FAQs

There could be various reasons for studying abroad, some common ones are- better education, research facilities, career opportunities, global exposure, personal development and networking.

This depends mainly on your motive; every country has something different to offer like some countries are costly, while other provides stay back option, so it primarily depends on your choice and eligibility. At times distance and weather also plays major deciding factor. Some of the popular destinations are USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Ireland, Singapore etc.

This is one of the most important tasks. First, you need to decide course/program to be pursued, then decide the country based on your choice and budget, finally look for the Universities in that country. Now out of all the available options, you have to pick the right ones, which you find is appropriate given your profile and other considerable factors.

Application fee varies anywhere from $50 to $100.

Other than the tuition fee, colleges has variable costs like rooms & fooding, books & library cost, insurance and other miscellaneous costs

Yes, it is expensive but some European countries are comparatively cheaper.

Housing options are available both on campus and off campus. Resident halls are the top choice among most undergraduate students.

It should basically depend upon your high school/College subject & your interest along with long term goal.

No, you do not require second language.

US universities have various application deadlines. For Fall(Aug-Sept) intake, Early Decision and Early Action deadlines fall between October 15 – November 15 in the previous year, and regular application deadlines for most top universities fall before February 15th. It is strongly recommended that you check the application deadlines for each university you are applying to. In the UK, application deadlines for all courses at Oxford, Cambridge and programs in Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary sciences at all universities falls on October 15 of their final year. All other programs have a deadline on January 15th. In Canada the application deadlines falls anywhere between Jan 1st to March 15th for most top universities in the final year of high school.

Yes, if English is not your first language, you will have to take the English Proficiency Test. There are some exceptions for the students who have completed their high school education in the IGCSE, A Level, or IB curriculum. However, it is strongly recommended that international students take IELTS or TOEFL.

Except UK where only IELTS is accepted, you can take either of the two for other countries but still it is advised to check the admission requirement before registering for the test

It depends on your level of education and type of University under consideration. Generally it can vary between 5.5 to 7.5 Bands in IELTS and 75 to 100 marks and above in TOEFL.

For most US colleges, students have to take a standardized test such as the SAT or ACT, and for some colleges the SAT Subject Tests. If you want to study Medicine in the UK, you need to take either UKCAT or BMAT, and LNAT for law in the UK. Some countries may have their own entrance tests for the specific major you are applying to. Check the university admission entry requirements for more information. In addition, international students have to pass English proficiency exams such as IELTS or TOEFL.

You can do away with it in some countries (where it is just recommended) but in USA it is mandatory in almost every University for the Master Degree. If you are applying for a TOP MBA program anywhere in the world, mostly, you will need to take the GMAT or the assessment test conducted by the particular Business School.

Score varies with the University, but an ideal score in GRE is 323+ and GMAT is 660+. Many Top Business Schools have an average GMAT score of about 700 and above. Universities look for a balanced score, as both these tests have Verbal and Quantitative Component, Universities look for a balanced score.

You need High School or College transcripts, Academic or Professional Recommendation letters, Financial documents, Standardized Test result, personal statements or Essays, CV, Passport copy and applications form along with the application fee.

International students are automatically considered for merit based scholarships. Some universities have their own scholarship applications and deadlines.

In the US, F1 Student visa holders are not eligible to work off campus during their first year of undergraduate studies. Under certain circumstances, students can avail permission from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services after one year of study. However, students may work on-campus based on the university campus rules. In Canada, you can work off-campus if you have a valid study permit, and the course is more than 6 months. You are entitled to work 20 hours while you are studying, and full-time during scheduled breaks. In UK, under UK immigration rules, students are entitled to work a maximum of 20 hours paid or unpaid work per week during term time for degree students. Each country has different rules and regulations regarding working rights.

Many colleges and universities offer merit based scholarships to international students based on their academics and extra -curricular achievements, but the process of accessing them is extremely competitive. Most of the students are sponsored by their parents or guardians, or they take the student loans to fund their studies.

Yes. For undergraduate students, it is recommended to have one school counselor, and minimum two subject teacher recommendation letters. For post graduate students, two recommendation letters from professors, or work professionals are required. Be sure to check with each program on their requirement.

Not exactly, but for undergraduate minimum age should be 17 years.

You should meet requirements such as - Acceptance letter from the University, financial papers with enough funds to meet financial needs and genuine reason for overseas studies.

You need to show enough funds to meet at least first year costs of education.

Yes, you need to submit a bank statement while applying for the visa. Some universities will ask for a bank letter while making the application.

In North America, USA and Canada are the top priority choices. The top choices in Europe are UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain & Nordic countries. In Asia Pacific – Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia are the most preferred countries.

The first step is to accept the offer by meeting the conditions stated on the letter. This would include paying the tuition deposit and housing deposit, and submitting documents such as passport copy, bank letter, or financial affidavit, bank statement etc. In the US, once the requirements have been met, the university will issue an I20 form, after which the student can apply for their F1 student visa for entry to the US. Whereas, in the UK, student’s need to apply for a Tier-4 student visa. Each country has its own rules and regulations.

Every country has different rules for a stay back, so it is advisable to check specific country rules on that. But you can definitely work once you have secured a job in a country.

You should start preparing at least two years before your application intake. Start with course & country selection, then research further to its application process & accordingly start arranging the documents required.

Every undergraduate degree program takes 4 years in the US and Canada to complete. A general undergraduate program in the UK takes only 3 years.

You have to start applying 1 year prior to the year you plan to enroll for. As such, for Aug/Sep intake, applications generally open on 1st Aug or Sep of the previous year.

There are multiple requirements & some changes with the country. But generally, 12 years of education, test result like SAT/ACT, English proficiency test & supplementary questions.

There are multiple documents you need to submit, starting with - university application, high school report, transcripts, letter of recommendation, test results, essays, and supplementary documents.

Yes, international students holding a nationality different from the country of application need to apply for student visa or a study permit.

The cost depends primarily on country & type of University like public or private. As an example, the average tuition fee for undergraduate programs in the US is between 30,000 USD to 60,000 USD.

Universities have on-campus and off-campus accommodation options for students.

That is decided by the University, once they receive your application by the stipulated deadline.

Yes, unless you are a national of an English speaking country.

Every program has multiple deadlines with different considerations. But it’s entirely on the student, which application he selects to apply for.

Yes, definitely, there are multiple options available with other countries. In the US, you need to take up an undergraduate degree for 4 years, and then apply for the medical program.

SAT is a requirement mainly by US universities, and there are universities which are SAT optional or flexible. There are some top universities in other countries, namely UK, Canada, and Singapore, that will require you to submit SAT scores depending on the program you are applying to.

Law in the UK requires you to take the LNAT or LSAT test depending on the level of education you are applying to. Medicine in the UK requires you to take UKCAT or BMAT for undergraduate applications. In the US, there is no direct medicine program you can apply to. You are required to take the SAT or ACT, and pursue an undergraduate major, preferably in the related field of interest.

You should start preparing at least 1/1.5 years before your application intake. Start with course & country selection, then research further to its application process & accordingly start arranging documents may be academics or test papers.

You have to start applying 1 year prior to the year you plan to enroll for. As such, for Aug/Sept intake, applications generally open on 1st Aug or Sep & for Jan intake application normally opens by 1st May prior to the intake year.

There are multiple requirements & some changes with the country. But general requirements are 16 years of education, test result like GRE, English proficiency test & supplementary questions.

There are multiple documents you need to submit, starting with - university application, university transcript, letter of recommendation, test results, statement of purpose, resume & supplementary documents.

The cost for masters programs vary widely with country and the type of University you choose (e.g. state or private). A rough indication would be between USD 20,000 to USD 40,000 on average for a year in the US; whereas in the UK it will cost you anywhere between GBP 9000 to GBP 18000 on average for a year.

Yes, you cannot avoid that.

Yes, but number of working hours changes with the country.

First is the priority deadline which gives an opportunity to be considered for the financial benefit along with admission, while the regular deadline only consider your application for an admission.

It varies with the type of program between 12 months to 24 months.

Yes, definitely you can.

In the US it is mandatory for almost every university but not for all universities in other countries.

M.Sc/MS combines both research/thesis plus theory but M.Eng focuses more on the application aspect of science. Entry requirements for the M.Eng program are stricter.

Yes you can, provided you have the required background. You may have to take GMAT or GRE depending on the country and university of application.

If the gap was during your high school or while pursuing your undergraduate degree, you might have to produce supportive documents stating the reason which did not allow you to take up education. If it was after completing your undergraduate degree, it is common for students to take a break after their studies to either work, volunteer, or travel.

For international students, generally Fall & Spring intake.

This would mainly depend upon your personal goal & intentions, as every country is different from another in many aspects.

Yes, but you may need a sponsorship from the employer to work full time after completing your studies. Each country has different rules and regulations.

Every country has set up different rules for a stay back.

Yes, universities set aside merit based aid for brilliant profiles, having applied within a stipulated time period.

University generally allows students to stay outside but still it is advisable to consult university first

Yes, international students need to apply for a student visa (also known as study permit) to study. A student need not apply for a visa if he/ she has a citizenship of the country they are applying to. For example, to study in the US, all non-American citizens should apply for an F1 student visa; and in the UK, all non UK and non European citizens need to apply for a tier 4 student visa.

Certainly. In your personal statement, or other application areas, you must explain why you need a second master's degree by relating it to your career goals or other factors.

All top B-Schools, mostly in the US will require you to sit for the GMAT test.

Depending on the program & country it varies between 12 to 24 months.

This will depend upon the country you will graduate from.

There is no age limit as such; there are students who pursue their MBA with 10+ years of work experience. The average age of students is between 27-28 years at the start of the program.

The GMAT is not an IQ test, nor is it a test designed to assess your knowledge on different subjects. GMAT assesses one’s analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in English.

Besides the “hard skills” of quantitative reasoning (math concepts most of us have learned in school, to a large extent), grammar, reading and comprehension skills, logical reasoning and writing skills, you will need to hone a set of softer skills such as quick decision making, time management, attention to detail, assessing priorities, knowing when to let go, being able to control your emotions and be on top of your game regardless of the pressure of the test, being able to keep yourself motivated and confident, integrating the GMAT in your life, as well as focus, discipline, patience, perseverance… among many others

The test is valid for 5 years.

Yes, there is a limit of 5 times in a year, as well as a limit of 9 times in your lifetime. There should be a 16 days gap between any 2 attempts.

A computer adaptive test is a type of test that determines your level of skill by constantly adapting to the answers you provide - whenever you get a question right, you will be presented with a more difficult one, and when you get it wrong, the next question will be slightly easier. This is a much more accurate way to assess performance than a standard paper based test where the questions are the same for all the test takers.

The first 15 questions are really important because they determine how many hard and very hard questions you will get to see until the end of the test. You want to make sure that you see a lot of those, and that means you should be going on an upward trend since the beginning. However, this does not mean you should focus on these at the expense of the remaining questions. As with everything else, it is all about balance, and you want to make sure the time you spend on these questions will not force you to “sacrifice” questions at the end of the test.

As of the 11th of July, yes, you can choose any of the 3 options: AWA, IR, Quantitative, Verbal (the traditional order) Quantitative, Verbal, IR, AWA Verbal, Quantitative, IR, AWA In deciding which option to go for you want to assess your strengths as well as your pattern in test taking - do you need some time to ease into it, or do you perform best when you first start the test? Given the score in the verbal section will contribute most towards your 800, you want to make sure you do that section at a time when you’re most focused and alert. To assess what would work best for you, test it out while doing your mocks and see which one is the winning option.

You don’t. Please don’t! It is essential that you spend 0% time and energy trying to assess the level of difficulty of each question you’re presented with - it will only work to distract you and, if you’re estimations are not accurate, or if you’re looking at an experimental question, it can even demotivate you by making you think you’re not doing that well because you’re seeing easy questions. This assessment is purely made up by your stressed out mind, so please pay it no heed. You have only one job to do on this test - take each question as it comes, and give it your 100%.

No. Universities choose to look to analyze your individual section scores and your overall score. In most cases, the admissions committee will evaluate the quantitative skills, as the business school curriculum will often require strong math skills. A good profile will have a balanced score.

Your unofficial score will show on the screen as soon as the test ends, for all the sections except for the essay. Within 20 days from taking the test, you will receive your Official Score Report, which is also sent to the 5 schools you have likely opted to send it to on the day of the test.

On the day of the test you can select up to 5 schools the GMAC will send your score report to at no additional fee. If you do not select any school on that day, the GMAC will later send the results to schools, upon your request, for a fee of $28 per school.

Before going for the test, you should have in mind a minimum score that you deem acceptable. If you reach that score, you can keep it; otherwise it makes no sense to keep a score you’re not happy to see on your score report. The GMAC has made this process easier now by allowing you to cancel a) immediately after seeing your score, at no additional cost b) within 72 hours, subject to a $25 fee.

Students who have taken the GMAT after Jan 1, 2014 can reinstate their scores, and can do that up to 4 years, and 11 months after the test date. You can cancel, and reinstate multiple times, but additional fee applies. This can be done online, or through phone.

Your Official Sore Report will contain the score of all the tests you’ve taken in the past 5 years. It will NOT show any score that you have canceled.

Your passport is the most important thing to have with you. It’s the only ID you can use if you’re not taking this test in your home country. Other than that, you should take as few things as possible, as you will need to deposit all of them in a locker outside the room anyway. Have your water and snacks for the breaks, and don’t bother about carrying anything else.

You want to begin by understanding the requirements of the program you’re applying to. If the school does not seem to have a preference, then it’s all about your strengths and current level of mastery of the skills required. The GRE requires that you learn a couple of thousand words, while the GMAT tests more complex reasoning skills. If you love learning words, you might want to go for the GRE. If you used to love grammar when you were in school and you’re into arguments and reasoning skills, GMAT might be more suitable. To be sure, do a diagnostic for both and see which one sees easier (or more pleasurable) for you to conquer.

The GRE is not an IQ test, nor is it a test designed to assess your knowledge on different subjects. Instead, it tests a set of skills, so doing well does not depend on your IQ level, and it also does not require you to acquire knowledge. It analyses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills.

Besides the “hard skills” of quantitative reasoning (math concepts most of us have learned in school, to a large extent), reading and comprehension skills, strong vocabulary, logical reasoning and writing skills, you will need to hone a set of softer skills such as quick decision making, time management, attention to detail, assessing priorities, knowing when to let go, being able to control your emotions and be on top of your game regardless of the pressure of the test, being able to keep yourself motivated and confident, integrating the GRE in your life, as well as focus, discipline, patience, perseverance… among many others

The test is valid for 5 years.

Yes, there is a limit of 5 times in a year, and you can take a test every 21 days.

A computer adaptive test is a type of test that determines your level of skill by constantly adapting to the answers you provide. The GRE is a computer adaptive test, but not all sections are adaptive. The difficulty of the question will depend on the questions you get right or wrong.

In each of the quant and verbal sections you will get a number of experimental questions, which will not be counted towards your final score. There is no way for you to know which ones these are, thought, so you need to treat all of them as if they’re the most important question on the test.

Your unofficial score will show on the screen as soon as the test ends, for all the sections except for the essay. Within 10-15 days from taking the test, you will receive your Official Score Report.

You have the option of canceling your score, but we don’t think you should. Firstly, you can only cancel your score before actually seeing it, meaning it will be based purely on your self-assessment, which might be quite far from the truth. Secondly, in sending your scores to the schools, you have the option of only sending the ones you feel best represent your performance. Hence there is really no real reason for you to cancel any of your scores.

You can reinstate a score within 60 days of taking the test, subject to a $50 fee.

On the day of the test you can select up to 4 schools the ETS will send your score report to at no additional fee. If you do not select any school on that day, the ETS will later send the results to schools, upon your request, for a fee of $27 per school. The ‘Score Select’ option allows you to send your preferred scores only.

You will need an acceptable ID (please check carefully the ETS website for a list of acceptable ID depending on the country you’re taking the test in) and a printout of the confirmation email. Other than that, you should take as few things as possible, as you will need to deposit all of them in a locker outside the test room anyway. Have your water and snacks with you for the breaks, and don’t bother about carrying anything else.

You want to begin by understanding the requirements of the program you’re applying to. If the school does not seem to have a preference, then it’s all about your strengths and current level of mastery of the skills required. The GRE requires that you learn a couple of thousand words, while the GMAT tests more complex reasoning skills. If you love learning words, you might want to go for the GRE. If you used to love grammar when you were in school and you’re into arguments and reasoning skills, GMAT might be more suitable. To be sure, do a diagnostic for both and see which one sees easier (or more pleasurable) for you to conquer.

IELTS, stands for International English Language Testing System and is a widely acknowledged and accepted test for English language assessment. It is usually taken for continued education or immigration purposes.

Academic IELTS is a requirement for students who wish to study in English Speaking countries.It is also a requirement for people who wish to practice their professions such as Nursing & Medicine. Whereas General IELTS is the commonly accepted test report for immigration or work purposes.The two tests differ in the Reading content and the Writing task.

The test contains 4 modules. i. Listening- 30 mins- 4 sections ii. Reading- 60 mins- 3 sections iii. Writing- 60 mins- 2 sections iv. Speaking- 20 mins- 3 sections

All 4 sections are graded on a scale of 1-9 and an average score is also provided.

The reading and listening sections are graded clerically, while the writing & speaking are graded by 2 qualified examiners.

The results are published in exactly 2 weeks/ 14 days.

The test results are valid for a period of 2 years.

You are only issued one test report.

You can repeat the test as often as required. There is no limit on the number of repeats.

The fee for taking the test varies with the country where you take the test. For more information check this link - https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/book-your-test/book-now

You may request for sectional re-evaluation, which costs Dhs.400 per section. If there is a variation in the score, the amount will be refunded.

IELTS is co-owned by British Council, IDP and Cambridge. The test can be taken at any of the centers that are provided by these two entities. There is no variation in the assessment or in the evaluation process.

IELTS UKVI is a test that is usually recommended for people applying for UK visa. They have chosen test centers where this test is conducted. There is no difference in the test format, however, while booking for the test, ensure you choose a UKVI center.

Usually there are 2 tests conducted during a month. However, please check the British council or the IDP website to check for specific test dates and their availability.

You will need to book at least 7 days in advance. You will receive a written confirmation with the exam time & venue (which you may choose). You will also receive a notification confirming the time for the Speaking test, 3 days in advance. B. While booking, you may request a different schedule for the Speaking test

PTE- Pearson Test of English Academic is a computer based test of English assessing the four skills of Reading, Listening, Speaking & Writing.

A. Speaking and Writing:77- 93 mins B. Reading:32-41 mins C. Listening: 45-57 mins

All 4 sections are graded on a scale of 10-90

The entire test is graded by the computer.

The results are published within 5 business days

The test results are valid for a period of 2 years.

You can request for multiple test reports at no additional charge

You can repeat the test as often as required. There is no limit on the number of repeats. You can book a repeat only after the scores are released for the previous attempt.

The fee for taking the test varies with the country where you take the test. Taking the test in the UAE would cost AED 980; In India, the standard price is INR 10,255 plus taxes; and in USA, it’s USD 200. Check this link for your preferred test center and fees - https://pearsonpte.com/the-test/test-centers-and-fees/

The frequency of the test is very high. Please check the website to check for specific test dates and their availability.

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. TOEFL was developed by Educational Testing Service (ETS). TOEFL has been around since 1964.

It is the same TOEFL test but it is the version developed to be taken on a computer rather than doing it on paper. IBT stands for Internet Based Test. It started in 2005.

TOEFL tests your ability to understand, use and communicate in English.

Anyone who wants to study at an English speaking higher education institute or work in an English speaking country will benefit from taking TOEFL.

The TOEFL test score is widely accepted by universities and companies around the world as an accurate measure of a person’s proficiency in English. You will need to send your TOEFL test score as part of the entrance requirements.

There are always four sections, done in this order: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. The number of questions in Reading varies from 36 to 70 questions. The number of Listening questions varies from 34 to 51. There are always 6 tasks in Speaking and 2 tasks in Writing.

At minimum, the official test will last 3 hours and 10 minutes. At maximum, it will take 4.5 hours. The length may vary because the Reading section can take from 60 to 100 minutes, and the Listening section ranges from 60 to 90 minutes. Speaking is always 20 minutes. Writing is always 50 minutes.

There is a 10 minute break after the Reading and Listening sections have been completed.

No. All four sections must be completed on the official test day.

Prices vary from country to country. In the USA, it will cost you about $170. See the ETS website for pricing guides.

Visit the ETS website at www.ets.org/toefl

Go to ETS site www.ets.org/toefl.

You will get a copy in the mail and be able to see your score online within 2 weeks of completing the IBT test.

2 years

The SAT is an exam administered by The College Board to test college and career readiness. It is primarily used for the purpose of gaining admission to college. The SAT is widely considered to be the single most important test you take in high school.

The SAT is created by Educational Testing Service (ETS). ETS is paid by the College Board to create the exam. Both of these companies are private.

According to The College Board, the SAT was revised to better focus on testing the skills and knowledge that matter most for college and career success.

Changes to the new 2016 SAT include changes to the format of the exam, scoring scale, and question types. The new SAT includes a combined Reading and Writing section, formally called the Evidence Based Reading and Writing section, a Math section, and an optional 50-minute Essay. The Reading/Writing and Math sections are scored from 200-800, for a total composite score of 400-1600. The optional essay is given a score of 2-8; this score will not be reported along with your composite score, meaning your essay score does not affect your composite score. If you forgo the essay writing section of the new SAT, the test will only be three hours long. The new SAT no longer tests vocabulary in the same way; rather than testing students’ memorization of obscure vocabulary words, students are asked to identify the meaning of more commonly used words that change in definition based on the context in which they are used. In addition to being optional, the SAT Essay is no longer persuasive. Instead, the Essay is evidence based. In terms of content, the SAT Math section will change most. These changes are discussed in more detail below. In sum, the new 2016 SAT will have: 1. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section with a combined score (Possible score: 200-800) 2. Math section with non-calculator and calculator sections (Possible score: 200-800) 3. An optional essay (Scored separately) 4. Composite score of 400-1600 plus the essay score 5. Different means of testing vocabulary 6. Essay is evidence based rather than persuasive 7. Many content changes in Math

SAT Subject Tests are high school-level tests, reflecting high school curriculum. These tests indicate a student’s readiness to take college-level courses in specific subject areas. AP Exams, however, assess a student’s college-level knowledge, skills and abilities, learned in the corresponding AP courses. As a result, the topics covered on SAT Subject Tests may differ from those covered on AP Exams. While AP Exams are also an excellent way to demonstrate understanding in specific subject areas, not all students have an opportunity to take AP courses in a range of subjects. For students who lack access to AP and still wish to demonstrate subject knowledge, the Subject Tests offer this opportunity. Also, students who are taking an AP course in senior year may not have their AP Exam score to report to colleges in time to meet admission deadlines. In this case, they could use Subject Tests scores to show their mastery in the subject.

Some colleges require or recommend SAT Subject Tests in addition to the SAT or ACT. Some also use these for course placement once you’ve arrived on campus. Depending on your performance, you may potentially fulfill basic requirements or even receive credit for introductory- level courses. If you’re interested in particular programs of study, take Subject Tests to show colleges that you’re ready for certain majors or courses. Along with other admission credentials (your high school record, SAT scores, teacher recommendation, etc.), Subject Tests help provide a complete picture of your academic background and interests.

You should still consider taking Subject Tests in case you decide on colleges or programs that do require or recommend them. You don’t want to have to try to schedule tests at the last minute. And remember, even colleges that don’t require or recommend Subject Tests may consider them as part of your application.

You may still want to take Subject Tests in the subjects that you excel in and submit those scores. Many colleges may still consider Subject Tests when reviewing your application, since they give a more complete picture of your academic background and show your readiness to focus on a specific major or program of study. Subject Tests can also help you place into the right college courses.

If there are some practice questions or topics that you’re not familiar with, don’t worry. Though it’s possible you haven’t covered every single topic on the test, you do not have to get every question on each test correct to receive the highest score. Many students do well on the tests despite not having studied every topic covered on the test. If you’re still concerned, seek help from your teacher to review the topics that you’re not familiar with.

Yes

Yes

Yes. If you live in New York State, you may be able to use SAT Subject Test scores to substitute for a Regents examination score. Speak with your counselor or teacher to see if this might be appropriate for you. Some colleges allow you to use SAT Subject Test scores to meet minimum subject-based requirements to be eligible to apply for admission (e.g., University of California’s a-g requirements, Arizona State University’s subject competency requirements). A high score in Subject Tests in specific foreign languages can also qualify you for the Seal of Biliteracy in some states, including New York and California. You’ll want to take the tests that are required or recommended by the colleges that you’re interested in. Also consider subjects that you excel in or may want to major in, to showcase your strengths and interests.

The international test dates are September 9, 2017, October 28, 2017, December 9, 2017, April 14, 2018, and June 9, 2018.

ACT scores are valid for 5 years from the date that you take your exam.

For one thing, the ACT is less-time intensive, so you won’t feel as rushed answering each of the questions in time. The ACT also has more straightforward questions and rewards students who have already done well in school by providing questions that arguably would be more like the questions they currently get in their classes. Finally, only the ACT composite score is reported to colleges; this form of scoring is advantageous to students who may not be as strong in one section of the test and could have their admissions chances jeopardized in the case where they would have to report their lower section score on the SAT.

Colleges do not prefer the SAT or the ACT. The tests are seen as equal options. You can choose which test to take based completely on your personal preference.

Unfortunately, you are required to take another full ACT exam in order to receive scores for the writing section

Your target ACT score is to score better than 75% of all applicants applying to your chosen school. In other words, your score should be in the 75th percentile of all scores that the school receives. You will want to look up the specific score requirements of the school(s) you are interested in. Generally, a score of 30 and above will be sufficient for most universities.

The revision in 2016 has led to a removal of traditional SAT sentence completion questions. The redesigned SAT no longer tests rote memorization of obscure vocabulary words; instead, the SAT tests “high utility” words that change in definition depending on the context in which they are used. This means that students will now be required to have a deeper understanding of more commonly used vocabulary words, and will also be required to read entire passages to discern the meanings of words. Four types of questions will be featured on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section: words in context, command of evidence, informational graphics, and text complexity. Words in Context questions measure your understanding of how word choice influences meaning, shapes mood and tone, reflects point of view, or lends precision or interest. The Writing and Language portion measures students’ ability to apply knowledge of words, phrases, and language in general in the context of extended prose passages. Command of Evidence questions test students’ ability to identify the portion of text that serves as the best evidence for the conclusions they reach. You both interpret text and support that interpretation by citing the most relevant textual support. The Writing and Language portion measures students’ capacity to revise a text to improve its development of information and ideas. Informational Graphics questions ask students to interpret information conveyed in one or more graphics (tables, graphs, charts, etc.) and to integrate that information with information found in the text. The Reading test has two passages that include one or two graphics each. The Writing and Language portion has one or more passages that include one or more graphics, and asks students to consider information in graphics as they make decisions about how and whether to revise a passage. Text Complexity questions include passages that span a specified range of text complexity levels from grades 9-10 to postsecondary entry. Students are asked to make and refine decisions about the placement of passages within complexity bands. More generally, the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section will require students to answer questions based on their ability to read and refine the text as a whole. The most important thing about the new Evidence Based Reading and Writing section is that students will need to read entire passages to answer the questions.

The revision in 2016 has led to the addition of a no-calculator math section, which is worth a third of your math score. The sections of the math test that do allow a calculator also feature questions that do not require a calculator to solve, where use of a calculator could serve to actually slow down the problem solving process. These question types assess how well students make use of appropriate tools. Four types of questions appear in the SAT math section: algebra, problem solving and data analysis, advanced math, and additional topics. Each of these broader question types may be broken down into more specific math topics. Algebra questions require students to solve equations and systems of equations, to create expressions, equations, and inequalities to solve problems, and to re arrange and interpret Formulas. Problem Solving and Data Analysis questions require students to create and analyze relationships using ratios, proportions, percentages, and units, to describe relationships shown graphically, and to summarize qualitative and quantitative data. Advanced Math questions require students to rewrite expressions, to create, analyze, and solve quadratic and higher-order equations, and to manipulate polynomials to solve problems. Additional Topics questions require students to calculate area and volume, to investigate lines, angles, triangles, and circles using theorems, and to work with trigonometric functions. More generally, the math section of the SAT thoroughly tests your foundational knowledge of math topics in the context of real world situations, involving science, social science, or career related topics, focusing specifically on the math needed to pursue careers in the STEM fields. The new math sections will have: 1. A no-calculator section 2. Two out of the four total multiple choice sections on the SAT (2016) will be math 3. More questions on real-world applications of math 4. Problems that focus on algebra, data analysis, advanced math, trigonometry, circles and other topics

This is a question with no easy answer. It depends on your strengths and weaknesses. The math section of the test is more advanced and counts more heavily toward your overall composite score, and calculators are only available for certain math sections. This will benefit students who are talented in math or who have taken more advanced math classes. Likewise, the evidence based reading and writing section of the test favors students with strong reading comprehension skills and an in-depth knowledge of English grammar. From College Board’s perspective, the SAT (2016) is more closely aligned with the demands of college and readiness for a career. Students who have done well in all school subjects should benefit from the test changes.

We suggest that you sign up for the SAT when you are comfortable with the test and have completed all assignments related to your course. In other words, don’t plan to take the SAT directly after the course is over, in the event that you need more time to practice. However, we do NOT suggest waiting more than 60 days after the course to take the SAT. The deadline to actually register for an SAT exam is usually four to five weeks before the test date. The SAT is offered seven times a year in the following months: January, March, May, June, October, November, and December. Students should carefully consider factors like the availability of the test date, the length of time it will take to fully prepare for the exam, and the deadlines of the colleges they will apply to when constructing their overall college admission timeline. Schedule the exam: 1. After the course has completed (but not immediately after to allow for extra study time) 2. Before 60 days from the end of the course (so information is still fresh) 3. Registration deadline is usually 4-5 weeks prior to the test 4. Only 7 SAT exams each year: January, March, May, June, October, November, December 5. Consider college deadlines, preparation times, and test date availability before scheduling

There are three ways to sign up for the SAT: 1. Online: Register at the College Board website 2. By phone: (888) 728-4357. Students may only register for the SAT over the phone if they are retaking the SAT. Only students who have a previous SAT registration can register by phone. 3. By mail: Under certain circumstances, some students may be required to register for the SAT by mail. You can learn whether or not these circumstances apply to you at the following web address: https://sat.collegeboard.org/register. To register by mail, you will need The Student Registration Guide for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests, which is available through your school counselor.

The SAT Reasoning Test (with essay) costs $54.50 + a $28 late fee if you register after the registration deadline. For more SAT-related fees, click on the following link: http://collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees/fees

The scores are usually mailed out 4-6 weeks after you take the test. You may also look up your scores online through the College Board website two weeks after your exam at www.collegeboard.org.

On the day of your test if you want to cancel your score during or after finishing your exam, you should ask the test supervisor for a “Request to Cancel Test Scores” form. You can submit the completed form immediately at the testing center. You can also think about it for a day or two before mailing it to College Board. However, College Board must receive your request form no later than 11:59 pm (Eastern Time) the Wednesday after the test. You must include the test date, test center number, name of the test you are cancelling, your name, address, sex, birth date, social security number, registration number, and your signature. You must label your request “Attention: SAT Score Cancellation” and send it via one of the following methods: Fax: 610-290- 8978 Overnight delivery via U.S. Postal Service Express Mail (U.S. only): SAT Score Cancellation P.O. Box 6228 Princeton, NJ 08541-6228 Other overnight mail service or courier (U.S. or international): SAT Score Cancellation 225 Phillips Boulevard Ewing, NJ 08618, USA

Score choice allows you to choose which SAT and SAT Subject Test scores you would like to send to colleges, at no additional cost. Different universities and colleges now have different score choice practices. Some schools require only the single highest test date score, some schools state that they combine the highest scores from different sections across test dates, and some schools require you to send all of your scores. View the score-choice practices of different schools. Always check with the schools you plan to apply to as well before sending your scores.

If the colleges you are planning to apply to only require you to send your highest test scores, you can now take the SAT and SAT Subject Tests as many times as you want. Colleges will only see the scores you want to send them. If the colleges you are planning to apply to require you to send all of your test scores, we recommend you take the SAT a maximum of three times.

SAT is one of the most important test for college admissions, it is always best to start preparing as early as possible. This allows more preparation time to achieve score goals. For students who have the goal of becoming a National Merit Semi-finalist, it is best to start by June before 10th grade. Otherwise, a student should start by the summer before their 11th grade to maximize the effectiveness of our program because there are no distractions such as school homework, projects, exams or any other school activities. Students should start preparing for the SAT no later than the summer before their 12th grade.

You can download this sample test from the College Board to practice on a real SAT exam.

Once you have completed high school algebra and geometry, you are ready to take the SAT. Although the SAT does include Algebra II, it is only a small fraction of the math section, about 10%.