US Schools & Colleges
Course Overview
Overview
Looking to the US for your undergraduate education? Apart from exceptional GPA and extracurricular achievements, most colleges in the US may also consider standardised tests in their evaluation. In this section, we will cover the major admissions tests for entry to US colleges.
There are TWO main tests that US colleges use to evaluate applicants:
SAT
The SAT consists of 2 score components: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Mathematics. The optional Essay section will be phased out from June 2021.
ACT
The ACT test covers four academic skill areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. It also offers an optional Writing test.
Besides the tests above, we also offer coaching in the following:
SAT Subject Tests (will be phased out from June 2021)
The SAT Subject Tests provide an opportunity to showcase your strengths and interests in specific academic subjects. Many colleges use the tests not only for admissions, but also for course placement (especially in the sciences) and to advise students about course selection.
Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT)
The SSAT is a private school admissions test for students entering Grades 4–12. It includes a brief unscored writing sample and multiple-choice sections that cover Quantitative (Mathematics), Verbal, and Reading skills.
Advanced Placement (AP)
The AP program allows high school students to take college-level courses that can earn them college credit and/or qualify them for more advanced classes when they begin college.
Comparison Table
So which test(s) should I take? To help you make the most informed decision, we have drawn up a table comparing the tests. If you wish to know about specific test formats and contents, please click on the desired test pages to learn more.
| Test | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Universities that accept test |
Most universities or colleges in the US and Canada accept both the SAT and the ACT for admissions, including but not limited to the following institutions:
|
|
| Registration | ||
| Test Fees |
Without Essay: USD 52 |
International Testing( Outside of the US, Canada, or US territories): ACT (No Writing): USD 150 |
| Miscellaneous Fees |
1. International Testing (Singapore): USD 53 |
1. International Testing (Outside of the US, |
| Duration |
3 hours (+ 50 Minutes for Essay) |
2 hours 55 minutes (+ 40 Minutes for Writing) |
| Attempts Allowed |
Recommended: At most 4 |
Unlimited |
| Test Frequency |
International test dates (Singapore): March, May, October, December |
International test dates: Apr, Jun, Jul, Sep, Oct, Dec |
| Test Format |
Paper-based test |
International: Computer-based test only |
| Results Release Date |
2 Weeks (online) |
MCQ: 2-8 weeks (online) |
| Validity |
5 years |
5 years |
Recent Acceptances
FAQs
Should I take the SAT or ACT?
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What are the changes to the SAT Subject Tests and optional SAT Essay?
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