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- Is the SAT harder for students in Saudi Arabia compared to American students?Not at all. The SAT is the same test no matter where you take it, whether that’s Riyadh, New York, or a tiny town in Montana. The difference comes down to familiarity. American students are exposed to the style and structure of these tests earlier, while Saudi students often encounter them for the first time during the application process. That can make it feel tougher, but it’s not the test itself—it’s the prep.The good news? Standardized tests love patterns. Once you learn the tricks, timing, and test language, the SAT becomes much more predictable. Think of it as learning a new game: the rules don’t change, but you need practice to play like a pro. With focused prep, Saudi students often outscore their American counterparts because they’re used to academic rigor and disciplined study habits. So no, the SAT isn’t harder for you. It just needs a little demystifying—and that’s where we come in.
- Can international students take the test more than once?Absolutely. The College Board doesn’t believe in one-and-done. In fact, most students—American or international—take the SAT or ACT at least twice. Some even go for a third round if they’re chasing a higher score for competitive schools.Here’s the strategy: your first test is like a dress rehearsal. You learn what to expect, spot your weak areas, and shake off those test-day nerves. The second time, you walk in confident and focused. And if your dream school has sky-high score ranges, a third try might make sense.For Saudi students, multiple attempts work in your favor because many U.S. colleges use “superscoring.” For the SAT, this is a policy many universities adopt: they combine your best section scores from different dates to create a higher composite score. ACT goes a step further—they offer superscoring as a service. You can request an official ACT superscore report, which includes your best scores from multiple test dates, and send it directly to colleges that accept it.Translation: every attempt counts. Just don’t go overboard. We recommend a solid prep plan and no more than three official sittings. Quality beats quantity every time.
- What does "test-optional" mean, and should I still submit my scores?“Test-optional” sounds like a free pass, but here’s the fine print: colleges won’t penalize you for not submitting scores, but if you have strong ones, it’s a major plus. Think of it as extra credit for your application. In a competitive admissions world, why skip something that can make you shine?Many schools went test-optional during the pandemic, and some have kept the policy. But here’s the catch: selective universities still see test scores as a helpful benchmark, especially for international students from Saudi Arabia. Why? Because your GPA might come from a grading system they’re not familiar with. A solid SAT or ACT score gives them a clear point of comparison.So should you submit scores? If you’ve got competitive numbers, absolutely. If your scores are below the school’s average, then holding back might be smarter. But don’t assume “optional” means “unnecessary.” In the high-stakes world of U.S. admissions, optional often translates to “recommended if you want an edge.”
- Are there any U.S. colleges that don’t require SAT or ACT scores for Saudi students?Yes, plenty. In fact, the test-optional movement has grown so much that more than 1,800 colleges in the U.S. no longer require SAT or ACT scores. Schools like Bowdoin, Bates, and the University of Chicago made this shift even before the pandemic, and many others have followed.However, here’s the nuance: “optional” doesn’t always mean “irrelevant.” Top-tier universities often still consider test scores when they’re submitted, and they can help balance out other parts of your application. For Saudi students, strong scores can show that you can compete academically on an international stage, which is especially important if your school system is unfamiliar to admissions officers.That said, if testing isn’t your strength, you still have options. Many excellent liberal arts colleges and even some big-name universities will review your application without scores, focusing instead on your essays, recommendations, and extracurricular achievements. So yes, there are schools where SAT or ACT scores aren’t required. But if you can ace the test, why not give yourself every advantage?
