Is testing required for all university applications? No, it depends on where you are applying and which high school curriculum you are taking (AP, IB, and/or high school diploma). Please check with the universities you are considering prior to registering for any test. There are also several universities, especially in the USA which are test-optional.
I will earn the IB Diploma and apply to the UK. Is an SAT or ACT required? Not usually, but check the university website to be certain.
I will take AP classes and apply to the UK. Is the ACT or SAT required? It is very likely that a UK university will want to see AP exam scores, as well as SAT or ACT scores. The range of AP exam scores and the requirement for SAT or ACT scores depends on the university or Course.
I will take AP and apply to universities in Europe. Is the ACT or SAT required? It is possible that a student taking a USA curriculum will need the SAT or ACT tests. However, this is a requirement that changes from university to university, and the student needs to look at the requirements for all applications and make note of the information and requirements.
What are the differences between the SAT and ACT? Both tests are similar. A significant difference is that the ACT includes a Science section, and tests a higher level of Math. Specific scientific knowledge is not required, but a student’s ability to analyze charts and graphs and to extrapolate information is tested in the ACT Science section. The ACT is also more time-pressured than the SAT. The SAT does not include a Science section, and does not test as high of a level of Math.
Please see the information on this page about the changes that are being made to the ACT in the spring of 2025 for tests taken in the USA. These changes will take effect internationally in the fall of 2025.
Is it necessary to take a test prep class? No. Students may elect to study and use the review tips included above in the “Practice Tests” section.
What is the best way to prepare for the SAT or ACT? Studies show that taking practice tests is the best way to prepare for the official test. Taking a class to learn about the structure of the test and how to approach questions can be helpful if the student takes the classes (and accompanying homework) seriously.
Should a student take both the SAT and ACT? No, students can take a practice SAT and ACT, using the practice websites above, and then use the ACT and SAT concordance tables to find which test is better suited for them. Students who adequately prepare for both tests typically score within a similar range.
How many times should a student take a test? It is not advised to take the test more than twice. Some highly selective universities want to see all test scores and they frown upon students who repeatedly take the same test versus those who only take it once (or twice).
What is Score Choice (SAT)? Most universities let students decide which SAT exam sittings they want to submit to prospective colleges. However, not all colleges participate in Score Choice and some will ask you to send all standardized testing scores.
What is super scoring? Many colleges will examine your highest Reading and Math scores across different SAT exam dates or your highest English, Math, Reading, and Science scores across different ACT exam dates. These scores can be calculated into a new composite score. Super scoring is more common with SAT than with the ACT.
How do the scores get to the universities? In the fall/early winter of senior year, once students know their college list, students request that the testing agency send the scores directly to the colleges/universities on their list.