Which tests do I need to take?

Of course, the tests you need to take depend on the countries you are applying to. Below, we've listed the common standardised tests you need to take for each country.

USA

Generally Recommended:

Of course, the SAT and ACT are the tests most associated with US universities. However, since 2020, all US universities and colleges have made these tests optional. While this may seem to be a relief for students, for international students, especially those from schools that do not follow the US or the IB curriculum, these tests can be helpful in showcasing your strengths when applying to academically competitive programs. As a result, for students aiming for universities and liberal arts colleges in the Top 50, we generally recommend taking either the SAT or the ACT.

Optional:

Advanced Placement (AP) examinations: most US colleges offer credits for the AP examinations. This means that, corresponding to the APs you have taken, you will be granted credits for introductory or 100-level courses in those subjects. Additionally, if you have taken APs before submitting your application, the colleges can use these as a means to assess you academically. We recommend checking the score requirements of each college - if they only offer credits for a 5 (as many competitive colleges do) only submit AP results where you have scored 5.

English Proficiency Tests: While many universities in the US will offer waivers for English proficiency testing to students who have submitted ACT or SAT scores, students that are applying from CBSE, ISC or State Boards should take the IELTS or TOEFL if they are applying without SAT or ACT scores or are applying to universities that are not accepting standardised test results (e.g. the Universities of California since 2020).

UK

Optional:

English Proficiency Tests: While all international students from countries deemed not to be English-speaking need to demonstrate their English proficiency, this can usually be done in a variety of ways apart from the IELTS and TOEFL, including by scoring a high percentage in your English Board examinations. However, they are usually very strict about their cutoff percentage or mark for English, so falline even one percent short will lead to an offer being withdrawn. Hence, if you are unsure about meeting that requirement through your board marks, the IELTS or TOEFL can be an option.

Advanced Placement (AP) examinations: If a student has taken AP examinations before submitting their application, and scored 5 in any (only submit scores of 5), they can share scores on their UCAS form. APs can have multiple potential benefits for students: they can increase the likelihood of an offer, they can lead to offer conditions being lowered or replaced, and in some cases, several AP 5s could lead to an unconditional AP-based offer even for students who are studying in a school that follows a different board.

Singapore

English Proficiency Tests: Indian board students are required to submit English proficiency test scores for SMU. These can include the SAT, ACT, IELTS or TOEFL. You can see the options here

Canada

Required:

English Proficiency Testing: Canadian universities require Indian CBSE, CISCE or State Board students to take the IELTS or TOEFL examinations. It is recommended you take them by November of the year in which you are applying to be eligible for early consideration.

India

Optional:

SAT and/or ACT: Some Indian universities allow students to submit SAT or ACT scores instead of taking their admissions tests.

For a full list of these, see: https://airtable.com/shr02ClsKWNRA5LdH

Italy

The University of Bocconi allows students to submit SAT or ACT scores instead of taking their Admissions test.