Standing at the crossroads of your study-abroad journey, one big question pops up: which test actually helps you get into a US college? It’s not a one-size-fits-all thing—what works for your friend might be useless for you.

If you’re targeting undergrad programs, the SAT and ACT rule the field. But if you’re thinking postgrad—like master’s or PhD—the GRE is usually the ticket. And don’t overlook tests like the TOEFL or IELTS if English isn’t your first language, since universities often want proof you can actually handle classes taught in English.

Admissions offices aren’t impressed by just any score; they look for the right test and the right fit for their program. Getting this wrong can mean wasted money, time, and stress. Before you even start prepping, double-check what your dream colleges demand. Some have even dropped SAT/ACT requirements lately, while others treat high scores as a big plus for scholarships.

• Which Tests Do US Colleges Ask For?
• Test Differences: SAT vs ACT vs GRE vs TOEFL
• How to Pick the Right Exam for Your Goals
• Tips for Higher Scores and Smarter Preparation
• Common Myths and What Really Matters

Which Tests Do US Colleges Ask For?

When you apply to study in the USA, schools expect different tests depending on your target degree and where you’re from. For most undergraduate applicants, the SAT and ACT are still the big names, but things are changing fast. As of 2025, almost 60% of top US colleges have gone test-optional for SAT and ACT. That means you don’t have to send scores, though a good score can boost your shot at scholarships or offset weaker grades.

Here’s what you usually need for each degree level:

• Undergraduate (Bachelor’s): SAT or ACT, and if you’re an international student, an English proficiency test like TOEFL or IELTS.
• Graduate (Master’s/PhD): GRE for most programs, GMAT if you’re going for business school. Plus, TOEFL or IELTS if English isn’t your native language.
• Community Colleges: Usually don’t ask for SAT/ACT. Some want proof of English skills.
• Art, Music, or Design Schools: Might skip standardized tests and focus on a portfolio or audition.

Quick tip: Different schools—or even programs within the same school—can list totally different exam requirements. For example, some tech-focused schools prefer high SAT Math scores, while liberal arts colleges care more about your reading and writing score.

Don’t just guess—always check the specific admissions page of your chosen university. They’ll spell out what they need for your country and your intended major. It’s one simple step that could save you a pile of headaches later on.

Test Differences: SAT vs ACT vs GRE vs TOEFL

If you’re aiming to study in USA, the right test can make or break your chance. So, how do the SAT, ACT, GRE, and TOEFL stack up against each other? Each serves a different need, and knowing the differences helps you avoid wasting time on the wrong one.

The SAT and ACT are the main picks for undergrad admissions. The GRE is the big deal for grad programs. TOEFL is all about English—think of it as the test that proves you can survive a college lecture or write a research paper in the US.

The SAT and ACT both test your ability to handle college-level math and reading. The main difference? The ACT adds a science section and moves at a faster pace. Some find the ACT math tougher since it covers a few extra topics. US colleges accept either—so pick the one that suits you best.

GRE is a big jump in complexity compared to the SAT/ACT. It focuses more on reasoning, tricky vocab, and higher-level math. Most US master’s and PhD programs ask for GRE scores, though a few don’t (especially MBAs, which usually want the GMAT instead).

The TOEFL is a must if English isn’t your first language. Some schools accept IELTS, but the TOEFL is the most-recognized in the US. It tests if you can actually talk, listen, and write in real-life college settings. Don’t skip it unless your program clearly says it’s not needed.

• International undergrads usually face SAT/ACT plus TOEFL.
• Grad applicants usually face GRE plus TOEFL.
• Score cut-offs vary by college (some top unis want a 100+ TOEFL or 320+ GRE, others are more relaxed).

A quick tip: Check if your college is test-optional or test-flexible. Some places, especially after COVID, dropped SAT/ACT requirements but might still use them for scholarships. Always double-check the college’s official site before registering for any exam.

How to Pick the Right Exam for Your Goals

Choosing the right entrance test isn’t just about following the crowd. Each exam serves a different purpose, and picking the wrong one wastes time and money. Here’s how you match your goals with the right option.

• Study in USA for undergraduate programs? Most colleges accept either the SAT or ACT but check the official requirements of your preferred schools. Some top universities prefer higher SAT scores, while others are test-optional, especially after the pandemic.
• Applying for graduate (master’s or PhD) programs? You’ll probably need the GRE. Business schools also ask for the GMAT, but some MBAs accept GRE scores instead. Double-check what the department wants—some only care about your quant section, especially in STEM fields.
• Not a native English speaker? Schools usually need proof you speak English well enough. TOEFL and IELTS are the most common. Scores above 100 (TOEFL, Internet-based test) are considered strong for most big-name universities.

The table below shows which test usually fits which goal:

Here are some practical tips to help you decide:

• List your target schools and programs. Each university spells out which exams they want on their admissions page. Take five minutes to check—don’t guess.
• Ask yourself where your strengths lie. Not a math fan? ACT’s math section is a bit easier than the SAT’s. If reading is your thing, SAT’s reading questions could be more your style.
• If you want options, pick the flexible test. For example, GRE works for both MS and some business (MBA/PhD) programs. That way, you can apply to more places with one score.
• If college is test-optional, ask if a strong score could bag you a scholarship. Sometimes it’s worth taking the test even if it’s not required.
• Check if the exam is offered—and easily accessible—in your city. Some places have more SAT test dates, others prefer ACT. For grad tests, check how often centers run the GRE or GMAT nearby.

Don’t just pick what your cousin did. Start with your goal—what course and college you want—and work backwards. The right exam is the one that gets you closest to your dream campus without draining your wallet on unnecessary tests.

Tips for Higher Scores and Smarter Preparation

Cracking the right test is less about secret tricks and more about showing up with solid prep. If you want your score to stand out—especially on the study in USA exams—it’s about smart moves, not just late-night cramming.

First things first: know the format. The SAT, ACT, TOEFL, and GRE all have their own game plans. For example, the SAT has no penalty for wrong answers anymore—so never leave a question blank. The GRE lets you jump between questions within a section, which helps if you get stuck.

• Practice under real test conditions. Set your timer, silence your phone, and take at least two full-length practice tests. People who do this score about 90 points higher on average on the SAT.
• Target your weak spots. There’s no point drilling what you already nail. Plenty of free score reports break down where you miss the most—review those and fix them first.
• Use official materials. Free tests and sample questions from the College Board (SAT), ACT, ETS (TOEFL & GRE) are as close to the real deal as you’ll get. Unofficial guides sometimes get questions wrong or set up weird formats.
• Build your vocab—especially for GRE and TOEFL. Make flashcards for new words you meet. For TOEFL, get comfortable listening to podcasts or news—real spoken English comes up in the listening test.
• Mix study with breaks. Scientists found that short breaks every hour can boost focus. Don’t marathon study—your brain zones out by hour three.

Here’s a quick look at what strong preparation can do. These numbers come straight from the 2024 SAT and TOEFL data:

It’s not about being a genius—it’s about being methodical. Crunch practice tests, fix mistakes, take breaks, and always use real test questions. Treat these tests like a marathon, not a sprint, and your scores will thank you later.

Common Myths and What Really Matters

Let’s be real, there’s a lot of noise and half-truths out there when it comes to which test gets you into a US school. It’s super easy to fall for myths that might actually mess up your application plan—and even your confidence. Here’s what really matters, cut down to the basics.

First myth: “One test is way easier or better than the others.” Not true. Some folks think the SAT is easier than the ACT, or the GRE is simpler if you’re good at English. But the actual results depend more on your strengths and how you prep, not which exam you choose. Colleges don’t rank students higher just because they picked one test over another—they care about your score and fit.

Second, you’ll probably hear that getting a perfect score is the only way to stand out. Nope. The reality? A super high score can help, but most colleges publish a range for accepted students—not a single number. Aiming for the middle or upper end of that range is a smart move, but it’s not “perfect score or bust.”

• For SAT, US News reported in 2023 that the middle 50% of first-year students at top 25 universities scored between 1450 and 1570 out of 1600.
• The average GRE score for admitted students in engineering master’s programs in 2024 was around 315 (out of 340).
• Most universities want a TOEFL score of at least 80 out of 120, but the top ones usually want 100 or more.

Another big myth? “You need to take every test to look serious.” Wrong again. Taking both the SAT and ACT, or piling up extra language tests, doesn’t impress colleges. In fact, it wastes time and money. Schools want study in USA applicants to understand their own goals and apply smart.

Here’s a quick look at what schools actually want to see:

One last thing—some people panic if their school is test-optional. Here’s the truth: submitting scores is a good idea if yours are strong compared to what that college usually admits. If your scores aren’t great, focus on making your essays and grades shine.

Skip the rumors. Figure out which test your target schools want, check what scores are actually competitive, and put in your best effort where it matters. That’s the straight path to the admit letter you’re after.