Standardized Testing for U.S. Institutions
The first, and perhaps most important point, is that many U.S. institutions DO NOT require standardized tests as part of their admissions process. In fact, the Fair Test organization maintains a list of more than 1,800 accredited U.S. institutions that DO NOT use ACT/SAT scores to admit substantial numbers of students into their Bachelor degree programs. This includes 925+ "Top Tier" institutions. In addition, Sarah Loring de Garcia, a highly regarded U.S.-based counsellor, has compiled this list of U.S. institutions that are SAT/ACT-Optional/Flexible/Blind for International Students. To better understand the importance of standardized testing in the U.S. higher education admissions process, we recommend the article below.
Which test to take - ACT or SAT?
For U.S. institutions that require standardized tests, it is important to note that they all accept either the ACT or the SAT equally. No institution requires a student to take both tests, nor do they give preference to one test over another. For this reason, students should familiarize themselves with both tests and focus on the one that they are most comfortable with. For more information on choosing between the ACT and the SAT you can visit the ThoughtCo and US News websites.
When to take the ACT/SAT
If possible, we recommend that students complete their testing by the end of the grade 11 school year, as this will allow them to focus more fully on the application process in the fall of grade 12. The links below can help students decide on the best testing timeline for them.
How to register for the ACT/SAT
All ACT/SAT registration is done online directly through the ACT Student website (School Code: 734315) and/or the College Board website (ISD Test Centre: 57655; School Code: 734315). ISD is an open test centre for the *SAT, meaning that non-ISD students are welcome to register and sit this test on our campus.
*Students who sit the SAT at ISD must present an official, government-issued ID card on the day of the test. School-issued ID cards are not sufficient!
*Students who sit the SAT at ISD must present an official, government-issued ID card on the day of the test. School-issued ID cards are not sufficient!
Preparing for the ACT/SAT
Khan Academy, the official College Board SAT test preparation partner, offers free online test preparation resources. For students who are preparing to take the ACT, please refer to the recommended test preparation resources from their website. Alternatively, Magoosh is another recommended online SAT & ACT test preparation provider. Click to access their ACT e-book and SAT e-book. Finally, Power Up Prep offers 50+ FREE ACT prep videos that you can follow over 4, 6, or 8-10 weeks using their structured strategies note sheet.
Higher Ground Learning Online Preparation Course for ISD Students
To help ISD students prepare for the ACT/SAT, we offer an online test preparation course every Spring together with our partners at Higher Ground Learning. The course focuses on helping students understand how to take the test. In eight lessons spread over four weeks, the HGL tutor provides an engaging, attentive classroom experience that is uniquely tailored to the students, producing bespoke classes and content for each group. In addition, each student can attend a free, personalised strategy session with the instructor to further hone their approach.
The Spring 2026 HGL online course will take place from February 24th-March 19th (Tuesday/Thursday evenings from 18:30-20:30). Registration and payment information will be announced formally in January 2026. Please refer to the flyer below.
The Spring 2026 HGL online course will take place from February 24th-March 19th (Tuesday/Thursday evenings from 18:30-20:30). Registration and payment information will be announced formally in January 2026. Please refer to the flyer below.