When you apply to a U.S. college or university, you will probably be asked to provide your test scores for the SAT or for the ACT or GRE for graduate programs, which are standardized college entrance exams. If you have an American school in your area, it may let you take the test with their students. Some colleges may even allow you to take the ACT shortly after you arrive to study. While these college entrance exams are an important consideration in the admission process at American schools, you can still overcome a low score by displaying strengths in other areas, such as your school grades, your application essay, or your experiences.

The SAT

The SAT is pronounced as "S-A-T" not "sat" are standardized tests, formerly called the Scholastic Aptitude Tests and Scholastic Assessment Tests, frequently used by colleges and universities in the United States to aid in the selection of incoming freshmen. The SAT is administered by the private, non-profit College Board, and is developed, published, and scored by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

Most students take this exam in June, however, many students take the exam again in the fall of their senior year, and because they were not satisfied with the score they received in June. There are two subjects tested, verbal skills and math skills. 1.8 million Students take the SAT each year. There is some controversy in the United States as to the value of the SAT, but it continues to weigh heavily in any college's evaluation process.

IELTS

IELTS is the "International English Language Testing System". It measures ability to communicate in English across all four language skills - listening, reading, writing and speaking. The IELTS test focuses on "International English", which includes British English, American English and other varieties like Australian or South African English. IELTS test is designed to assess the language ability of non-native speakers of English who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication.

Since 1989, IELTS has been proven and trusted worldwide to provide a secure, global, authentic and customer-focused test which measures true to life ability to communicate in English. Most of Education institutions, faculties, government agencies and professional organisations around the world recognise IELTS scores as a trusted and valid indicator of ability to communicate in English.

The ACT

ACT is an acronym for "American College Test". The ACT is a test to determine a high school graduate's preparation for college-level work. The ACT is emerged in 1959 as a competitor to the College Board's Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Many students who perform poorly on the SAT find they perform much better on the ACT due to differences in the way the questions are presented on the two tests. It covers four areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. The ACT is a test based on courses you have studied; it is not an IQ (intelligence) test. Most U.S. colleges and universities accept ACT results.

The GRE

Graduate Record Examination, commonly required of applicants to graduate schools in fields other than business, law, and medicine. This computerized exam is offered year-round, but only during the first 3 weeks of every calendar month. It tests students on verbal skills, quantitative skills (math), and analytical reasoning skills. In many ways, it is similar to the SAT. Both are administered by the Educational Testing Service and have similar question formats, though the latter is designed by the College Board and is intended for a different level of education.

TOEFL: "Test Of English as Foreign Language"

A test for English language proficiency developed by The College Board Most colleges and universities require international students whose native language is not English to take this test for admission. It is a required exam for those students wishing to begin undergraduate or graduate study in the US. The TOEFL is a computer exam which is given year round. There are 4 sections: listening comprehension, structure, reading comprehension and writing.

Many schools may require a paper-based score of a least 550 (or a computer-based score of at least 213) in order for you to enroll. Higher scores are required for some majors.

Even if you speak English well, you should not avoid taking the test. A good score (higher than 600-650) can improve your chances of getting into the school of your choice.