To get admitted into American Universities, the admission departments at universities do not only look at your high school transcripts and your GPA (grade point average). They also require standardized test scores for admissions. These tests can include the SAT or ACT, TOEFL, IELTS or DuoLingo English test. For masters and graduate programs, other tests may apply as well. Your scores on these tests do not only determine whether or not you will get accepted by the university but can also influence your academic scholarship.
There are many different admission tests, and they all have pros and cons. In this article we will try to give you an overview of the most famous tests and the differences between them. Would you like to find out which admissions test you should take? Reach out to us and we will help you out!
SAT
The SAT is a standardized admissions test for American universities. The test consists of the elements mathematics and English reading. You will receive a separate score for each element, leading up to a total combined score. The highest possible score you can get is 1600 points; 800 for the math section, and 800 for the English section. In the past, the SAT also had a part in it where students needed to write an essay. This does not exist anymore. Slamstox will help you prepare for the test with practice material and practice exams. We will also share your scores with college coaches and universities and help you apply for academic scholarships if possible!
The SAT test is a test to be taken by all high school students that are interested in pursuing an American college degree. Transfer students usually don’t need to take the SAT.
ACT
The American College Testing (ACT) is, just like the SAT, a standardized admissions test for universities in the United States.
The ACT test consists of four different elements: English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. You will receive a separate score for each element. Students usually decide to take the SAT or the ACT, but not both. Students with a strong technical skillset usually decide to take the ACT, because they can score high on the sciences part.
Duolingo English Test
The DuoLingo English test is a new, modern method to test your English language skills. You can take the test at home, which is not always the case for the TOEFL or IELTS tests.
You can get a score between 0 and 160 points for the Duolingo, with 160 being the highest possible score.
Since the introduction of Covid, the Duolingo English Test got very popular. The biggest advantage of the Duolingo is that you can take the test at home, the scores will be out very quickly (usually within 48 hours) and the test is cheaper than the TOEFL or IELTS test. However, not all universities accept the Duolingo English Test.
Would you like to know if taking the Duolingo is enough for admission at your university? Reach out to us!
TOEFL
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required for nearly every international student for whom English is not their first language.
The TOEFL test consists of reading, speaking, writing and listening elements. You can score up to 30 points for each section, totalling up to 120 points max. American universities find it important that their students have a minimum skillset in English. Slamstox helps you prepare for the TOEFL. We can help you with signing up and planning the test, but also offer practice material and practice exams. Together we will share your scores with college coaches and universities.
IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an alternative for the TOEFL or DuoLingo English test.
The IELTS tests your English skills with reading, speaking, writing, and listening components. Every university requires a minimum score for students to get accepted. You can score between 0 and 9 points on the IELTS. Slamstox helps you prepare for the IELTS tests. In addition to signing up and planning for the test, we help you with practice material and practice tests, and with sending your scores to coaches and universities.
For masters and graduate students: GMAT and GRE
The GMAT and GRE are specific admission tests for universities accepting graduate or masters students.
The GMAT Is mostly relevant for grad students interested in pursuing a business or finance degree. The test covers English and Math, just like the SAT, but on a higher level. The GRE is a bit more generalized test focused on students that would like to pursue a grad program in the US. It focuses mainly on English, but also on math.
Are you interested in studying at a US university, and combining this with playing your sport? And would you like to know which admission tests would be best for you? Feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help you to create a plan!
