What’s Next After SAT and ACT Exams?

Students who wish to apply to top global colleges for undergraduate programs typically take exams such as the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and the ACT (American College Testing). Apart from CGPA, some prestigious colleges seek good SAT and ACT scores to admit students into their top programs. SAT and ACT are standardised tests that assess students in math, writing and reading. Once the students take the tests and receive their scores, they proceed to the next part of their admission process. This blog explores what’s next after SAT and ACT exams.

When applying to a foreign university, apart from a good CGPA, comprehensive extracurricular activities and other qualifications, a good SAT score or ACT score is of paramount importance. This is because the top universities abroad consider a good SAT score or ACT score as one of their admission criteria. Therefore, one must be aware of how to register for SAT, SAT exam dates in India, SAT fees or SAT exam fees in India, the SAT exam syllabus, or ACT exam syllabus, SAT exam dates and relevant information on SAT results.

Having this information will ensure that your entire admission process runs smoothly. It is imperative to achieve a competent SAT score to give an edge to your application and candidature. The competition is insane; applicants need to perform their remarkable best to make it to a good college abroad.

Once you have worked diligently for your SAT or ACT exam and have appeared for it and achieved a good score, then it is time to start addressing the next phase of your admission process.

If you are wondering, “What after the SAT exam?” or “What to do after the ACT?”, here’s a comprehensive set of steps that follow as the next significant steps towards your undergraduate study program.

We will explore topics like choosing the right university, picking the right courses and what will be the requirements. Well, the most crucial part of your study abroad dream begins right after appearing for the SAT/ACT exam. This entails selecting the right course, the right university, relevant and useful courses to take after SAT, etc.

What is SAT?

SAT, which stands for Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standardised test used for college admissions in the United States and by other countries like Canada and the UK. College boards conduct it to test students’ understanding of topics like reading, writing, and math. 

What is ACT?

The ACT or American College Testing is another popular standardised test for college admissions in the Uniter States. Like SAT, ACT measures students’ core skills in English, Math, Reading and Science. But unlike SAT, ACT also has an optional Writing section.

Overview of the SAT and ACT Exams

• SAT is a standardised test that makes a study abroad aspirant eligible for applying to undergraduate courses in foreign universities. The SAT exam focuses on the following areas: Reading, Writing, and Math. As per the latest guidelines, a new section has been added. This is the ‘optional essay’ section. These sections aim to evaluate candidates’ vocabulary, sentence construction, grammar, arithmetic, data analysis, and problem-solving skills
• ACT is a multiple-choice-based test. It is used by several U.S. colleges and universities to check the eligibility of the candidates applying for admission to undergraduate courses. This exam is a perfect opportunity to obtain a unique STEM course. The exam structure is quite different from SAT, however, both are equally beneficial if you want to get an admission letter from a good American university

So you have worked hard for the SAT, appeared for it and obtained a good score. What now? What’s Next After SAT and ACT Exams? Well, to begin with, a high SAT score increases your chances of getting into your dream college. Also, cracking the SAT or ACT exam means you have completed one-tenth of the application process. Now, there are several things you need to take care of. Here’s

Shortlist the Universities

It is important to pick the right college that offers the most suitable course according to your qualifications and interests. While selecting a college, do not always go by rank. It is very much possible that a high-ranked school may not have a course or program that best fits your requirements. Therefore, one needs to tread carefully.

After completing your SAT exam, you must wait 2-3 weeks for your test score, which can be accessed through the College Board account. 

Understand your score breakdown, and compare it to the cut-offs of the college you want to attend based on the country of your choice, programs offered, caliber of faculty and university ranking. 

Track their alumni through professional portals like LinkedIn to check their placements and career paths.

Research into how these colleges admit students based on their GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and other factors.

Keep backup colleges where your score is in the competitive range.

Some colleges may not consider SAT scores necessary for admission. In such cases, weigh your options carefully and assess whether submitting your scores is beneficial or detrimental.

Consider messaging existing students in the colleges to understand their academic culture, placements and other amenities.

Once zeroed in on the college you want to attend, research each institution’s deadlines and requirements.

To maximise your chances of admission, apply to colleges where your score falls in at or above the 75th percentile.

You can also consult your study abroad consultant like Onwardo to research for you.

Fill out the Common Application (Common App)

In order to apply to universities in the United States, one needs to fill out an application form called the Common Application. Common Application is accepted by a large number of US universities. This application consists of all your personal information, your academic record, extracurricular activity details, and an essay. The word limit of the essay is 650.

Each college has its own section on the Common App and you can choose which ones you want to apply to with a simple click of a button. Moreover, some colleges may have supplementary materials in addition to completing their application.

Common App is a platform created by a group of colleges and universities to simplify the process of college applications. It is now a non-profit membership organisation that caters to over 1,100 colleges and universities. 

First, create a login account and then complete the form with personal details such as personal information, academic records, essays and other important information. 

Self report your SAT and ACT scores if the colleges allow it. Some colleges may require official scores sent directly from the College Board.

Check each college’s testing policies on the Common App and the official website of the college.

Some colleges are test blind, which means they don’t consider your SAT or ACT scores even if you have submitted them.

Monitor application deadlines for each college.

Apply  to Non-Common App Universities

Non Common App colleges are those that don’t come under the ambit of Common App. For these universities and colleges, you must apply individually on their official admissions website.

Colleges such as MIT, UC Berkeley, Georgetown University, the University of Washington, the University of Texas, Rutgers University–New Brunswick, the University of Pittsburgh, and many others do not use the Common App. They use their own application portals.

Some may use different platforms like Coalition Application or Universal Application instead of the Common App.

To apply individually, create an account on the website’s application portal. Furnish with your personal information, academic scores, SAT or ACT scores, essays and LORs.

Upload other documents like transcripts, test scores, SOPs and resumes if needed.

Pay the fee and then track the application status on the website.

The challenge with applying individually is that you need to track each college’s deadlines and the status of your applications. So keep track of crucial deadlines and dates.

Maintain a spreadsheet to keep track of each application.

Submit Grade Transcripts

Submitting grade transcripts is a crucial step in the admission process, during which the college verifies your academic records, including mark sheets and reports. Apart from admissions, the college needs your transcripts for credit transfers, visa applications and other essential procedures.

Every college will have a minimum CGPA requirement to admit you into the program; check whether your requirements are met before you choose a college to apply to.

Some may request records from grade 9 onwards, so ensure all your documents are in order.

To upload your transcripts, you can either use the Common App or the college portal.

Either way, the system of verifying transcripts is quite secure, leaving no room for errors.

The entire process takes between 10 and 20 days, depending on the college’s specific requirements.

It is important to check and re-check the minimum CGPA set by any college/university you are applying to before sending your documents.

Most foreign schools ask for grades from class nine onwards. Ensure that everything is reflected correctly in your documents.

Take TOEFL or IELTS

These two are the standard English language skills tests that are accepted by universities across the world. The TOEFL exam can be taken on certain days every month. Thus, you can decide on a date according to your schedule & convenience and appear for it. Both these tests evaluate candidates’ writing, speaking, and reading skills. TOEFL scores are valid for 5 years, thus, you can take it anytime in your grade 11 or 12.

The maximum TOEFL score is 120, and the maximum IELTS score is 9.0. While different colleges have varying score requirements, a TOEFL score of 80 or higher is typically considered a good score. A good IELTS score is band 7.0 or higher.

You can pick either TOEFL or IELTS based on your comfort level. The TOEFL is computer-based and is based on American English. IELTS accommodates a wider range of accents and offers a broader variety of questions. IELTS is also more face-to-face, which some students may find easier to navigate around than TOEFL’s digital interface.

Alternatively, students can also take Duolingo, which is cheaper and more convenient than TOEFL and IELTS, but is not as widely accepted.

Submit Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

For your CommonApp, you will need at least three letters of recommendation. Each letter should be obtained from a school teacher who has taught you a subject and knows you well enough to give a fair and strong assessment of your qualities. A good recommendation letter that stands out is one that reflects on your academic performance, interpersonal skills as well as extracurricular activities.

LOR is written by a teacher, mentor or counsellor who has known you as a student and can vouch for you as a candidate.

This person should be able to give a glowing review of your skills, work ethic and character.

Family members and friends cannot write an LOR for you for obvious reasons. Colleges want recommendations from unbiased, third-party sources.

Start by zeroing in on a person or people (colleges may ask for more than one LOR) who can recommend you most favourably.

Then make a polite request months in advance, so that they can plan and come up with a compelling LOR. Provide them with any extra information about your achievements that they can incorporate into the LOR.

Provide them with the links and access to submit the documents.

More importantly, cultivate a genuine relationship with the person so that they get a complete insight into you as a candidate.

Provide Statements of Purpose (SOPs)

A statement of purpose is a letter of intent that highlights your motivation to study a program, your academic background and relevant prior knowledge, and your future goals. Your SOP should be original, should have clarity of thought, and should be well-structured.

SOP the student complete control over what they want to show to the admissions committee. It outlines the students’ reasons for applying, academic achievements, goals, leadership experience, extracurricular activities and everything else that makes them a good fit for the college campus.

To write a strong SOP, include crucial information such as academic achievements, professional experience (if applicable), leadership experience, and long-term career objectives.

The objective of the SOP is to demonstrate to the college that you are a good fit for their program.

Prepare Your Resume

Your resume should highlight your achievements like academic achievements, SAT/ACT, AP and TOEFL scores, co-curricular and extracurricular activities and any awards. It should also include information on your language skills, technical skills, and cultural and sports participation.

Bank Statements

Most foreign universities ask for your financial details like proof of funds at the time of application to verify that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the country for the duration of your studies.

Depending on the country’s requirements, arrange for funds either through family or educational loans.  You must have a clear idea of how much you or your family can pay or how will you cover your tuition fee and living expenses. You need to get the attested copies from your bank that will serve as proof for your financials.

Once you have all these documents sorted, you should begin with the application process. This will ensure that your entire application process goes smoothly without any delays.

Prepare for Visa 

Visit the embassy or consulate of the country where you intend to study and obtain a detailed breakdown of its application procedures, required documents, fees, and other requirements.

Get an acceptance letter from the university or college you have applied to. This is a crucial step in your visa application.

You will need a valid passport, financial documents and bank statements, proof of accommodation, passport-size photographs, health insurance (if required), a letter of acceptance, IELTS and TOEFL scores, medical certificates, and other relevant documents.

Complete your visa application and pay the required fee. Some countries may also require personal interviews.  Monitor your progress.

These are the steps you should take after you clear your SAT and ACT exams. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process after the SAT?

After taking the SAT exam, you have to wait 2-3 weeks for the results. You can check your scores on the College Board website. Once you get your results, check your score against the requirements of the university and send your SAT scores through the College Board website to four colleges of your choice for free.

Can I take the ACT after completing 12th grade?

Yes, you can take the ACT after completing 12th grade. It is open to all students irrespective of their educational background or age. Many students take the ACT during their high school years to meet the admission requirements of various colleges and universities.

Is ACT or SAT faster?

SAT is a shorter exam in terms of duration, but ACT has faster-paced questions. If you like to work through your questions quickly, you may find ACT faster. If you want to spend more time per question, the SAT might be right for you.

SAT vs ACT: Which is easier?

Neither is easier nor more brutal than the other. The ACT is faster-paced, while the SAT is slower. If you are a skilled reader with a strong ability to manage your time and a penchant for data interpretation, ACT would be easier. If you have a strong vocabulary with good reading skills and can do mental math, you may find the SAT easier.

Can you take both the SAT and the ACT?

Yes. You can take both the SAT and the ACT, but it’s not necessary. For many students, taking both exams is a strategy to see where they perform better. It allows you to leverage your diverse skill sets and submit your best score to the colleges you want to attend, thereby widening your net. SAT focuses more on vocabulary, evidence-based reading and math. ACT has faster math questions, reading and a Science section. 

What are the requirements for SAT exams?

There is no age limit or academic requirement by the college board to take SAT exams. Typically, it’s taken by 11 and 12 students and even high school graduates. You can create your own College Board account and register online if you are above age 13 or older. Those younger will need parental supervision. Students from any stream–Arts, Commerce or Humanities–can take SAT.