SAT and ACT –Who Needs To Test • Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are designed to allow college admissions officers to judge all students by a common measurement. Scores on these tests can help them to understand students who come from high schools all over the world with different curricula and grading standards. • Remember, the SAT or ACT can be an important part of your application, but it is only one of several factors that colleges consider, from your courses and grades to recommendations and your personal statement.

PAKISTAN Yes • LUMS: LUMS requires the SAT 1(With Writing) test from everyone, School of Science and Engineering applicants also have to take the LUMS science entrance tests. There is no minimum cutoff score. ACT not accepted. Maybe • IBA: You may be exempted from the IBA test if you obtain the following scores: As on website SAT ACT May 14, 2018

Program Reading & Math Essay Composite Writing Writing

BBA 630 640 18 29 25

Social Science 600 600 18 28 25

Acc & 630 640 Not Required 28 Not Required Finance

-Comp Sc 600 640, and Not Required 28 Not Required -Econ and 650 (Math Math Subject Test)

• NUST: Can accept SAT 1 (for those applying to Business Studies / Social Sciences) or Subject tests (all other disciplines) instead of or in addition to their entry test. They allow you to apply with both SAT tests and their entry test. Test requirements vary by discipline. Confirm directly with NUST. No • Some Pakistani universities, such as GIK and AKU, will allow students who are applying from abroad to show SAT scores instead of sitting the entrance examination. So far, this option is not available to students studying in Pakistan, who must take the local entrance test. In this case, showing SAT scores will not make any difference, as they must use your entrance test score to compare you to the other applicants. If you are in doubt, check with the university itself regarding their policies. • AKU: The SAT test is not accepted in lieu of the medical entrance tests, but is strongly recommended as a valuable preparation tool.

UNITED STATES (and US schools abroad): All schools accept both SAT and ACT - you need only give one or the other. • Testing policies can vary widely, so check each school’s website carefully to confirm requirements. • Students who will apply to the United States should take the SAT I or ACT during AI year.

SAT 1/ACT: • Most schools will require at least an SAT 1 /ACT score, but there are some that do not. Most school “superscore” which means that they combine the best sub-scores from different test dates. • A few schools are “test optional” o If the SAT is not sent, then other aspects of the application should be strong. o If testing is optional for international students, then TOEFL is usually required. • A few schools are “test flexible” o Other tests (SAT Subject tests/AP/IB/A Levels, etc.) may replace SAT 1/ACT. • ACT takers - confirm whether your schools require the optional writing test.

SAT Subject Tests • There are only a handful of schools that still require the subject tests. They usually ask for scores in 2 subjects. o Some schools or specialized undergraduate programs (ex: architecture/engineering) may specify which tests they will want you to take. o The Math 1 and Math 2 combo is acceptable unless otherwise stated on the colleges website, but it is less strong than scores in 2 separate subjects. If you have an O or A Level background in one of the other subjects, but choose to take both Math tests instead, then it will be considered as a weaker choice. o ACT can replace SAT Subject tests at some schools. • If SAT Subject test scores are not required you can submit them as an additional credential if you wish. o Schools that “recommend” SAT Subject tests are usually very competitive, so showing strong scores in SAT Subject tests can help. o Good SAT 2 scores can strengthen any application, especially for financial aid applicants. o Do not spend time and money taking SAT Subject tests unless you think you can get a strong score. If SAT Subject tests are optional, it is better not to send weak scores.

OTHER COUNTRIES Yes • US schools abroad often require SAT. • National University of Singapore requires SAT 1 (not ACT) and three SAT 2 scores, of which one must be Math 2 from students who wish to start the same year they take their A Level exams. Students applying with final A level results for the following year need not give SAT at all. No • Universities in other countries rarely require the SAT/ACT from students who are studying in the British system (some may list SAT as a requirement for those coming from US system schools).

SAT.ACT – Who Needs to Test 5/2018 MN, AWB – The Lyceum