Admissions for international students to American universities is only getting more competitive. In order to make the cut, international students applying in 2018/2019 need to be at the top of their game. Presenting impressive grades, scores, and essays is crucial. But while you are busy hitting the books, don’t overlook the important logistics. The ACT has announced some significant changes in the test formatting for international students.
Paper-Free
There’s no right or wrong when choosing between the ACT and SAT. Some students for whom English is not the first language might find the ACT’s straightforward questions a bit more navigable, while others might prefer the SAT. We recommend taking a practice test and seeing which you scored higher on and then sticking with one or the other.
The ACT is administered in 130 countries around the world in English, Arabic, Spanish, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Turkish. If you are one of those international students who has decided to stick with the ACT, there are some changes you should know about. This year, the ACT is transitioning from a handwritten test to a fully computer-based exam. So, this means that international students will go to a physical testing location and sit for the exam on one of six two-day test periods.
Dates
The test dates for the 2018/2019 are as follows:
- September 7-8, 2018
- October 26-27, 2018
- December 7-8, 2018
- February 8-9, 2019
- April 12-13, 2019
- June 7-8, 2019
The regular registration deadline for each is about a month before the test, so be sure to check the ACT website and register with plenty of time.
Practice Tests
The ACT will also be offering practice tests for international students, also available online. Students can choose from timed or untimed tests in English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing.
Need some guidance on how to write the best essays for college admissions? Reach out to us here. We are experts in helping students build impressive applications.