Douglas Olsen
International students aiming to attend college in the United States are often required to take standardised tests such as the SAT or ACT to demonstrate their language skills and global competencies. While the SAT and ACT are viewed equally by colleges, international students may need to take one or both of these exams, depending on the college's requirements. The ACT is accepted by all four-year universities in the US and over 200 universities outside of the US, and can be taken at testing centres worldwide. The test covers English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with an optional writing section.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of the test | To evaluate undergraduate applicants |
| Who needs to take it | International students applying to four-year colleges in the US |
| Test format | Multiple-choice tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science. An optional writing test will not affect the composite score |
| Test dates | February, April, June, July, September, October, and December |
| Test registration | Through ACT, Inc. |
| Test preparation | Practice tests, study guides, online prep courses |
| Test fee waiver | Available for international students taking the test in the US, US territories, or Puerto Rico |
| Additional requirements for non-native English speakers | TOEFL or IELTS |
| Choosing between the ACT and SAT | Both are viewed equally by colleges, so choose based on where you can get a higher score |
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What You'll Learn
- International students must submit SAT or ACT scores to US colleges that require it
- The ACT is a standardised test widely recognised by colleges in the US and other countries
- The ACT includes English, mathematics, reading and science sections
- International students can take the ACT in their home country
- The ACT is challenging for non-native English speakers
International students must submit SAT or ACT scores to US colleges that require it
International students wishing to attend college in the United States are often required to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their college applications. The SAT and ACT are standardised tests used by US colleges to evaluate the critical thinking and reasoning skills of applicants. Most four-year colleges in the US require applicants to take either the SAT or ACT, with some exceptions. These exams aim to provide an equal playing field for all applicants, regardless of their curriculum and learning experiences.
The ACT assesses skills in English, mathematics, reading, and science, and is a strong indicator of academic success. Similarly, the SAT evaluates students' knowledge and reasoning abilities. International students can take the SAT or ACT test at a testing centre in their home country. Test dates for the ACT are generally in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July, while the SAT is offered internationally in August, October, December, March, and May.
It is important to note that the ACT and SAT are viewed equally by colleges, and submitting a score from one test does not provide an admissions advantage over the other. Therefore, international students can choose the test that best suits their strengths and weaknesses and aim to achieve a high score. Preparing for these exams requires time and dedication, and it is recommended that international students familiarise themselves with the test content, particularly the reading comprehension and English language sections.
Additionally, international students whose native language is not English may also need to take the TOEFL or IELTS to demonstrate their English language proficiency. Overall, by submitting competitive SAT or ACT scores, international students can enhance their college applications and showcase their academic potential to US colleges.
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The ACT is a standardised test widely recognised by colleges in the US and other countries
The ACT is a standardised test used by colleges and universities to evaluate undergraduate applicants. It is widely recognised by colleges in the US and other countries. The test is designed to assess students' knowledge and reasoning skills, and their ability to apply those skills in an academic setting. It covers four main areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The ACT's writing test is optional and will not affect the composite score.
The ACT is accepted by all four-year universities in the US and more than 200 universities outside of the US. It is an important test for international students applying to colleges in the US, as it can demonstrate their proficiency in the English language and their academic potential. International students can take the ACT at testing centres in their home countries or in the US, US territories, or Puerto Rico. Test dates for international students are generally in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July.
The ACT covers a range of topics that students typically learn in high school. However, some of the concepts and texts on the test may be more advanced than what students have studied. International students, in particular, may find the ACT challenging due to the emphasis on reading comprehension and proficiency in grammar and syntax. Non-native English speakers may struggle with understanding difficult vocabulary and interpreting information from the texts provided. Therefore, it is recommended that international students allow ample time to familiarise themselves with the test format and practice with sample questions.
There are various resources available to help international students prepare for the ACT, including online prep courses, study guides, and practice tests. It is important for students to choose study materials that teach the content covered on the test and provide explanations for the answers. Additionally, creating a study plan and setting target scores can help students stay focused and track their progress. Overall, the ACT is an important tool for international students to showcase their skills and increase their chances of gaining admission to their desired colleges.
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The ACT includes English, mathematics, reading and science sections
International students aiming to attend college in the United States are usually required to take either the SAT or the ACT. These exams are used by universities to evaluate undergraduate applicants, testing students' knowledge and reasoning skills, as well as their critical thinking and reasoning skills.
The ACT includes English, mathematics, reading, and science sections, with an optional writing test. The English, reading, and science sections ask for the best answer from a selection of choices, whereas the mathematics section asks for the correct answer. The mathematics problems can be solved without a calculator, although it is up to the test-taker's discretion. The science section requires the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills taught in biology, chemistry, Earth/space sciences, and physics.
Beginning in April 2025, students who take the ACT will have the option to choose whether to include the science section, with the composite score focusing on English, math, and reading. The science score will be reported separately for those who take it.
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International students can take the ACT in their home country
International students can register for the ACT on the official ACT website. Test dates for international students are generally in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July. The ACT test registration fees, with and without the writing section, are $196.50 and $171.50 respectively. International students can also take the test with accommodations if they have a documented disability.
International students can also take the ACT International Subject Tests offered in the North African and Middle East regions. These tests evaluate students' understanding of concepts in ELA, Math, Science, and US History and their readiness for post-secondary courses. It is important to note that international students are only eligible for an ACT fee waiver if they take the test in the US, US territories, or Puerto Rico.
While the ACT is a widely accepted admissions exam, it is not required by all colleges and universities. Some institutions may be test-optional, allowing students to forgo submitting ACT scores. However, taking the ACT can still be beneficial for international students, especially those applying to competitive schools. It demonstrates proficiency in English and other key subjects, which can enhance their college applications.
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The ACT is challenging for non-native English speakers
International students aiming to attend college in the United States are usually required to take the SAT or ACT. These exams are used to evaluate the critical thinking and reasoning skills of students. The ACT is a challenging test for all students, but its time and verbal demands make it particularly difficult for non-native English speakers. The ACT is comprised of four sections, all of which are in English: English, Math, Reading, and Science. The optional writing section includes a 30-minute essay.
The ACT demands advanced English skills, and students must have a strong grasp of grammar, structure, syntax, and reading comprehension. The Math section also requires students to interpret word problems, which may be challenging for those more accustomed to plain figures and equations. The fast pace of the ACT can also prove difficult for non-native English speakers, particularly in the Reading section, where students must read and interpret passages quickly.
However, there are some advantages for non-native English speakers taking the ACT. Students can request EL accommodations, such as additional time and the use of an approved bilingual glossary. Advanced ESL students may also have an advantage over native English speakers due to their explicit study of grammar rules and English conventions.
To prepare for the ACT, students should take practice tests and focus their preparation on their weakest areas. Reading widely can also help improve reading comprehension and vocabulary.
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Frequently asked questions
International students must submit SAT or ACT scores to US colleges that require it. The ACT is a standardized test widely recognized by colleges in the US and many other countries.
The ACT assesses skills in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science and is a strong predictor of academic success. A good score can show colleges how well an international student will perform in their chosen field of study.
International students can take the ACT at a testing center in their home country. Test dates for international students are generally in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July.
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