SAT and ACT for international students
The SAT and ACT are used by US colleges. Some require them, some make them optional and some ignore them. A few universities outside the US also accept them as part of an application from students with American-style diplomas.
The digital SAT
The SAT, run by the College Board, is taken on a computer or tablet using the Bluebook app at a test centre. It has two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. Each section is split into two modules, and the difficulty of the second module depends on how a student did in the first. Scores run from 400 to 1600, combining two section scores of 200 to 800. A calculator is allowed throughout the Math section, and a built-in graphing calculator is provided.
The enhanced ACT
The ACT changed its format in 2025. The core test now has three sections:
| Section | Time | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| English | 35 minutes | 50 |
| Math | 50 minutes | 45 |
| Reading | 40 minutes | 36 |
That is 125 minutes for the core. Science is now optional, at 40 minutes and 40 questions, and so is the writing test. The composite score, on the familiar 1 to 36 scale, is calculated from English, Math and Reading. Some colleges and scholarship programmes may still ask for the science score, so check before you register without it.
SAT or ACT?
Colleges that accept tests accept both equally. The choice is about which one suits you. Students who like adaptive testing on a device and more time per question often prefer the SAT. Students who work fast and are comfortable with a broad maths range may prefer the ACT. Take one official practice test of each under timed conditions and compare.
Test-optional policies
At a test-optional college you choose whether to send a score. A good rule is to send it if your score is at or above the middle of the college's published range for admitted students, and not to send it if it is well below. Colleges publish these ranges in their Common Data Set and on admissions pages.
Note that a few colleges have returned to requiring tests in recent cycles, and policies for international applicants can differ from those for US students. Read the current policy for each college on your list.
When to test
Most students take a first attempt in the spring or summer before their final year, and a second attempt in the autumn if needed. Scores for Early Decision and Early Action deadlines in November must come from tests taken by October at the latest, and sometimes earlier. Test centres outside the US can be limited, so register as soon as dates are released.
Sending scores
The SAT and ACT both let you choose which scores to send. Some colleges ask for all scores, and many "superscore", taking the best section results across sittings. Each college's admissions page explains its approach.
Related: the Common App and English language tests.