Which Exams Do You Need for US and European Admissions via the Common App? | My-University

The Testing Roadmap: What Exams Are Required by US and European Universities in the Common AppApplying to universities abroad through the unified Common App platform is the smoothest way to secure a seat at an international college. This comprehensive portal connects you with over 1,100 universities worldwide. However, when applicants navigate to the Testing tab, it is common to experience a bit of confusion. Which exams do you actually need to take? What is mandatory for the US versus Europe? Can you apply without any standardized scores at all?The rules of the game have shifted significantly over the past few years. Universities have permanently transitioned to digital exam formats, and admissions testing policies have become much more nuanced. Let’s break down exactly which scores you need to report in your profile to make your application look as competitive as possible.🇺🇸 1. Standardized Tests for the US: The Return of the SAT and ACTThe number one question on every applicant's mind is: Are SAT or ACT scores still necessary?After a prolonged period of pandemic-induced flexibility—during which almost every college adopted a temporary Test-Optional policy—the pendulum has swung back. Elite institutions (including MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Dartmouth, Princeton, and Brown) have officially reinstated mandatory SAT or ACT score submissions. Following extensive data reviews, these top-tier institutions concluded that standardized test scores remain the single best predictor of a student's long-term academic success on campus.Which one should you choose? For admissions committees, the SAT and ACT are viewed as completely equal. However, 99% of international students now opt for the Digital SAT. It is entirely computer-based, takes just over two hours to complete, and features a highly intuitive adaptive logic layout.How do you report them in the Common App? Under the Testing tab, you can manually enter your scores (known as Self-Reported Scores). Just remember: once you accept an admission offer, you will be required to order official score transcripts sent directly to the university through the College Board or ACT organization.The Alternative: More than 90% of standard four-year US colleges still maintain a Test-Optional or Test-Free stance (the latter completely ignoring scores, such as the University of California UC system). However, for international applicants competing for institutional funding, a high SAT score remains a massive advantage.🇪🇺 2. Exams for Europe: National Context and Subject TestsWhile the Common App is traditionally associated with American colleges, you can actually use the platform to apply to dozens of top universities across Europe (including renowned programs in Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and the Netherlands). However, European entry requirements have a very distinct focus:Subject-Specific Exams (AP or IB): European universities rarely emphasize the general SAT. Instead, they want to see deep proficiency in