Do International Students Still Need to Take the SAT? A Complete Guide to U.S. College Standardized Testing for Foreign Applicants

Once upon a time, standardized testing was a rite of passage for college-bound American students. Cramming from oversized SAT prep books, sharpening No. 2 pencils, and taking the SAT or ACT were integral parts of the high school experience. These tests, along with events like homecoming or prom, were cornerstones of the journey toward U.S. college admissions.

These days, however, the landscape of college admissions has shifted. Many universities have started to question the role of standardized tests in their admissions process, with some schools even adopting test-optional policies. This change has left both domestic and international students wondering: what role do standardized tests like the SAT and ACT still play?

So, what exactly are standardized tests, and do foreign applicants still need to take them? Here’s the most up-to-date information on testing requirements for U.S. universities and how these changes could impact you as an international applicant.

What is Standardized Testing?

In the context of U.S. college admissions, standardized testing typically refers to two major exams: the SAT and the ACT. The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) focuses on two primary sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. Both sections consist entirely of multiple-choice questions, with each scored out of 800, combining for a total maximum score of 1600.

The ACT includes five sections: English, Math, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing portion. The ACT is also primarily multiple choice, but students who choose the Writing section will need to produce a brief essay. The ACT is scored differently from the SAT, with a scale from 1 to 36. Scores from all sections are averaged to calculate the final ACT composite score.

So What Changed?

Unlike other countries, the U.S. doesn’t have large, national qualifying exams like the baccalaureate or GCSE. Educational standards vary significantly across states, and the SAT and ACT were created to offer a consistent testing system that would help college admissions committees gauge an applicant's scholastic aptitude on a national scale.

However, controversy emerged when data showed that the SAT and ACT were not necessarily leveling the playing field. Studies revealed a strong correlation between parental income and test scores, with wealthier students often outperforming their peers due to access to better resources, including private test prep. This raised concerns about the fairness of standardized testing, prompting some universities to adopt test-optional policies. The hope was that removing these testing requirements would create a more equitable admissions process, leading to a more diverse student body.

The biggest disruption to standardized testing came with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since neither the SAT nor ACT could be administered remotely, many schools suspended their testing requirements during the 2020 lockdown. Now, many are wondering whether standardized tests like the SAT and ACT could soon become relics of the past.

Where Do Standardized Tests Stand Today?

For students hoping to avoid standardized exams, the news is mixed: standardized testing is making a comeback. While some top-tier schools, like Harvard and the University of Michigan, continue to uphold their test-optional policies, others, such as M.I.T., Yale, and Dartmouth, have decided to reinstate SAT and ACT requirements for future admissions

The reasoning behind this reversal is ironically similar to the arguments used to justify getting rid of testing in the first place. Advocates for reinstating testing requirements argue that students from under-resourced schools often lack access to the extracurricular activities and advanced coursework that tend to bolster applications from wealthier students. Standardized test scores provide a way for these students to demonstrate their academic abilities and signal that they are capable of handling the rigor of college-level work.

Yes But- Do I Have to Take Them?

Short answer: yes. As a foreign applicant, it’s strongly recommended that you take (and aim for a high score on) the SAT or ACT, regardless of your target school’s testing policy.

When admissions officers review your application, their primary concern is whether you can succeed at their institution. As an international student, you face the additional challenge of demonstrating your potential to thrive in the American university system. Standardized tests play a crucial role in this assessment. They not only serve as proof of your English proficiency but also indicate your ability to think critically and solve problems like an American student. Mastery of the basic verbal reasoning and mathematical skills tested in the SAT and ACT reflects the academic foundation expected of high school graduates in the U.S. Plus, sharing the common experience of test preparation can be a great way to bond with your freshman roommate—after all, as they say, misery loves company!

The good news is that these exams are more manageable than they may seem at first. With some dedicated test prep and effective strategies, you can achieve a score that accurately represents your academic capabilities.

If you’re interested in learning how to excel on these exams, contact Dr. Elizabeth Churchill to schedule a personalized exam prep session or to discuss how standardized tests fit into your unique college application strategy.