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What’s Next After SAT and ACT Exams?

 

If you are planning to pursue your undergraduate degree from a foreign university (the UK, USA, or Canada), then you must be aware that you will need to appear for standardized admission tests like SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or ACT (American College Testing) exam to further fortify your application.

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. Read further to find out about it.

More often than not, it is observed that study abroad aspirants, after appearing for SAT exam, are left wondering ‘what next?’ 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.

 

First, let us give you an overview of the SAT and ACT Exams.

  • SAT or the Scholastic Aptitude Test is a standardized 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
  • American College Testing or the ACT exam 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? 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.

 

1. First and Foremost, Shortlist the Universities you want to Apply to

It is of paramount importance 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.

 

2. 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.

 

3. Fill out Applications to Other Universities

Now, there are many universities each of which has a different application process, these are called non-CommonApp universities., for example, UC System, UIUC, GeorgiaTech, etc. These universities have their own requirements in terms of supplementary essays which you need to write and submit.

 

4. Check your Grade Transcripts

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

 

5. TOEFL/IELTS test

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.

 

6. 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.

 

7. Statement of Purpose (SOP)

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.

 

8. 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.

 

9. Bank Statements

Most foreign universities ask for your financial details like proof of funds at the time of application. 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.

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FAQs

Is SAT or ACT required for applying to universities abroad?

Yes. Both SAT and ACT add an extra qualification and strengthen your application.

What should be the next important step after the SAT exam?

Once you are done with SAT exam, it is time to start shortlisting colleges according to your SAT score and other qualifications

What are the requirements for SAT exams?

The main requirement to appear for the SAT exams is a class 10th/12th pass certificate. There is no age bar.

How many times can one appear for the ACT exam?

The ACT is administered seven times a year, and you can appear for it up to twelve times.

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