Do students in Switzerland need to take the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, or SSAT/ISEE?

This is one of the most common questions Swiss families ask—and for good reason. The answer is yes, in most cases. While many U.S. colleges are now “test-optional,” that doesn’t mean test-blind. Submitting strong SAT or ACT scores can still give your child a significant advantage, especially as an international applicant from a country with unique grading systems like the Matura, IB, or Abitur. Test scores help U.S. admissions officers compare academic rigor across different systems.

For students applying to American private high schools or boarding schools, the SSAT or ISEE is often expected. While some schools have moved to a test-optional model, competitive applicants usually submit scores to stand out. As for TOEFL or IELTS, most Swiss students at bilingual or English-medium schools don’t need to worry—but if your child attends a local school in French, German, or Italian, it may be required. 

Testing is still very relevant, and proper prep can make a huge difference.