1. Standardized Tests
SAT1 and ACT
Both serve the same purpose and are U.S. college entrance exams. During the admissions process, schools do not favor one type of test over the other. Since SAT is more widely recognized in China, more students choose to take the SAT.
SAT2
This is the common term for SAT Subject Tests, which are subject-specific exams testing a student's proficiency in a particular subject. If you are applying to highly ranked institutions, it is recommended to have at least 2 SAT2 scores.
Tips: Georgetown University strongly recommends submitting 3 SAT2 scores. Most top 30 schools require or recommend submitting 2 SAT2 scores, and some even specify the subjects, e.g., MIT requires one SAT2 Math and one SAT2 Science.
Annual SAT1/2 and ACT Test Dates Schedule:
Special Reminder:
International test centers offer fewer SAT test dates. However, the U.S. test centers offer an additional SAT test in August. To avoid missing the November EA/ED application deadlines, students who are able may consider traveling to the U.S. during the summer break to take the August SAT.
AP Exams
Advanced Placement (AP) refers to college-level courses offered in high school, and the corresponding exams are called AP exams. They are held globally in May each year, with scores released in early July.
AP courses are equivalent to college-level difficulty. Students not in AP courses can still register for the exams separately. However, AP scores are not a required application material; they serve to strengthen an application and can be used to earn college credits in the future. For students not enrolled in AP courses, it is advisable to study for and take the exams only if they have spare capacity. High AP scores are like icing on the cake, showcasing additional academic ability and increasing competitiveness.
2. Language Proficiency Tests
Most U.S. institutions accept both TOEFL and IELTS. It is recommended to take the TOEFL exam. Note that TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years. To ensure the score remains valid at the time of university application, it is recommended to take the exam no earlier than the second semester of 10th grade.
If you plan to attend a competitive summer school during the summer between 10th and 11th grade, you should take the TOEFL early enough to achieve a satisfactory score for summer school applications.
2018 TOEFL iBT Test Dates in China:
Tips: Some institutions offer exemption from language proficiency test submission under certain conditions, such as achieving a certain SAT/ACT score, or having studied for N years at an English-medium secondary school. Students who meet these conditions may choose not to submit language test scores.
This "benefit" offered by schools is particularly useful for students whose TOEFL scores are relatively weak compared to their SAT scores; they can take advantage of this policy to avoid submitting a low TOEFL score. Of course, if a student has a very good TOEFL score, it is still recommended to submit it even if the school has such a policy.
TOEFL Score Requirements for Top Schools
National Universities
To be more competitive in applications:
1. For top 20 schools, a TOEFL score of 110+ is recommended.
2. For schools ranked 20-40, a TOEFL score of 100-110 is recommended.
3. For schools ranked 40-60, a TOEFL score of 95-100 is recommended.
4. For schools ranked 60-100, aside from a few exceptions, a score of 80-90 is advised, with 90-95 being even better. If the score is below 79-80, some schools may offer conditional admission, requiring completion of certain English improvement courses before formal enrollment.
Tips: Some schools also have requirements for TOEFL section scores. Chinese students' weakest area, Speaking, should ideally be above 23; for highly ranked schools, a Speaking score of 26 or above is recommended.
Liberal Arts Colleges
1. Top 50 liberal arts colleges generally require a TOEFL score of 100 or above.
2. For top 20 liberal arts colleges, to be competitive, a TOEFL score of 110+ is recommended.
3. Most schools ranked beyond 60 do not require international students to submit SAT/ACT scores; students can apply with only their TOEFL score.
Tips: In application preparation, it is recommended to tackle TOEFL first, achieve a score of 90 or above, and then move on to SAT/ACT. This is because the difficulty and demands of SAT/ACT are a step above TOEFL; if the foundational TOEFL is not yet solid, preparing for SAT/ACT can be quite challenging.
3. GPA
GPA refers to the 9th to 12th grade academic performance.
Regular domestic high schools in China generally do not have a GPA system, only percentage scores in each subject. Most students in U.S. high schools have a GPA. For students in IB, AP, A-Level programs, it depends on the school; they may not necessarily have a GPA.
Note: If your school does not have a GPA, simply use the school's official transcript template; do not add or convert to a GPA on your own.
Academic performance is naturally the higher the better. Basically, top-tier prestigious schools require a GPA of 3.85 or above (equivalent to an average percentage score of around 90). Top 50 universities require a GPA of 3.65 or above (equivalent to an average percentage score of around 85).
We hope this article can help you. If you have further questions about study abroad applications or essay writing, feel free to consult "CheersYou（清柚教育） Bro (WeChat ID: qingyouge23)"~
