Applying to university using SAT scores: What should applicants keep in mind?

However, admissions experts note that because the number of places allocated by universities for this admission method is limited, students should refer to the admission scores from previous years to set appropriate application preferences.

Diversifying admission methods gives candidates more opportunities to enter university. (Illustrative image)

According to the newly announced 2025 admissions plan, the National Economics University in Hanoi will maintain the same SAT score requirement as in 2024, at 1200. The Foreign Trade University also announced three admission methods for candidates with IELTS certificates: IELTS based on high school transcripts; IELTS based on high school graduation exam scores; and IELTS based on SAT/ACT/A-level scores. The university requires that candidates with IELTS scores achieve a minimum of 6.5. For SAT and ACT scores, candidates must achieve a minimum SAT score of 1380 and an ACT score of 30 to be eligible to apply.

Hanoi University of Pharmacy also sets relatively high requirements for applicants using SAT scores. Accordingly, the minimum score required to apply is 1,300. Hanoi University of Civil Engineering also plans to directly admit candidates with international SAT scores of 1,200/1,600 or higher, or ACT scores of 26/36 or higher. However, candidates wishing to be directly admitted to majors requiring a Fine Arts drawing score must take the exam organized by the university and achieve a score of 6 or higher.

Hanoi University of Science and Technology also announced that the SAT score (combined with a foreign language certificate) for admission will not be lower than 1,250 in all majors, although the university did not specify the application requirements. In addition, a point to note for candidates intending to apply to Hanoi University of Science and Technology using the SAT certificate is that the average academic score for each year of grades 10, 11, and 12 must be 8.0 or higher. The University of Economics (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) also announced that it accepts applications using SAT certificates with a score of 1,100 or higher.

The Vietnam Academy of Agriculture also plans to offer direct admission to outstanding students (at least one semester in high school) with one of the following achievements: winning a provincial-level or higher award, or being part of a national competition team, along with an IELTS score of 6.0, SAT score of 1200/1600, or ACT score of 25/36 or higher. If the number of applicants exceeds the quota, the school will consider applicants in the following order: outstanding student award, IELTS score, SAT score, ACT score, and scores from the separate entrance exam. The Diplomatic Academy, the Banking Academy, and the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology also plan to consider applicants with SAT scores of 1200 or higher.

Speaking to a reporter from the Public Security Newspaper, Associate Professor Dr. Le Huu Lap, former Deputy Director of the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology, said: SAT is a standardized aptitude test widely used for university admissions in the American education system. The knowledge and skills tested include: Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, and Writing. Currently, more and more universities in Vietnam, especially top-tier universities, are using SAT certificates for admissions.

However, Mr. Lap also noted that with the exam content as described above, students only studying for the SAT will not have sufficient knowledge to meet the requirements of the high school graduation exam, so they need to allocate their study time appropriately. In addition, the quotas for SAT-based admissions at universities are currently relatively low, so students should also research whether their SAT scores are equivalent to the SAT scores required for admission to various majors/universities in previous years to make appropriate choices.

With years of experience in SAT test preparation, Ms. Dang Ngan Ha, Academic Director of 4WORDS English Center, also believes that the SAT is a challenging and interesting test because it assesses both academic ability and critical thinking skills. This test not only motivates students but also encourages SAT teachers to explore and learn in-depth knowledge across various academic fields; helping to train critical thinking, concentration, and reflexes.

To achieve a high score on this exam, students should begin preparing for the SAT in 10th or 11th grade. This will give them enough time to familiarize themselves with the test format and allow them to retake it if necessary to achieve their desired score. Starting SAT preparation in 10th grade allows students to build a solid foundation of knowledge before entering a more serious preparation phase. This also helps reduce academic pressure in the final years of 12th grade, when they also have to prepare for other exams such as the high school graduation exam.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/giao-duc/xet-tuyen-dai-hoc-bang-diem-sat-thi-sinh-can-luu-y-gi--i758934/