Overview of Tests
Introduction: Standardized testing requirements vary by country, university, program, and application cycle. Some colleges require test scores, some are test-optional, and others use different admissions or language tests depending on the course, country, or student background.
This page gives a general overview of common admissions and language tests. Students should always check the official admissions page for each university and program before registering for a test or deciding whether to submit scores.
Common Admissions and Language Tests
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
- Overview: The SAT is a college admissions test used by many universities, especially in the United States and some international admissions contexts.
- The current SAT is digital and has two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. The College Board lists the total testing time as 2 hours and 14 minutes.
- Resources: College Board
ACT (American College Testing)
- Overview: The ACT is another admissions test used by many colleges and universities, especially in the United States. ACT describes the test as including English, math, reading, and science, with science and writing optional and not affecting the Composite score. From September 2025, the Composite score is based on English, math, and reading. Students who take science receive a separate science score and a STEM score.
- Resources: ACT
TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- Overview: TOEFL iBT is an English language proficiency test often used by universities for students whose first language or previous educational background does not meet English language requirements.
- ETS describes the TOEFL iBT as having four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
- Resources: TOEFL
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- Overview: IELTS is another widely accepted English language test used for study, migration, and professional purposes.
- The British Council describes IELTS as covering Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, with a total test time of around 2 hours and 45 minutes.
- Resources: IELTS
Program-Specific and Country-Specific Tests
- UK: UCAT for medical school admissions. BMAT has been discontinued. Students applying to programs that previously used BMAT should check each university’s current admissions requirements directly. Some programs may now use UCAT or other institution-specific requirements.
- Other Systems: Some countries use national or regional systems, such as ATAR-related admissions in Australia, provincial or institutional systems in Canada, UCAS in the UK, and country-specific processes in parts of Europe and Asia. Requirements vary, so students should check the official university and program pages.
Resources:
Testing Policy Check
Test policies vary by institution. Common App notes that each college can set its own testing policy, and students should check each college's policy on their list.
Students should check:
- Whether scores are required, optional, flexible, or not considered
- Whether international applicants have different requirements
- Whether English proficiency tests are required
- Whether a program has extra tests
- Whether scholarships or honors programs require scores
- How scores are submitted or self-reported
Test Preparation Resources
Students may prepare using official practice materials, school support, tutoring, books, online courses, or structured self-study.
- College Board (SAT): Offers Bluebook practice tests, official SAT practice resources, student guides, and links to Official SAT Prep on Khan Academy. College Board
- ACT: Provides official practice tests, study tips, and test-taking strategies. ACT
- TOEFL: Offers practice tests, study materials, and tips for each section. TOEFL
- IELTS: Provides practice materials, test format information, and study guides. IELTS
Online Prep Courses
- Khan Academy: Free SAT prep materials and personalized study plans. Khan Academy
- Princeton Review: Offers paid prep courses and test preparation resources for several standardized tests.. Princeton Review
- Magoosh: Provides affordable online courses for various standardized tests. Magoosh
Books and Study Guides
- The Official SAT Study Guide: Practice guidance and test preparation information from College Board. College Board
- The Real ACT Prep Guide: Includes real ACT tests and practice questions. ACT
- Barron’s TOEFL iBT: Detailed review and practice tests for the TOEFL. Barron's
- Cambridge IELTS: Practice tests and tips for IELTS preparation. Cambridge English
Mobile Apps
- SAT Prep & Practice: Free app by Khan Academy. Khan Academy App
- ACT Online Prep: Official ACT prep app. ACT App
- TOEFL Go: Official TOEFL practice app. TOEFL Go App
Resources:
Planning Questions for Students
Before registering for a test, students can ask:
- Which universities or programs require this test?
- Is the test optional, recommended, or required?
- Does my intended major or program require extra testing?
- Do I need an English proficiency test?
- When are the test dates and score deadlines?
- How much time do I realistically need to prepare?
- Are fee waivers, accommodations, or school support available?
- How will this test fit with my application timeline?
Testing can be one part of college planning, but requirements vary widely. Students should use official university pages, application platforms, and school counseling support to decide which tests are relevant for their goals.
Test-Optional Policies
Testing policies vary by college, program, and application cycle. Some colleges require scores, some are test-optional, and others use test-flexible or test-free policies. Students should check each college’s official admissions page before deciding whether to submit scores.
What Are Test-Optional Policies?
- Definition: Test-optional policies allow students to decide whether to submit standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) as part of their college applications.
- Purpose: These policies can give colleges more flexibility to review students through coursework, grades, essays, activities, recommendations, and other application materials.
Benefits of Test-Optional Policies
- Flexibility: Students can choose to focus on other strengths, such as GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal essays.
- Accessibility: Reduces barriers for students from diverse backgrounds and those with limited access to test preparation resources.
- Holistic Review: Encourages colleges to take a more comprehensive view of an applicant's abilities and potential.
Considerations for Test-Optional Applications
- Research: Investigate which colleges offer test-optional policies and their specific requirements.
- Self-Assessment: Consider your strengths and decide if submitting test scores will enhance your application.
- Application Strategy: Focus on strengthening other components of your application, such as personal statements, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular achievements.
Resources:
- FairTest - Information on test-optional colleges and universities.
- College Board - Updates on standardized testing policies.
- ACT - Resources and information on test-optional policies.