Guide to College Admissions: Navigating Scholastic Aptitude Tests

An undergraduate admissions test is a required part of the application process at US universities and colleges. The purpose of these tests is to help admissions counselors evaluate your academic performance, your knowledge of specific subject material, and your proficiency with the English language. Many universities and colleges will list which standardized admissions test scores are required in order to complete an application. 

Using your undergraduate admissions test scores, US college and university admissions officers can determine if you meet their academic program requirements. Typically, this is judged by meeting a minimum test score. 

Because these college admissions exams are required to apply, it is important for international students to know what each test includes and the structures they follow, so you can prepare in advance and know which tests must be taken in order to apply to the colleges that interest you.

Read on to learn more about the different types of college admission tests in the USA you may need to take, including English proficiency tests like TOEFL and IELTS, undergraduate standardized tests, and how you can start preparing. 

English Language Proficiency Tests 

This type of test is designed to evaluate an international student’s reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in English. Most universities and colleges will require you to earn a certain score on the test you choose to take, though the exact score will differ between institutions and the type of test. Typically, scores fall within a predetermined range or minimum score, so you should know in advance what your US university or college will accept. 

An English proficiency undergraduate admission test determines if you have the necessary speaking and listening skills to collaborate in class and succeed in your coursework, as most classes at US universities and colleges are conducted in English. As a result, achieving a passing score in these tests is a mandatory requirement for admission. 

While there are multiple types of English language proficiency tests that US universities and colleges will accept, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are the most widely accepted. These tests are available at certified English language centers (digital and paper format) in your home country, or online at your home (depending on availability). Other possible tests include iTEP and Duolingo, which can also be taken online. 

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

The IELTS exam is designed to evaluate your English language skills with sections that test your listening, reading, writing, and speaking. This undergraduate admission test is graded from 0-9 (with 9 indicating an expert level) and takes two hours and 45 minutes to complete.

With IELTS, you are tested in the following areas:

• Listening—A total of 40 questions (10 for each recording) based on four different recordings. You have 30 minutes for this section.

• Reading—A total of 40 related questions with three passages you need to read. You have 60 minutes for this section.

• Writing—Two tasks to complete: the first has a graph, table, chart, or diagram which you must describe in detail; the second is an essay based on a perspective, argument, or problem. You have 60 minutes for this section.

• Speaking—An oral interview with an examiner to measure your English pronunciation, fluency, grammar, and vocabulary. You have 11-14 minutes for this section.

While the exam is available online, your interview can take place in person at a local testing center. The standard admission test’s content, developed by language specialists in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, represents everyday situations. The IELTS is created and managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL tests the same areas as IELTS (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) with some notable differences in the grading, structure, and timing of each section. TOEFL has a computer-based test (which can be taken at a test center or at home) and a paper-based test. The paper-based test is taken at a test center with the speaking section conducted remotely at home. You can choose a preferred testing option that fits your needs. For the computer-based test, you will have a total of two hours to complete the exam, while the paper-based test will take three hours. Both versions of the test have four sections and each section has 30 points for a maximum score of 120 points total.

The TOEFL exam covers:

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers the TOEFL exam, and evaluators use a centralized scoring network to provide an unbiased assessment of your English skills in a realistic US classroom environment. Though the exam is available in different formats, the internet-based version (also known as the iBT) is the more popular version. So, depending on where you are located, you can take this undergraduate admission test from home! 

Undergraduate Standardized Tests

Undergraduate standardized tests are college admission exams that evaluate overall academic performance across many different types of students. In order to conduct as fair an assessment as possible the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), formerly known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, and American College Testing (ACT) maintain a consistent structure and content from year to year.

While it was a requirement that students needed to submit their passing or minimum standardized test score in their university application, many universities have chosen to become test-optional in recent years.

The primary purpose of these tests is to give US universities and colleges a better understanding of your academic performance and determine if you meet the requirements of the program where you hope to enroll. For undergraduate international students, getting a good score on international standardized tests including the formerly known Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Testing (ACT) may be required in the university application process.

These tests cover similar academic areas and take approximately two to three hours to complete. There is also an optional essay segment with scoring that is not counted towards your overall score. (However, some US universities may require you to complete the essay section. Your application materials will specify if this is needed.) While the SAT and ACT seem similar, there are some notable differences which are covered below.

SAT Testing

Starting in Spring 2024, the College Board will be moving all SAT exams to digital. You are tested in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. For your scoring, you will receive a score between 400 and 1600 according to how you performed in each section. 

Please note that starting Spring 2024, the College Board will be offering the SAT exam in digital format only. The paper-based SAT was discontinued in Fall 2023.

The digital SAT questions are adaptive, meaning the questions you get change based on how well you answer them. The three (reading, writing and language, and mathematics) sections found in the former paper-based SAT have been condensed into two main sections which are now broken down into two modules for each section.

The two sections in the digital SAT are:

1. Reading and Writing—You need to answer 54 questions in two 32-minute modules. These questions test your comprehension, ability to analyze and reason, use the most suitable words, make connections between ideas, revise texts, and test core conventions of standard English.

1. Mathematics—You need to answer 44 questions in two 35-minute modules that cover algebra, advanced mathematics questions related to equivalent expressions, non-linear equations, non-linear functions, data analysis questions, and geometry and trigonometry. You are provided with a digital calculator for both modules of the mathematics test and have access to formulas.

It is important to note that while the digital SAT has fewer questions and a shorter time duration compared to the older paper-based SAT, it is still scored out of 1050.

ACT Testing

The ACT test is scored between 1 to 36 and evaluates your skills with contextual reasoning, math, reading, and English grammar. While the areas tested are similar to the SAT, the ACT exam consists of four sections: English, math, reading, and science, plus an optional writing section.

1. English—There are 75 questions you need to answer in 45 minutes. These questions are based on five essays or passages with multiple choice questions that test your skill with understanding writing organization, cohesion, style, tone, and grammatical rules including sentence structure and punctuation. The essays and passages in this section cover a variety of different genres and provide several rhetorical situations.

2. Mathematics—You need to answer 60 questions within 60 minutes. Questions test your skills in numerics, including algebra, functions, geometry, and statistics and probability. Additionally, another section tests your understanding of fundamental math concepts and measures how well you use modeling skills across mathematical topics. Similar to the digital SAT, all math questions in the ACT allow the use of a calculator.

3. Reading—This 35-minute segment requires you to answer 40 questions based on multiple reading passages of varying lengths. Questions mainly test your ability to create logical conclusions from given information, reading and comprehension skills, and separating opinion from fact. One of the passages may include visual and quantitative elements to test your ability to interpret and integrate information.

4. Science—You are required to answer 40 questions related to natural sciences (such as biology, chemistry, Earth and space sciences, and physics) in 35 minutes. These questions determine your interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills, covering subjects such as data interpretation and representation, scientific investigation, research summarization, and analyzing conflicting viewpoints. While the SAT contains some science questions, only the ACT has a dedicated science section.

5. Writing (optional)—You are required to write an essay in 40 minutes where you respond to a prompt with your own perspective on the issue. These tests measure your ability to develop and support ideas, organize content, and use language to convey information with clarity.

How Can I Prep for the SAT?

When you begin preparing, it can be helpful to put together a study plan. The earlier you start the better, as this gives you enough time to study all the material you can without overworking yourself. Remember that rest is important too, so avoid cramming all your studying into the week of your test.

As the SAT is an undergraduate admission test administered several times a year, there are many online resources available that can help you prepare in advance for your exam. 

Here are some ways you can start practicing for your SAT:

• SAT sample questions: The SAT website has multiple sample practice questions that give you an understanding of the types of questions you’ll find in the actual exam. There are also online practice tests that simulate the real undergraduate admission test.

• SAT study groups: You can form study groups with fellow students to share your experiences, knowledge, and advice! These groups can be a source of support during your studies and can help you tackle challenging questions.

• SAT practice with Khan Academy: Khan Academy has valuable practice material for the SAT, including interactive problems, video lessons, personalized study plans, and more.

How Can I Prep for the ACT?

While the ACT is different from the SAT, a study plan is relevant here as well. Additionally, the official ACT website provides a list of resources you can use to begin your exam prep as soon as possible. 

Consider the following methods:

• ACT live online classes: These remote learning classes are with top-rated teachers who will guide you through the areas you need to study and the best study practices. You can even ask questions and have them answered in real time!

• Self-paced ACT course: These online tutorial modules for the ACT can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection, on your own schedule.

• ACT tutoring: Learn test-day strategies, receive personalized recommendations, and get answers to your questions through individual tutoring lessons.

• ACT prep guides: The ACT offers multiple types of prep materials every year, ranging from an overall prep guide, individual section prep guides, flashcards, among other resources.

If you want to learn more about how to study for a test, reach out to a Shorelight advisor. They will connect you with valuable student resources and international student services, including academic support, career development, US college entrance requirements, and more.

What Undergraduate Test Should I Take?

To decide which standardized admission test you should take, carefully research the requirements of the universities you are applying to, as some may require specific tests. You should also make sure you understand the individual sections of the specific college admission exams and compare these to your own strengths and skills.

When deciding between the IELTS and TOEFL, one aspect to consider is that for the IELTS, you are required to write your own answers for most questions. TOEFL has significantly more multiple choice questions and questions with preset answers you need to choose from. Additionally, the IELTS features an interview with an examiner as part of the test, while TOEFL has a speaking section. If you are not comfortable with an interview, TOEFL may be a better option. 

When it comes to SAT vs ACT, keep in mind the SAT places more importance on math and writing that require supporting evidence. The digital SAT provides you with a list of formulas and an integrated calculator for the math exam. (And remember, don’t request to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test, as it is the old term, use the updated term Scholastic Assessment Test instead.)

On the other hand, the ACT prioritizes how you express your knowledge and understanding of the material you are being tested on, as well as the logic you use for your answers. While the ACT does allow the use of a calculator in all math sections, it is worth noting that this undergraduate admission test does not provide a list of formulas. This makes the ACT a good fit for you if you feel you have a strong memory and prefer explaining the rationale behind your answers.

No matter which academic program you want to study, college admission exams are an important part of the undergraduate admissions process. Make sure to check with the schools that interest you to ensure that they accept the specific version of the tests you take. With the help of your Shorelight advisor, you can start preparing in advance to make sure you can ace your US college entrance exam and secure a place at a top university or college!

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