Table of Content:

• What is SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)? 
• What is ACT(American College Test)?  
• What do you need if you’re not taking SAT/ ACT?
• Top Universities that don’t require SAT or ACT 

Today, most students aspire to pursue BBA in countries like the USA, the UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc. This is because universities abroad offer various specializations and provide multiple business management programs and better job opportunities.  

The eligibility criteria to pursue BBA from a foreign university is that students should clear their 10+2 board exams with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from a recognized board. Besides this, students also have to appear for English languages proficiency exams like TOEFL or IELTS and other entrance exams like SAT or ACT.  

Now the important question is, what to do if you are not prepared for SAT or ACT? Can you still pursue BBA abroad?  

Before we find the answer to that question, let us first understand what SAT and ACT are.  

What is SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)? 

Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. It is a standardized test designed to measure essential skills required for academic success at the tertiary level. The current version contains three main sections measuring basic critical reading, math, and writing skills. 

What is ACT(American College Test)? 

American College Test (ACT) is a national standardized test that measures aptitude and critical thinking. Colleges and universities in the United States carefully review exam results when admitting students to schools. ACT scores are an important factor of consideration.  

What do you need if you’re not taking SAT/ ACT? 

Many of us are not good at taking exams. Some mess up on ‘the day’ even after a lot of preparation and end up with unsatisfactory scores. If you are looking for a solution to this, the answer is Test-Optional College.  

Test-Optional Colleges are universities that do not require SAT or ACT from international students while granting admissions. With the onset of the recent pandemic, universities like these have gained sudden momentum. 

Now you might wonder, if not standardized test scores, what do the universities consider while granting admission? 

There are several other factors to consider while assessing an application for undergraduate admission. They are as follows:  

• Statement of Purpose (SOP): It is a critical piece of a graduate school application that tells admissions committees who you are, your academic and professional interests, and how you’ll add value to the graduate program you’re applying to. A good SOP can convince the readers that the applicant has solid achievements that will add value to the chosen university and promises and can succeed in the field of study.  
• Letter(s) of Recommendation (LOR): It is a letter written on behalf of an applicant by someone who can vouch for their educational or professional performance, for example, teachers, seniors, previous employers, etc.  This letter is typically sent to an admissions officer or hiring manager considering a candidate for admission, employment, or a scholarship. LORs attempt to highlight an applicant’s positive qualities and why they would be an excellent fit for the chosen university.  
• Extracurricular Activities: These refer to activities that complement a student’s academics. For example, sports, student government, community service, employment, arts, hobbies, educational clubs, etc. Participation outside the classroom helps to glorify one’s college application.   
• Essay Prompts: These refer to statements that focus on a topic or an issue, followed by questions. The purpose of an essay prompt is to inspire a response in the form of an essay, which will test your writing, reasoning, and analytical skills. This helps the admission committee to find something interesting about the candidate. It gives them a better understanding of a candidate’s quick and experimental thinking and proficiency.  
• Projects/ Internships: An internship certificate can speak much more than one can imagine. Being a part of a few good projects or having some experience in the field you are applying for your undergraduate study is like a cherry on the top. So, if you happen to have one, then your application is attractive to the admission committee and is different from the rest of the crowd.  

Top Universities that don’t require SAT or ACT 

Here is a list of universities in the United States that do not require SAT/ ACT scores. 

University	Average Tuition Fee (Annually)	Application deadline for 2023
Harvard university	USD 47,000	November 1 – December 1
Yale University	USD 59,920	November 1
Princeton University	USD 56,010	November 1
Arizona State University	USD 10,710	Spring – September 25
University of Chicago	USD 65,330	Spring – October 1 Fall – February 15
New York University	USD 58,168	Spring – September 15  Fall – February 15
California State University	USD 5,742	Winter – June 30 Spring – August 31
Boston University	USD 61,050	Early Decision – November 1  Regular Decision – January 4
University of Rochester	USD 60,550	Early Decision – November 1  Regular Decision – January 5
Duke University	USD 60,594	Early Decision – November 1  Regular Decision – January 4
Oregon State University	USD 32,355	Fall – November 1  Summer – June 20 Spring – February 26  Winer – December 6
University of Washington	USD 51,808	September 1

So, to answer your question – YES. 

American College Test It is possible to pursue BBA abroad without SAT or ACT? 

Some people think that Test-Optional Colleges might take away scholarship opportunities from meritorious students. But on the other hand, some believe that it will give international students a chance to demonstrate their strengths and talents apart from just academics.