Undergraduate Admission Requirements and Entrance Examinations

To be eligible for admission to a U.S. university, you must meet certain minimum entry requirements. These include a secondary school diploma or examination results, English language ability, and in many cases a score from one of the U.S. university admissions tests.

Standardized Admissions Tests

As a part of the application process, most American colleges and universities require scores from one of the U.S. standardized admissions tests. To find specific admissions test requirements, use U.S.-university directories such as the International Student Handbook of U.S. Colleges (The College Board, New York, NY) and Applying to Colleges and Universities in the United States: A Handbook for International Students (Peterson's, Princeton, N.J.). Also note that community colleges do not usually require applicants to take standardized admissions tests.

U.S. standardized admissions tests are primarily multiple-choice tests that are intended to measure the skills necessary for undergraduate study. American colleges and universities use admissions tests as a means of assessing all applicants (from the United States and other countries) against the same standard. Keep in mind that secondary school diplomas and examinations are not equivalent to admissions tests, and that tests are only one part of the application — good test scores alone do not guarantee admission to the schools of your choice.

There are three main undergraduate admissions tests:

Some universities may have their own in-house examinations or additional tests that applicants are required to take. For further information, make a list of the colleges you want to apply to, and then use general college directories or the colleges' own catalogs and websites to find out each institution's specific test requirements.

SAT

The SAT is given several times throughout the year at locations worldwide. Preregistration is required, and deadlines are usually six weeks prior to the exam. More specific information about dates, test centers, fees, and registration procedures is available in the SAT registration bulletin or on the SAT website. More

SAT Subject Tests

Primarily multiple choice, only one hour long. Measure knowledge in specific subject areas. Many U.S. colleges and universities, especially those that have more competitive admissions criteria, either require or recommend one or more SAT Subject Test scores for admission and/or placement purposes. Be sure to check each institution's requirements before registering for an SAT Subject Test. While some colleges specify which subject tests you must take, others leave the option up to you. In this case, it is advisable to take exams in your strongest areas of study. More

The ACT (American College Testing Assessment)

Administered by ACT, Inc., the ACT is used by every 4-year college and university in the United States.  Unlike the SAT, the ACT is curriculum based, meaning it directly tests students on the subjects they are learning in school. Because of this, some students tend to feel more comfortable with its format. 

The ACT is given up to five times annually, and ACT Test Centers are located in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. More

English Language Ability

A basic requirement for successful study in the United States is the ability to communicate in English. If English is not your native language, U.S. universities and colleges will ask you to take an English language proficiency test before admitting you to a degree program. Almost all institutions require that this test be the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A few may accept scores from other examinations or administer their own tests. For further information, check the admissions requirements for international students on the university’s website or contact the admissions office to discuss your situation.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to use and understand English as it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings. The exam is offered in one of three different formats depending on a test taker's location.  The most current and wide-spread format of the exam is the Internet-based test (iBT); however, in several countries where iBT is not yet available, the Paper-Based Test (PBT) is still offered. More