The USA is home to many standardized testing options for potential applicants. Several universities outside of the USA use the ACT and SAT within their application process. A number of universities are test-optional - please review the country's section within the University Options by Country section for further details.
Each test company has it's own process for applying for accommodations such as extended time or altered test format. Please work with our LRC (Learning Resource Center) if you want to explore this option.
The PSAT/NMSQT is a multiple-choice test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities important in doing university-level work. It is designed for college-bound students presently in Grade 10 or 11 and is given once a year in October. When taken in Grade 11, the test qualifies you for National Merit Scholarship if you are a US citizen or resident.
TASIS registers all 10th and 11th graders for the PSAT as a way to practice taking a standardized test generally and to determine if the SAT could be a test suitable for highlighting their academic strengths.
The SAT is a multiple choice test designed to test verbal, written, and mathematical reasoning skills. The SAT is broken down into two sections, each scored out of 800: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Mathematics (Math). The two SAT section results are also added together with 1600 being the highest score.
The entire test takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
The ACT test covers four academic skill areas: English, Math and Reading. It also offers two optional tests: Science and/or Writing. The English, Math, Reading and Science tests give you a score from 1-36. The Writing test score is between 2-12. Your section scores from each sitting are averaged together for a composite score between 1-36. Further information about how to understand your scores is within ACT's test score section.
The testing time varies based on the optional sections taken:
ACT (English, Math and Reading): 2 hours 5 minutes
ACT + Science: 2 hours 45 minutes
ACT + Writing: 2 hours 45 minutes
ACT + Science + Writing: 3 hours 25 minutes
The best way to decide which test is right for you is to take a timed full-length practice test in each. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit. Consider your results on the PSAT and practice ACT's. Compare the percentile results which you achieved to see if you scored significantly better on one of these two tests.
Each testing company has SAT to ACT conversion tables: ACT's resources and Collegeboard's resources.
International SAT dates for the 2025-26 academic year are listed below. College Board's SAT Dates and Deadlines page has further details and will include anticipated test dates for the following school year. All SATs with the exception of the June 2026 are available at TASIS. It is possible to take the June SAT at other test centers. Please be sure to follow the registration instructions below the ACT Test Dates section.
International ACT dates for the 2025-26 academic year are listed below. ACT's Test Registration Page has further details and will include anticipated test dates for the following school year. You can take most of the tests at TASIS. If the ACT is not offered at TASIS, then it is possible to take at other test centers. Please be sure to follow the registration instructions below.
TASIS cannot register students for the ACT nor SAT. The student should create and maintain an account with the specific company. It is very important that the student registers with their legal name as it appears on a passport. Students must go to the following sites to register and pay for the test(s).
To have the official scores sent to TASIS England, please use our school code when answering the registration question of where you attend high school: 724736. This code is used to identify students as attending TASIS, so test scores will be sent to our office.
TASIS England is a closed testing center. Therefore, TASIS England will only be listed as an available testing site when using our Test Center code, which is 57270. If you have further questions about test registration, contact the TASIS Test Supervisor and School Exam Officer Mr. Holdham or speak with him in the Science Building.
Once creating an ACT account, select international school-based testing and use 866120 to identify yourself as a TASIS England student. TASIS England is an open test center, so no additional codes are needed. We recommend registering early as fewer spaces are available. If you have further questions about test registration, contact the TASIS Test Supervisor and School Exam Officer Mr. Holdham or speak with him in the Science Building.
Testing providers’ websites contain full-length practice tests and test prep books. Students can also use the PSAT to aid in reviewing for the SAT. TASIS England also organizes a test preparation class during the academic school-year for the SAT and ACT; see the Test Prep Course for further details. There is sometimes a test prep course offered during the TASIS England Summer Program as well.
The best review websites include:
CompassPrep (for both ACT and SAT)
Number2 (for both ACT and SAT)