Your UK guide to US college entrance exams
Applying to US universities means navigating a different testing landscape from the UK.
Whether you're preparing for undergraduate, postgraduate, or independent school admissions, this guide covers the standardised tests US institutions expect: what they assess, who needs them, and how recent format changes shape your preparation in 2026.
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SAT — the most widely used US college entrance exam
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), administered by the College Board, is the longest-established standardised test for US undergraduate admissions.
Since March 2024 in the US, and March 2023 for international students, the SAT has been fully digital. Students take it on a laptop or tablet using the College Board's Bluebook app.
How the digital SAT works
The Digital SAT has two main sections:
- Reading and Writing: two modules, 64 minutes total, scored out of 800
- Math: two modules, 70 minutes total, scored out of 800. Calculators are allowed throughout, with an embedded Desmos graphing calculator built into Bluebook.
Section scores combine for a composite out of 1600. The total test runs around 2 hours 14 minutes plus a short break, significantly shorter than the previous paper SAT. The Digital SAT is also adaptive: the difficulty of each section's second module depends on performance in the first.
UK and international students applying to selective US universities typically aim for scores of 1400+ for top-50 institutions and 1500+ for Ivy League and similarly competitive schools. SAT scores are one factor among several in admissions decisions, alongside grades, recommendations, essays, and extracurriculars.
Essential SAT Resources
Compare SAT vs ACT
If you'd like an overview of how the two tests differ before committing to a full practice test, our SAT vs ACT guide covers format, scoring, timing, and which students tend to suit each test.
SAT test dates
Find out more about taking the SAT test in the uk, and see the full list of test dates on our SAT Dates and Registration page.
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ACT — an equally accepted alternative to the SAT
The ACT (originally the American College Test) is accepted at every US university that accepts the SAT, with both tests treated as interchangeable.
From September 2025, the ACT introduced significant changes (the ACT Enhancement) that made the test shorter and more flexible.
How the enhanced ACT works
Under the current format, the ACT Composite Score is based on three core sections:
- English: 35 minutes, 50 questions, scored out of 36
- Math: 50 minutes, 45 questions, scored out of 36
- Reading: 40 minutes, 36 questions, scored out of 36
The Science and Writing sections are now optional. We generally recommend students take Science as well as the core sections. Strong Science scores can support applications to STEM programmes, and a number of universities still expect to see it. We don't usually recommend Writing unless a specific target university explicitly requires it; most no longer do.
Each section is scored out of 36, with the composite (also out of 36) averaged from the core sections. The shortened core ACT runs around 2 hours 5 minutes; with Science added, it's closer to 2 hours 45 minutes; with both Science and Writing, around 3 hours 25 minutes. From February 2026, the test also has fewer questions and shorter passages overall.
Essential ACT Resources
Compare ACT vs SAT
If you'd like an overview of how the two tests differ before committing to a full practice test, our ACT vs SAT guide covers format, scoring, timing, and which students tend to suit each test.
ACT test dates
The ACT runs internationally throughout the year and is taken in a digital format at international test centres.
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Approach the ACT with clarity and confidence. We offer personalised tutoring in person in London or online worldwide.
PSAT — practice for the SAT
The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is a shorter, lower-stakes version of the SAT designed for Year 11 and Year 12 students (Grades 10 and 11 in the US system).
It went fully digital in 2023, mirroring the Digital SAT format closely.
How the PSAT works
The PSAT isn't accepted as a college entrance exam in its own right, but it serves as an excellent benchmark and preparation tool ahead of the real SAT. Students experience the test conditions, the digital interface, and the question style without the stakes of an admissions-grade score.
The PSAT is particularly relevant for students at international schools running American or hybrid curricula, including ASL (American School in London), TASIS England, and the ACS International Schools. Many of these schools administer the PSAT as part of their academic programme.
For US-resident students who score in the top 1%, the PSAT can lead to qualification for the National Merit Scholarship Programme — a meaningful financial award. This particular benefit isn't available to UK and international students, but the PSAT remains valuable as low-stakes exam-room practice.
Other tests US applications might require
Beyond the SAT and ACT, US applications can involve several other standardised tests, depending on the level of study and the student's circumstances.
Postgraduate admissions: GRE and GMAT
The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is the most common postgraduate admissions test in the US, accepted across most disciplines including business schools. Since September 2023, the GRE has been a shorter test of around 1 hour 58 minutes, with Verbal and Quantitative sections each scored out of 170 and a single Analytical Writing essay scored 0–6.
The GMAT Focus Edition (the current GMAT, replacing the old GMAT in 2024) runs around 2 hours 15 minutes and consists of Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, scored from 205 to 805. Most US business schools now accept the GRE and GMAT interchangeably.
Independent school admissions: ISEE and SSAT
Younger students applying to US independent middle and high schools, or to international schools running American curricula, may need to take the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination) or SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test). Both assess Verbal Reasoning, Reading, and Math, with results reported as percentiles. The SSAT can be taken up to eight times per year; the ISEE is restricted to once every four months.
Subject-specific knowledge: AP exams
Advanced Placement (AP) exams are subject-specific College Board tests, taken by students studying AP courses or sometimes as standalone qualifications. Strong AP scores (4s and 5s) demonstrate subject mastery and can earn university credit at many US institutions, particularly useful for UK students whose A-Level subjects don't perfectly map to their intended US major.
English language proficiency
Non-native English speakers typically need to demonstrate English proficiency through one of three accepted tests:
- TOEFL iBT: the most widely accepted, taken online or at a test centre, scored 0–120
- IELTS Academic: accepted at most US universities, scored 0–9
- Duolingo English Test: increasingly accepted, taken online from home, considerably cheaper and shorter than TOEFL or IELTS
Students from majority-English-speaking countries (including the UK) usually don't need to take these tests, but each university sets its own policy. Always check the specific requirements of your target schools.
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Your US college entrance exam questions, answered
Most selective US universities require either the SAT or ACT, though some have moved to test-optional or test-flexible policies. International students should check the specific testing requirements of each target university, as policies vary by institution and have changed in recent years. Even where tests are optional, strong scores can strengthen an application — particularly from international students whose academic systems differ from the US.
For Ivy League and similarly competitive universities, students typically aim for 1500+ out of 1600. For top-50 US institutions more broadly, 1400+ is a strong target. Scores between 1300 and 1400 keep options open at many strong universities, though selective programmes will weigh scores alongside academic record, essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars.
The Digital SAT runs around 2 hours 14 minutes of testing time, plus a short break — significantly shorter than the old paper SAT. It is split between Reading and Writing (64 minutes) and Math (70 minutes), with each section delivered in two adaptive modules.
We generally recommend taking Science alongside the core English, Math, and Reading sections. Strong Science scores can support STEM applications, and a number of universities still expect to see Science included. We don't usually recommend Writing unless a specific target university explicitly requires it.
Students from majority-English-speaking countries, including the UK, typically don't need to take English proficiency tests for US university applications. However, each university sets its own policy, so check the requirements of your specific target schools. Non-native English speakers usually need TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, or the Duolingo English Test.
Most UK students start preparation in Year 11 or early Year 12, aiming to take the test in Year 12 or early Year 13. The PSAT in Year 11 can be a useful low-stakes benchmark beforehand. Students applying via Early Decision typically need scores ready by October of their final school year.