Exams — your passport to the academic world

Know what to take, how long it takes, and where to prep—so you plan smarter and apply with confidence.

Core admissions tests (US undergrad)

Many US colleges are test-optional, but a strong score can strengthen merit aid chances and help at selective schools.

SAT and ACT illustration
  • SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
    • Measures math & evidence-based reading/writing (digital SAT).
    • Duration: ~2 hours 14 minutes.
  • ACT
    • Measures English, math, reading, science (+ optional writing).
    • Duration: ~2 h 55 m (no writing) · ~3 h 35 m (with writing).

English proficiency (most internationals)

IELTS and TOEFL illustration
  • IELTS
    • Reading, listening, writing, speaking.
    • Duration: ~2 h 45 m.
  • TOEFL iBT
    • Reading, listening, speaking, writing.
    • Duration: ~2 h (modern iBT).
  • Duolingo English Test (DET)
    • Adaptive test + video; increasingly accepted.
    • Duration: ~60 m.

Optional & alternate credits

  • AP Exams — subject mastery; may earn credit/placement (2–3 h each).
  • IB Exams — HL/SL subjects with internal/external assessment.
  • CLEP — test out of intro courses; ~90–120 m each (institution-specific acceptance).
  • Test-optional policies — many schools evaluate without SAT/ACT; strong coursework, essays, and activities matter more.

Always check each university’s current policy and score thresholds for your program.

Prep resources (hand-picked)

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