Navigating common college admission tests

Hey everyone! As part of my college application journey, I need to prepare for and take college admission tests. I know about the SAT and ACT, but are there others that are commonly required?

Yes, you're correct that the SAT and ACT are the primary standardized tests used in college admissions in the United States. However, with some colleges and universities becoming test-optional or test-blind, it's important to note that not all will require these scores.

For international students, or for students whose first language is not English, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are often required to demonstrate English proficiency.

In addition to the SAT and ACT, some colleges, particularly certain competitive and specialized programs, also look at scores from relevant AP (Advanced Placement) or IB (International Baccalaureate) exams, although participation in these programs and the exams is not mandatory for admission to most schools.

These additional tests can provide evidence of your knowledge and skills in specific areas, like biology or history, whereas the SAT and ACT are more general assessment tools, testing your reading, writing, and math skills.

It's also worth emphasizing that as of 2021, the College Board discontinued SAT Subject Tests in the United States.

You should always consult the admissions page of the specific colleges and programs you're interested in to see their official testing requirements. This will help you best prepare for the admissions process and ensure you aren't missing any potential opportunities to showcase your strengths.