It’s always wise to think ahead when it comes to further education, but this is especially true for students considering applications to US colleges. While final SAT or ACT scores are typically submitted in the autumn of the final year of school, successful preparation often begins much earlier. Understanding testing requirements, options and timelines is a key part of the process. Read on for our guide to US college testing and how we can support your family’s American college ambitions.

With many moving parts in the US admissions process, our dedicated US college consultancy is designed to reduce stress and maximise each student’s chances of success. We have years of experience supporting students from around the world as they navigate the US college admissions process, and our alumni have gone on to study at prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Columbia, UPenn, NYU and UCLA.

Our approach is holistic and extends far beyond SAT or ACT preparation. We work closely with students to define academic ambitions and extracurricular priorities, identify suitable courses and campuses, support essay and personal statement development, and refine interview technique.

Is testing required?

Many US colleges remain test-optional, meaning applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. In recent admissions cycles, however, a growing number of highly selective institutions have either reinstated testing requirements or emphasise testing for certain applicant pools. Several institutions also offer test-flexible policies, allowing applicants to submit alternative academic evidence (such as AP or IB results, where accepted) in place of SAT or ACT scores.

Because policies vary by institution and can change from year to year, it’s common for students to sit a standardised test two or three times. Each attempt provides valuable practice and the opportunity to improve scores. In our experience, strong results can enhance applications – particularly at competitive universities – and widen the range of colleges to which a student can apply.

Early planning is important. Taking diagnostic and practice tests allows us to identify which exam best suits each student and ensures there is sufficient time for retakes to achieve the strongest possible outcome.

SAT or ACT?

We typically begin with diagnostic testing across both the SAT and ACT so that preparation can focus early on the format best aligned with each student’s strengths and learning style.

In recent years, while the SAT remains widely taken internationally, some students excel on the ACT, especially if they perform well on science reasoning or prefer its pacing. As a result, we continue to support students for whom the ACT is a better fit, tailoring our approach to the individual rather than taking a one-size-fits-all view.

What are colleges looking for?

Effective preparation goes beyond test technique alone. Understanding the expectations of target colleges is an important part of the process. Alongside identifying application components such as essays, personal statements and letters of recommendation, researching typical SAT or ACT score ranges helps students set realistic and ambitious goals.

By analysing practice results against recent admissions data, we can estimate the score range a student is likely to achieve and build a clear, strategic application plan that supports their broader academic and extracurricular profile.

When should you begin?

A guide for A-level students

Year 11 – Summer: Begin light preparation with diagnostic testing

Year 12 – Summer: Intensify preparation

Year 12 –  Spring: Sit the first official SAT or ACT

Year 12 – Summer: Retake the SAT or ACT if needed

Year 13  –  Autumn: Retake the SAT or ACT if needed (especially for Early Action and Early Decision)

A guide for International Baccalaureate (IB) students

Grade 10 – Summer: Begin light preparation with diagnostic testing

Grade 11 – Summer: Intensify preparation

Grade 11 – Spring: Sit the first official SAT or ACT

Grade 11 – Summer: Retake the SAT or ACT if needed

Grade 12 – Autumn: Retake the SAT or ACT if needed (especially for Early Action and Early Decision)

Our services at a glance

Every step of this process is supported by our expert US college advisory team, ensuring tailored guidance from start to finish:

• Detailed discovery to build a comprehensive application strategy
• Support with course and college selection, with insights from our US alumni network
• Tailored advice on Early Action and Early Decision applications
• Full SAT or ACT tuition programme with specialist tutors, diagnostic testing and mock exams
• Interview preparation and practice
• Support with drafting and refining personal statements and college-specific essays
• Guidance throughout the application process, from completing forms to accepting offers

For more information on this, or any of our services, please get in touch with the team on info@figtreelearning.com.