The main college entrance exams are the ACT and the SAT. Colleges and universities, especially highly selective schools, may also require SAT Subject Tests. International students may be required to include a TOEFL score in their application to U.S. based schools. 

Some colleges and universities are 'Test Optional', which typically indicates they value or look highly on other application materials. It is strongly recommended that you still take the SAT, ACT, or both, even if your schools are optional. That way if you score highly, this can be submitted to strengthen your application. 

Remember to study! Preparing for taking college entrance exams is important, there are many great online resources and practice tests to help you study. (Kaplan or Princeton Review) Some traditional options include SAT/ACT books that you can complete. If you need help preparing, please reach out.

When a school states they are SAT or ACT optional, it means that they do not require an applicant to submit any standardized testing. If you do not test well and choose not to submit them, they will look at other aspects of your application (such as grades and letters of rec) more heavily. If you received a high score on the SAT or ACT, it will only benefit you to submit the results. 

International students tend to score lower on the SAT/ACT due to language barriers, not always the case, but test optional benefits them when available.