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In This Section
Standardized Testing at TASIS
Suggested Testing Schedule
Notes for 2023-2024 School Year
All students planning to take an SAT are encouraged to enroll in the SAT test preparation course being offered on the TASIS campus in September. Details and registration are available here: https://www.testtakers-sg.com/tasis-satprep and we would request parents/ students register before June 8th (this is not a firm deadline; later registrations will be possible).
All Grade 11 students applying to a US university or students applying to IE or Bocconi University should make sure they have taken at least one ACT or SAT before November 1st. Early decision/ early action applicants to the US must complete their testing before November 1st.
Students wishing to take the SAT should register for the October 7th SAT (www.collegeboard.org) - please note this is the same date at TASIS Family Weekend.
Students wishing to take the ACT should register for the October 21st ACT (www.actstudent.org)
It is the recommendation of the TASIS College Counseling Office that every college/university-bound student take a free SAT practice test and a free ACT practice test to determine which test they prefer, and then focus on preparing for either the ACT or the SAT exam (not both). These tests may be used at many universities world-wide in the admission process. All US colleges and universities that require applicants to submit a standardized test score with the application will consider the ACT or the SAT equally. Students who have taken the tests will decide, with the help of their college counselor, if it is to their advantage to submit the score report of the ACT and/or the SAT. Students are responsible for researching the standardized test requirements for the colleges/universities to which they plan to apply. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many colleges/universities have modified testing requirements. It is essential that students confirm the requirements (or lack thereof) for each school.
→ Learn more about Test Preparation
Additionally, international students (non-US passport holders) applying to US colleges may be required to submit IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) or Duolingo scores if English is not the primary language. Students from non-EEA countries planning to study in the United Kingdom will need to submit a qualifying IELTS score to receive a student visa.
The following provides a suggested plan in order to take advantage of all the standardized testing options available at TASIS to complete the college application process. In addition, please review information about these tests below.
12th Grade Students
2022-23 Academic Year
For Grade 12 students, most universities in the US will NOT be requiring an SAT or ACT exam for admission. Public universities in Georgia and Florida and Georgetown University will be requiring the tests. This list is a helpful resource (http://fairtest.org/university/optional), but it is essential that students confirm the testing requirements (or lack thereof) for each school.
2022-23 Academic Year
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If you have confirmed that you should take an SAT, your first opportunity will be October 1, 2022 and registration will open August 18 before school resumes. Please make sure to register on or close to this date, on the CollegeBoard website. Registration will close on September 2. This test will be a public administration, so space is very limited.
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If you have confirmed that you should take an ACT, your first opportunity will be October 22, 2022. Registration is closed to TASIS students only, and registration is rolling. Please register here. The test center number is 867780. This test administration is for TASIS students only, but space is limited.
EAL students or students for whom English is not the primary language: take the IELTS or Duolingo English placement test before November 2022.
11th Grade Students
2022-23 Academic Year
- Optional PSAT on Saturday, October 15 (this is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Competition for US citizens/ Green Card holders in the 11th grade).
- If you prefer the ACT, take the ACT in February 2023.
- If you prefer the SAT, take the SAT test in December 2022, March 2023, or May 2023.
- Please note the May 2023 SAT takes place at the same time as some AP and IB exams, so this would not be recommended for students in Grade 11 sitting these exams.
- EAL students or students for whom English is not the primary language: take the Duolingo or IELTS English placement test.
TASIS recommends that all Grade 11 students for whom English is not a primary language sit a Duolingo test before Grade 12 (https://englishtest.duolingo.com/).
Make sure you register early for any test you’re planning to take as the registration deadlines are generally at least a month prior to the test date.
2023-24 Academic Year – return for your senior year
- Take the October SAT test or the fall ACT test, if needed.
- EAL students or students for whom English is not the primary language: take/retake the Duolingo or IELTS English placement test.
10th Grade Students
2022-23 Academic Year
- Optional PSAT on Saturday, October 15th (this is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Competition for US citizens/ Green Card holders in the 11th grade).
2023-24 Academic Year – return for Grade 11
- Take the optional fall PSAT test (this is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Competition for US citizens/ Green Card holders in the 11th grade).
- Take the spring 2024 ACT Test or the December 2023 or spring 2024 SAT Test.
- EAL students or students for whom English is not the primary language: take the Duolingo or IELTS English placement test.
TASIS recommends that all Grade 11 students for whom English is not a primary language sit a Duolingo test before Grade 12 (https://englishtest.duolingo.com/).
2024-25 Academic Year – return for Grade 12
- Retake the SAT test or ACT test in fall 2024.
- EAL students or students for whom English is not the primary language: take/retake the Duolingo or IELTS English placement test.
9th Grade Students
2022-23 Academic Year
- No testing recommended
University Entrance Exams
University Entrance Exams
Prior to signing up for any of the university entrance exams, TASIS recommends you review the TASIS Standardized Testing Recommendations and speak with your College Counselor to learn more about what tests are required by your potential universities, as well as an appropriate testing schedule based on your grade level and application cycle. If you are unsure who your College Counselor is, please email college@tasis.ch.
ACT
ACT
The ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It is currently administered by the ACT, a nonprofit organization of the same name. The ACT test covers four academic skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and scientific reasoning. It also offers an optional direct writing test. More information about the ACT may be found at www.act.org. Students are responsible for registering for the exam through the same website approximately four weeks before the test date. A credit card is required to register.
ACT has rolling registration for the current academic year. We offer the computer-based ACT. Students can register for the exam up until the deadline listed below. The TASIS school code is 867780.
23-24 Administration Dates:
October 21, 2023
Registration deadline: September 22, 2023
February 24, 2024
Registration deadline: January 5, 2024
PSAT
PSAT
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a standardized test administered by the College Board and cosponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in the United States.
This test is not required by any universities for admission; it is optional at TASIS.
23-24 Administration Date:
October 15, 2022
Registration deadline: September 12, 2022
SAT
SAT
The SAT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. There are two sections to the test: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math. As of June 2021, the SAT no longer offers SAT Subject tests or the optional essay section of the SAT. More information about the SAT may be found at www.collegeboard.org. Students are responsible for registering for the exam through the same website at least four weeks prior to the test date. A credit card is required to register.
Registration for the SAT opens approximately six weeks prior to the exam date. Our test center will appear full until that time. Please note TASIS is a public SAT test center so you must register early as space is very limited.
23-24 Administration Dates:
October 7, 2023 (Digital SAT)
Registration Opens: August 24, 2023
Registration Deadline: September 22, 2023
December 2, 2023 (Digital SAT)
Registration Opens: October 19, 2023
Registration Deadline: November 17, 2023
March 9, 2024 (Digital SAT)
Registration Opens: January 25, 2024
Registration Deadline: February 23, 2024
December 3, 2024 (Digital SAT)
Registration Opens: October 20, 2024
Registration Deadline: November 4, 2024
Note: In Spring 2022, the Collegeboard announced that international test centers will move to the digital SAT in full starting in Spring 2023. For more information, please visit their website.
English Proficiency Exams
Duolingo
Duolingo is an English proficiency test that is offered online through a student’s personal computer and it is accepted by almost all US universities. It is an inexpensive and flexible way to either meet this requirement at many universities or learn if you need to improve your English fluency. The cost is approximately 50 CHF and can be taken on a personal laptop. The College Counseling Department recommends that all students for whom English is not a first language sit an online Duolingo exam by the end of Grade 11.
IELTS
The International English Language Testing System is for study, migration, or work, for UK universities specifically. Your ability to listen, read, write and speak in English will be assessed during the test. IELTS is graded on a scale of 1-9. This test is required by the United Kingdom for non-native English speaking university foreign applicants. More information can be found here.
The College Counseling Department recommends that all students for whom English is not a first language, who are applying to a UK university, sit an IELTS exam. Students applying for a foundation course in the UK may be required to sit the IELTS UKIV for the Tier IV visa, and this test is not offered at TASIS. You can register for that test here.
22-23 Administration Dates:
October 28 & 29, 2022
Registration Deadline: September 16, 2022
March 24 & 25, 2023
TOEFL
TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language that is accepted by some universities, but given it is not accepted in the UK for visa purposes, the College Counseling Department recommends students sit an IELTS test instead of a TOEFL. There is no need to sit both exams.
Note: As of Spring 2022, TASIS will no longer administer the TOEFL exam on campus. Students who need to take this exam for university admission should speak with their college counselor and/or potential universities to determine alternative testing options or find a different test center.
Secondary School Entrance Exams
These tests are for students who are looking to transfer to different secondary schools. They are not exams for university admission.
SSAT
The Secondary Schools Admissions Test is a standardized test focused on verbal, math, and reading skills for entrance into secondary education institutions.
Note: As of Fall 2022, TASIS will no longer administer the SSAT exam on campus. Students who need to take this exam are encouraged to find a different SSAT test center and/or work with their potential schools to determine the requirements for admission.
Individual Entrance Exams
For students who are applying to other secondary schools and need an invigilator for an entrance exam, we recommend those students directly with their prospective institutions to learn more about their process and requirements. If an invigilator is not provided/organized by that institution, then the TASIS Test Coordinator may be able to organize invigilation for those exams. Email testcoordinator@tasis.ch with information about the school, entrance exam requirements, and testing process to get started.
Standardized Test Preparation
Standardized Test Preparation
In preparation for these tests, TASIS recommends you speak with your College Counselor and review these prep course options to determine what is right for you.
- Academic Services International (ASI)
- A combined ACT/SAT prep course, typically provided in person or virtually, classes total 24 hours over two weekends. Recommended Spring of Grade 11 or Fall of Grade 12. Cost CHF 900. Email zmustafa@asi.sat.com for details and questions.
- ACT Test Prep
- Khan Academy (Free SAT Prep through the CollegeBoard)
- TestTakers International