Exams Required for Admission

English

Generally, by attending an accredited all-English instructed school and completing the IB program, students should not need to complete an English proficiency exam. However, some schools may require extra documentation or letters of support from the school for an exemption to their English language requirement. See more information about English level support letters and documentation here.

• UK: UCAS requirements

• USA: each university will have their own language requirements

• Duolingo is a much more affordable option which many universities now accept. Check to see if your university will accept this exam. Make sure it will also be accepted by immigration authorities (if necessary) before choosing this option.

• TOEFL

• IELTS

• Cambridge Advanced

• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)

Dutch

• If your program requires a language proficiency exam or you are unsure, see the guide to the Netherlands.

German

• If your program requires a language proficiency exam or you are unsure, see the guide to Germany.

• If you are applying to a program in Austria or Switzerland, check to see each of their language requirements and what exams they will accept. They may accept the same as other countries.

Swedish

• If your program requires a language proficiency exam or you are unsure, see the guide to Sweden.

Spanish

• If your program requires a language proficiency exam or you are unsure, see the guide to Spain.

• If you are applying to a program in Central or South America, check to see each of their language requirements and what exams they will accept. They may accept the same as other countries.

Maltese

• If your program requires a language proficiency exam or you are unsure, see the guide to the Malta.

Verdala International School does not host any UK entrance exams on our campus. However, exams can usually be taken at a local testing center or a country nearby.

Please check the UK Guide for details on UK entrance exams.

• See the page on Medicine

What is the SAT?

The SAT, or Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. It is designed to assess a student's readiness for college and is intended to provide colleges with a common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.

The SAT is typically taken by high school students, usually in their junior or senior years. It is one of several factors that colleges consider during the admissions process, alongside high school GPA, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and other factors. Keep in mind that as of my last knowledge update in January 2022, some colleges and universities have adopted test-optional policies, allowing students to decide whether to submit SAT scores as part of their application. It's always a good idea to check the specific requirements of the colleges to which you are applying for the most up-to-date information.

What is the structure of the SAT?

The SAT is divided into 2 main sections plus an optional one:

• • • Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: Reading Test, Writing & Language Test

    • Math Test

    • SAT Essay (optional)

How to prepare for the SAT?

The SAT doesn’t aim to be an obstacle in your university or college application. The test itself evaluates skills and knowledge that are part of the educational curriculum.

• • SAT Practice on Khan Academy: free materials, including video lessons, full practice tests, and personalised feedback

  • SAT Practice Tests: free full practice tests by College Board that you can download and work on at your own pace

  • SAT Sample Questions: free sample questions by College Board which you can use to determine your current level and where you need to improve or study more

  • SAT Sample Study Plan: free sample study plan by College Board to show how you can start preparing for the SAT in an organised and disciplined way

Registration Information:

• Registration closes about 2 weeks ahead. See the calendar to register here.

• To register for the SAT exam, as well as find exam dates and other locations, please visit the registration site here.

• If you are a VIS student, you should use the CEEB code: 755500

• The cost of the exam is US$ 60.00, with an additional US$ 43.00 for international test-takers.

• See the exam score release dates.

Digital SAT Administration Details:

• We offer the SAT in digital form at our high school campus location, which can be taken on your laptop using the Bluebook app.

• Information about the exam, including the start time, rules, and other details, will be sent via email after registration.

• Check-in begins at 7:45 AM, with the test starting promptly at 8:00 AM and concluding around 10:30 AM.

• On exam days, expect a few other students as our center accommodates local students and those from other nearby regions.

• See the list of permitted and prohibited items here.

Additional Digital SAT Launch Resources:

For a comprehensive understanding, explore the following resources:

• • The Digital SAT Suite of Assessments Specifications Overview

  • Digital SAT Sample Questions and Answer Explanations

  • Benefits of Taking a Full-Length Digital SAT Practice Test

  • Digital SAT App: Live Demo and Official Practice (passcode: gmv3+o$.VG)

Feel free to reach out the the University & Career Advisor if you have any more questions. We hope this information helps you prepare for test day!