Updated: Thursday, December 26, 2024
By Richard, IvyWise Master Tutor
When it comes to getting a great score on the ACT or SAT, the process of preparing and studying for the exam can seem quite complicated, especially if you are applying from abroad and aren’t familiar with the test. Instead of stressing out, know it can be done — as long as you learn about the exam and create a testing strategy.
Although it might seem a little overwhelming at first, ACT or SAT prep can be a good opportunity to develop time management and problem-solving skills, which will serve you well in college. In order to achieve your best score and get a head start on university-level study habits, keep reading for a few top test taking tips for international students.
Some students believe that their scores will remain fixed regardless of how much time and effort they put into studying. Fortunately, the opposite is true. The more you work to prepare for these exams, the more your scores will go up and the better your results will be. The SAT and ACT are coachable tests!
With the right amount of effort and support, you can see exceptional score increases. The ACT and SAT exams are often initially very unfamiliar to students from abroad, so you can make significant progress as you become more accustomed to the exam. Once students become aware that these exams require considerable preparation and that their scores can improve with effort, they are often inspired to put time into the process and seek out the guidance needed in order to succeed.
International students are often capable of making more progress on average than other students, but this progress may take more time. With the right organization and time commitment, you can turn the challenges of preparing for the ACT and SAT into advantages as your scores go up. There is no quick fix for studying — you need to put in the work in order to see results.
Beginning test preparation a year or two in advance can give you the time needed to create a test-taking strategy and study routinely without cramming in the last minute. Starting early can be particularly important for international students because it can often take more time to adjust to the U.S. style of testing and the level of English that the exams are measuring.
In general, students should expect that their results will be proportional to their efforts. This doesn’t just mean putting in the time, although the amount of hours spent studying will be a key factor to score improvement. Having a great tutor for this process can make it more efficient and help you feel supported throughout your journey.
By starting early, putting in the time needed, and working smart, you can see significant progress and attain the scores you are looking for by your final year of high school. The saying “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” rings true for SAT and ACT preparation — achieving the best results takes patience.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed or defeated by the SAT or ACT exam, international students should feel empowered. If you are looking to improve your SAT or ACT scores, the IvyWise team of expert tutors can help you create a test-taking plan and develop strong study habits.
The COVID-19 pandemic shifted the way higher education institutions review applications, with many colleges choosing to adopt a test-optional application review process. However, with record-breaking applicant pools and record-low admit rates, families are worried that test-optional may not really mean test-optional at all. Here is what we know, so far.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought on numerous changes within the standardized testing industry, including the introduction of a new, entirely digital testing format and many colleges shifting to a test-optional admissions process for the 2020-21 admissions cycle.
Fast forward a few years. More than 1,900 colleges and universities in the U.S. extended their test-optional policies through the 2023-24 application cycle, with some making the move to test-optional even longer or permanent. Other schools have since reinstated their standardized testing requirements.
Curious about the testing policies of the schools on your best-fit list? Check out our recently updated list below.
By Joey, IvyWise Tutor
For many international students, taking the TOEFL exam is one of many steps on their radar for the U.S. college admissions process. Many colleges do require TOEFL scores as part of their international application review process, so it’s important to do your research and see what the policy is at every school on your best-fit list.
Exams like the SAT, ACT, PSAT and AP tests can all seem overwhelming at first. Being asked to complete an academic assessment is already stressful, and it’s even more challenging to perform well under timed conditions when the stakes are high.
