Training, for work, migration, or non-academic purposes.

TOEFL: Conducted by Educational Testing Service (ETS) in the US with preference for admission by many American and Canadian institutions. Primarily an Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT), but there is also a paper-based test offered in some locations.

Now, let us compare them with respect to various aspects:

1. Test Format

IELTS Format:

• Listening: 30 minutes (40 questions)
• Reading: 60 minutes (40 questions)
• Writing: 60 minutes (2 tasks)
• Speaking: 11-14 minutes (face-to-face with an examiner)

TOEFL Format:

• Reading: 35-56 minutes (30-40 questions)
• Listening: 36-51 minutes (28-39 questions)
• Speaking: 17 minutes (4 tasks, responses are recorded)
• Writing: 50 minutes (2 tasks)

Key Difference:

IELTS employs human examiners for the speaking test, whereas TOEFL responses are recorded for computerised evaluation. Thus, the IELTS tests a wider range of accents, and the TOEFL emphasises North American accents.

2. Speaking Test: Face-to-Face vs. Recorded Responses

Another obvious difference can be found in the speaking section.

IELTS: You have an interactive speech with an examiner. This may feel quite natural and comfortable—preferably for you—human interaction.

TOEFL: You’ll speak into a microphone, and your responses will be recorded and graded by artificial intelligence or human graders. Some test-takers find this quite tough because it seems to be so unnatural and stressful.

What is better? If you feel very confident to converse in English with a good deal of casualness, then you might opt for IELTS. Or, maybe your preference is to have structured answers that can be typed into a computer; hence, TOEFL works for you.

3. Writing Section: Handwritten vs. Typing

In IELTS, you write your essays by hand.

In TOEFL, you simply type your answers on a computer.

TOEFL may be in your favour if you are a fast typist; otherwise, if you prefer writing with a pen, then IELTS will suit you best.

 4. Scoring System

IELTS: Scores from 0 to 9 per section are given, and an overall band score averaging each section is computed.

TOEFL: Scores from 0 to 120 are awarded.

Is there a test that is said to be easier to score high? No simple answer. Some test-takers think IELTS grading is easier on writing and speaking, whereas others find TOEFL easier because of its structured format.

5. Acceptance and Recognition

IELTS: More widely used in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and others; recognized in several universities in the U.S.

TOEFL: Accepted in the U.S. and Canada but is also worldwide.

Check with your institution or visa requirements before making a decision.

 6. Availability and Cost

IELTS: It is held in more than 140 countries. Fees change from region to region, but usually, tests can be expected to range fees from $215–$250.

TOEFL: Available in 165 countries, with fees between $180 and $250.

Both tests are widely available, but the channels may differ depending upon your exact physical location.

Which Test is Good For You?

IELTS is the right choice for you if:

You are better at handwriting than typing

A personal interaction will make you feel more comfortable speaking than speaking into a microphone

You would like a bit of variety in accents—British, Australian, and so on

You wish to attend universities in the UK, Australia, or Canada

TOEFL might be the better choice if:

You prefer typing over handwriting

You are fine talking to a computer instead of a real person

You would be more comfortable with North American English

You wish to attend U.S. or Canadian universities

Conclusion: Which is Better?

In reality, there is no test that is better than the other. The one that suits you best depends on your proficiency, preferred mode of examination, and intended institution or country. Therefore, if you relish an interactive speaking test for the IELTS and writing on paper for the essay part, then IELTS is certainly for you. However, if you feel confident in taking computer-based exams where responses have to be structured in certain formats and typed out, then the TOEFL is for you.

Before making a choice, find out what your chosen university, employer, or immigration authority requires. It may also be a good idea to take practice tests for both exams so you can determine which one suits you better.