An SAT score can help you meet a university’s application requirements, add academic evidence to an application, or qualify for certain merit scholarships. Its value depends on where you apply and how the institution uses scores.

Check each university’s testing policy

• Test-required. The university asks for a test score. Check which tests it accepts and when scores are due.
• Test-optional. You can choose whether to submit a score. A strong result relative to the university’s published ranges can add evidence to your application.
• Test-blind or test-free. The university excludes scores from admission decisions. Check scholarship requirements separately.

Read the admissions page for your application year and applicant type. If you are applying from Nepal, check the international applicant instructions for each school. SAT policies and English proficiency requirements are separate, and waivers vary by institution.

Check scholarship rules separately

Some merit awards consider SAT scores or set minimums. Others use grades, essays, financial need or a combination of criteria. Look up the specific award, eligibility for international students, whether scores are required, and the scholarship deadline.

Decide how much time to invest

• List your target universities and record their admissions policies, merit-award rules and deadlines.
• Take a timed Bluebook practice test and compare your baseline with any published score ranges or award criteria.
• Use the time before your earliest deadline to decide whether to register, set a score target and plan when to review your progress.

Next in Know the SAT, explore the Reading & Writing and Math guides to see what each section tests and how to practise.