What Kind of Scholarship Exams Are There for International Students?

I'm curious about the scholarship exams that are available for international students aiming for higher education. What kinds of exams should I be preparing for, and are there any common formats or subjects I should focus on?

As an international student aiming for higher education, your scholarship opportunities can come from examinations relevant to your academic success and merit, but they also stem from other factors like personal background, chosen field of study, and extracurricular achievements. Keep in mind that many scholarships may not require a specific exam, but instead take into account your academic profile and other aspects of your application.

That said, for those scholarships linked to academic performance, your focus should primarily be on your performance in standardized exams such as the SAT or ACT, AP (Advanced Placement) subject exams, and English proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.

1. SAT/ACT: Both these college entrance exams tend to be a common requirement for merit-based scholarships. The SATs your critical reading, writing, and math skills, while the ACT English, math, reading, and science reasoning skills. Note that as of 2024, the SAT has gone fully digital and the structure of the exam has changed.

2. AP Exams: Offering AP scores that you've earned in high school can be a strong representation of your academic merit. While not all scholarship programs require them, these scores could boost your chances of securing certain merit-based scholarships.

3. TOEFL/IELTS: These are English proficiency exams required by many universities for non-native English-speaking applicants. Some scholarships specifically for international students may require high scores on these tests.

Remember, preparation for these tests should be comprehensive and well-planned. Use resources available online and perhaps consider seeking support from a test preparation service or tutor if necessary. Simultaneously, maintain strong academic grades and keep building your extracurricular profile to increase your opportunities for scholarships beyond those tied to these exams.