Frequently Asked Questions

Do all US colleges require SAT results?

The SAT has become an optional exam at many US universities and colleges since the pandemic. This means that admission to these colleges is possible without submitting SAT scores, and this should not affect the student selection process.
While optional, the SAT remains a highly valuable academic component of your college application. A strong score offers objective proof of your proficiency in English language skills, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. Therefore, we strongly encourage students to take the SAT. Submitting a competitive score can significantly boost your profile and increase your chances of admission to your top-choice universities.
FInd out more about the SAT in our blog or contact our specialists that will answer your questions and help you prepare for this exam.

How many colleges should I apply to?

The idea that ‘the more the better’ is a myth in college admissions. Blindly applying to dozens of schools often leads to wasted time, money, and application fatigue, without a significant increase in your chances of admission to the right school.
Before you finalize any application, you must ensure that every institution on your list is a strategic fit. The number of applications is less important than the quality of your list, which should be aligned with several factors like your aspirations, expectations, budget, etc.
While there is no magic number, we recommend applying to a list of 8 to 12 colleges. This balanced number allows you to dedicate sufficient time to crafting high-quality, personalized essays for each application while ensuring you have a diverse range of outcomes. By focusing on a balanced, well-researched list, you maximize your acceptance odds at schools where you will truly thrive.
Contact our specialists to help you make the college list that will increase your chances of admission.

Which visa do I need to study in the US?

To pursue academic studies in the United States, you must obtain an F-1 Student Visa.
The F-1 visa is the most common non-immigrant visa for those wishing to attend a college, university, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, or another academic institution.
Holding an F-1 visa provides you with several important permissions during your time as a student:

• Residence and Travel: you are permitted to live in the U.S. throughout your course of study and during official school breaks (vacations), you can also travel in and out of the U.S. freely.

• On-Campus Employment: you may work on-campus under specific regulations, usually limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session.

• Post-Graduation Work Opportunity (OPT): a significant benefit is the ability to seek and secure employment in the U.S. after completing your studies, this is accomplished through Optional Practical Training (OPT), which typically grants:

  • 12 months of work authorization for most fields.

  • An additional 24-month extension (for a total of 36 months) for students who earn degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM).

When is it better to take SAT?

The SAT can be taken up to 8 times per year (March, May, June, August, September, October, November, December). Exact dates for these tests are regularly published on College Board website where you can also check the deadlines for the registration. We recommend taking the SAT at least twice and the dates may vary depending on the time you start your preparation for college. Ideally, you should start preparing for the SAT two years before the end of high shool and take your first attempt in March or May while being in the 4th semester of high school. It will allow you to assess your abilities sooner and still have time to prepare for the next attempt. The second attempt may be taken either in August or September so that you have your results ready in case you decide to apply for Early Decision or Early Admission. If you want to follow the regular application dates, the second attempt can be taken in October or November of your last high school year.
Find out more about the SAT in our blog or contact our specialists to assess your individual case.

Is it possible to get financial aid for international students in the US?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to get financial aid as an international student in the US. To maximize your chances of getting aid, focus your applications on universities that have a clear, stated policy of offering financial aid to international students and be prepared to submit comprehensive documentation of your family's financial situation.
Contact our specialists to find out more about sources of funding for international students.

Which language test is easier: TOEFL iBT, DET or IELTS?

Before asking yourself this question, you need to check what requirements your college has concerning the level of English and its certification. TOEFL iBT is accepted everywhere in the US, most universities in the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, and some universities in other countries. IELTS is widely accepted in Australian, British, Canadian, European, and New Zealand academic institutions. DET is becoming more and more popular in the US colleges but still is not accepted everywhere.
Talking about the level of difficulty, we would say that DET is easier than other language tests. This test lasts only 1 hour and can be taken from home. As for IELTS and TOEFL iBT, both exams last over 2 hours and can be taken only in certain institutions.
Find out more about language tests in our blog or contact our specialists to assess your individual case.

Do I have to take TOEFL iBT or other language tests to apply for the US colleges or universities if I have high SAT scores?

TOEFL iBT or other language tests (DET or IELTS) are required for non-citizens coming to study in the US from countries where English is not an official language. Even if you studied in schools where some or all subjects were taught in English, you will have to prove that your level of English is high enough to continue your higher education in the US. And having high SAT scores will not be enough to apply to US colleges for non-native speakers of English.
Find out more about language tests in our blog or contact our specialists to assess your individual case.

When should I start preparing for the SAT?

The timeline for SAT preparation is highly individualized - there isn't one perfect answer. Your ideal start date depends on several key factors:

• Current English Proficiency: your existing reading comprehension and writing skills.

• Familiarity with Standardized Tests: your experience with similar high-stakes assessments.

• Mathematics Level: the complexity of the math concepts you've mastered in high school.

• Time Commitment: the number of hours you are willing to consistently dedicate to preparation each week.

On average, most successful students dedicate between 3 to 9 months to their SAT preparation. We recommend aiming to finish your preparation and take the exam well before the college application deadlines of your senior year.
Find out more about the SAT and preparation for it in our blog or contact our specialists for individual preparation plan.