Standardised tests

Entry to many universities in the US requires students to present standardised test results. Universities may require:

• ACT with/without the writing and/or science section
• SAT

You will need to check each institution’s website carefully to make sure you register to complete the required tests. Many universities will only accept scores received directly from the test provider. This means you will need to be aware of the correct institution SAT/ACT codes in order to request this through the online portals when you register for the tests or receive your results.

Many institutions require your standardised test scores to be available by the application deadline. You will need to plan well in advance to make sure there is a suitable test date available in your area and that you have completed sufficient test preparation to allow yourself to perform at your best.

You can take the tests as many times as you like but you should note that there is a fee involved. Some institutions will combine your best scores across different attempts, while others are more critical of retakes. You can select to send all your scores from all dates to a university or just to send the scores from one particular date.

Admissions tests are not mandatory at all institutions. FairTest provides a list of universities for whom standardised tests are optional. Again, it is essential to check the institution’s website to make sure you meet all their admissions criteria.

Test-optional

During recent years, more than 1800 US universities have become test-optional, and no longer require domestic or international students who are applying to study at their institutions to submit their SAT or ACT results to support their undergraduate applications. Students' whose first language is not English however may be required to provide evidence of their English Language proficiency.