Standardized testing requirements vary by country, university, program, and application cycle. Some colleges require test scores. Some are test-optional. Others use language tests, subject-specific tests, national admissions systems, interviews, portfolios, or program-specific requirements.
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.
Testing should be treated as one part of college planning, not the whole application. Grades, courses, essays, activities, recommendations, interviews, portfolios, and financial documents may also matter depending on the system.
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 in some international admissions contexts.
- The current SAT is digital and has three 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
Some programs require additional tests beyond general admissions or English language testing.
Examples may include:
- Medical admissions tests
- Law admissions tests
- Mathematics or subject tests
- University-specific admissions exams
- Portfolio reviews
- Auditions
- Interviews
- National admissions exams
- Country-specific entrance systems
For the UK, some medical programs may use UCAT or other course-specific requirements. BMAT has been discontinued, so students applying to programs that previously used BMAT should check each university’s current admissions requirements directly.
Other countries may use national, regional, or institution-specific systems. Examples include 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.
Students should always confirm requirements through official university and program pages.
Resources:
Testing Policy Check
Testing policies vary by institution and can change by application cycle. Students should check every university on their list before making testing decisions.
For each university or program, check:
- Whether scores are required, optional, flexible, or not considered
- Whether international applicants have different requirements
- Whether English proficiency tests are required
- Whether the intended major or program has extra testing
- Whether scholarships or honors programs require scores
- Whether scores can be self-reported
- Whether official score reports are required
- Which test dates will arrive before the application deadlines
- Whether fee waivers or accommodations are available
- Whether the student’s school offers testing support
Students should not assume that one university’s policy applies to all universities.
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 should 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?
- When are scores released?
- Will my scores arrive before application deadlines?
- How much time do I realistically need to prepare?
- Are fee waivers available?
- Are accommodations available if needed?
- Does my school offer testing support?
- How will this test fit with my application timeline?
- Would submitting scores strengthen my application?
Testing can require time, money, travel, and preparation. Students should register only after checking whether the test is relevant to their goals.
Test-Optional Policies
Testing policies vary by college, program, and application cycle. Some colleges require scores, some are test-optional, some are test-flexible, and others are test-free.
Students should check each college’s official admissions page before deciding whether to submit scores.
What Are Test-Optional Policies?
Test-optional policies allow students to decide whether to submit standardized test scores, such as SAT or ACT scores, as part of their application.
A test-optional policy does not always mean scores are irrelevant. At some colleges, strong scores may still support an application, scholarship review, placement process, or honors program consideration. At other colleges, scores may not be needed.
Students should check the exact policy for each institution.
Why Some Colleges Use Test-Optional Policies
Test-optional policies may allow colleges to review students using a broader range of application materials, such as:
- Grades
- Course rigor
- Essays
- Activities
- Recommendations
- Interviews
- Portfolios
- Context
- Personal background
- School opportunities
These policies can also reduce barriers for students who have limited access to testing sites, preparation resources, or repeated testing opportunities.
Deciding Whether to Submit Scores
Students can ask:
- Are my scores strong compared with the college’s published score ranges?
- Do my scores support my academic profile?
- Are scores required for my major, scholarship, or honors program?
- Are scores required for international applicants?
- Does the college use scores for placement?
- Would my application be stronger with or without scores?
Students should discuss test submission decisions with a school counselor, college counselor, teacher, or advisor when possible.
Strengthening a Test-Optional Application
Students applying test-optional should focus carefully on the other parts of the application.
This may include:
- Strong academic performance
- Challenging courses were available
- Clear essays or personal statements
- Meaningful activities
- Specific recommendation letters
- Strong portfolios or writing samples, if relevant
- Clear explanation of interests and goals
- Careful application review before submission
A test-optional application still needs to be complete, thoughtful, and well-prepared.
Resources:
- FairTest - Information on test-optional colleges and universities.
- College Board - Updates on standardized testing policies.
- ACT - Resources and information on test-optional policies.
Conclusion
Standardized testing can be part of college and university admissions, but requirements vary widely by country, institution, program, and application cycle. Some students may need SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, or program-specific tests. Others may not need standardized tests at all.
Students should begin by checking official university admissions pages, then build a testing plan based on actual requirements, deadlines, cost, preparation time, and application strategy. Testing decisions should support the student’s overall college plan, not distract from grades, applications, essays, activities, recommendations, and thoughtful college research.