Applying to a university abroad can be a challenging and exciting process.
When looking at schools, we encourage students to think about the location, campus size, available programs, and the specific steps they need to take to get into their best-fit university.
Commonly, students choose to study in the U.S., with a massive 80% of Concordia graduates making this location their home for post-secondary.
But when it comes to the application process and the specific marks American universities look at during admissions season, getting into college can be a little more stressful as the U.S. post-secondary landscape is quite competitive.
According to projections from the National Centre for Education Statistics (NCES), there will be an estimated 20 million post-secondary students in the U.S. alone in 2020 in both private and public institutions, and that number is only expected to rise.
With such a high demand for a spot at an American university, it can be difficult for students to stand out from the crowd, especially for international students looking to study in the U.S.
But with the stat above in mind, Concordia graduates continually receive admission to U.S. universities.
To help your children succeed and take some of the stress away when it comes to trying to understand which marks American universities look at during applications, we’ve outlined everything you need to know below. As you read through the article, you’ll not only also discover the tests required by U.S. admissions, you’ll also find some helpful tips that will help set your children on a successful path.
The SAT is taken by all high school students looking to apply to American universities. This globally recognized test demonstrates to university admissions that students are able to apply their knowledge and think critically, both of which are essential skills in a student. This test, combined with their high school exam scores, can help universities predict how successful a student will be in post-secondary. The SAT also factors into decisions regarding scholarships.
The test features both a multiple choice and essay section, and covers three core topics:
Students receive a grade for each section, with the total giving them their final SAT score. Most universities look at the results for each section as well as the overall score.
Each section is covered by three timed tests with an additional ungraded 10th section to test potential questions for next year’s exam. Students must complete all sections in three hours and 45 minutes. In the Mathematics sections, students are allowed to bring an approved calculator.
As this test focuses on the academic ability of a student, the SAT requires intense preparation and revision of educational content, often spanning months before the day of the exam.
While grades are an important aspect of any university application, most admissions committees look beyond what exam results may show. To learn more about qualities valued by admissions officers, click here.
For international students looking to study at an American university, they’re required to take the TOEFL in order to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. It’s often the first test looked at during an international student’s application process.
This test takes four hours to complete and focuses on four aspects of language:
Each section is scored out of 30, with a total grade out of 120. Most universities accept a score minimum in the 60s, but some top universities may require a score of 100 or higher. Students may take this test on a computer or on paper, though the digital version is preferred.
The ACT is another standardized test used by admissions officers to determine if a student possesses the knowledge and skills needed to succeed at their school.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures a student’s aptitude and critical thinking skills, which demonstrates their ability beyond rote memorization.
There are four mandatory sections to the ACT as well as an optional one:
The tests looked at by American Universities during admissions are designed to prove your children can handle the challenges presented in a post-secondary setting.
With some preparation and a lot of hard work, your children will have the ability to go one step further and prove to admissions they are more than capable of handling the challenges presented in a university setting, they prove they have the ability to excel in their studies.
Now that you have a grasp of the testing requirements to study in the U.S., how exactly do you go about helping give your children the best chance to actually receive admission to their best-fit university? Click the link below to find out.