United States

Admissions Tests

What Test to Take?

Both the SAT and ACT are accepted by all universities in the United States. Universities that require testing will ask for scores from either test, not both. Both tests are accepted outside the United States as well. Over 200 international universities accept the ACT, and more than 600 international institutions accept the SAT.

SAT: SAT International Registration | College Board

• Please note that the SAT is changing as of March 2023 and will now be administered digitally. Please refer to the webinar about the digital SAT to learn more. 

ACT: Registration for the ACT International Test | ACT 

When to take it?

The tests focus on reading comprehension and math skills that students continue to develop throughout school. Therefore, we recommend students test during the second half of Year 12, sitting for the December or March exams at the earliest. This gives students enough time to resit the test if necessary. We recommend taking the test 2-3 times maximum. 

How to prepare?

We encourage all students to prepare for their chosen test. Data suggests that students can maximize their scores with 20-40 hours of preparation over 2-3 months. This can be done online, using books, or through in-person courses. 

SAT Practice and Preparation | College Board 

Official SAT® Practice | Khan Academy 

Tanglin Trust SAT Prep Program with Testtakers Singapore

The Tanglin Trust School in arrangement with Testtakers, a local company specializing in SAT preparation, will again be offering an on-campus SAT prep course. This program will be held primarily at Tanglin Trust on weekday afternoons in September leading to the October 1st, 2022 test date. This program will cover all aspects of the SAT as well as provide general information on the American university application process. 

The course includes 15.5 hours of classroom time, three computer-scored diagnostic tests, the Study Buddy flashcard box, and the College Board’s Official SAT Study Guide. The comprehensive fee is S$1050, which covers all course materials and GST. Note this does not include registration for the test itself, which should be done online at www.collegeboard.com. Students enrolling in this program have the option to attend a total of 18 hours of Spotlight sessions at no extra charge. These classes will be held in rented classrooms at the Findings Education Center at Balmoral Plaza instead of Tanglin on weekday evenings from 6pm to 9pm. 

Please find the schedule, further details, and registration here: https://www.testtakers-sg.com/tanglin-satprep 

Test Optional

Many universities in the US are currently test optional due to the on-going pandemic. Some schools have already announced extensions of their test optional policies for the Class of 2023, and others may be forthcoming. Be sure to check all the testing requirements for your application cycle for each individual university on your list. If a school says they are "test blind" or "test free" this means they will not consider any standardised testing as part of a student's application decision.

CollegeBoard Understanding Test Optional Policies

FairTest The National Center for Fair & Open Testing - Find test optional schools

English Proficiency Tests

Universities in the US require English language testing for students whose native language is not English or who have been educated abroad. However, many universities will waive this requirement for students who have studied in an English medium school for 3-4 years. Therefore, most Tanglin students will not have to take an English language test for US university applications. However, it is important to check the requirements for each university individually and complete any required forms. Most US universities will accept either the TOEFL or IELTS, and some may additionally accept the Duolingo English Test.

TOEFL (iBT) 

IELTS (Academic) 

Duolingo English Test