Study in the U.S.

Undergraduate Study

Standardized Admissions Tests

When Should I Start?
Prepare and Register for Tests:
12-18 months prior to enrollment

Types of Tests
You will need to allow sufficient time to prepare for and take any required admissions tests. The university application materials, web sites and various university directories will indicate which standardized tests are required for admission at each institution. There are a limited number of testing dates for each exam and every exam offered is not available at each testing date. Therefore, good advance planning is necessary.

In Switzerland most students will take the SAT I: Reasoning Test but institutions also accept the ACT exam which is also given in Switzerland. The SAT test measures your basic ability in math and verbal reasoning and does not test you on a specific curriculum. The ACT exam measures your ability in Reading, English, Science and Math and also does not test on a specific curriculum.

For the more competitive institutions, you may also need to take the SAT II: Subject Tests, which measure your knowledge in specific subject areas. If the Subject Tests are required by the university or college usually scores for three subject tests are required. Contact the college or university directly to find out how many and which subject tests they prefer for your intended field of study.

For Swiss students, it is recommended that you consider taking the SAT II: Subject Tests whether or not the university requires them for admission. They measure knowledge in specific areas, which make them a good benchmark of your ability in specific fields.

Timing
Note the application deadlines of the universities you have chosen to apply to and work backwards from these deadlines. You must register 6 weeks before the test is administered and you must allow time for the results to be computed and sent to the schools of your choice. Some universities may allow you to take a test after their application deadline (you must confirm this with them) but it is important not to count on this. It is very unlikely that the tests will be waived for admission, so it is imperative to plan your testing schedule carefully, otherwise you may miss your opportunity to enroll for the semester start you wish and may have to wait a full year to start your educational program.

Registering for the Exams
Remember that the easiest way to register for the SAT I and the SAT II exams is on-line at http://www.collegeboard.com

However, even if you register on-line the registration deadlines hold firm!

To register for the ACT exam the student must contact the supervisor of the testing center where they wish to test. The deadline is two weeks before the scheduled test date. Check for more information on the testing dates and the testing centers in Switzerland on-line at: http://www.act.org

Remember it is your responsibility to request that your test scores are sent to the colleges of your choice. You designate the score recipients when you register for the tests.

English Proficiency
Your ability to speak, write and understand English is an absolute requirement to be considered for direct admission to most degree programs in the US. If your education has not been in English you will need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) to demonstrate that your English is sufficient. (Other English qualifications may be accepted by an institution but you will need to check with each school for their individual conditions.)

The Educational Resource Stations may have some limited supplies of the official bulletins that provide registration details and content information for these tests. However, all of these bulletins and registration details are also available on-line.