US Exams: What You Need to Know About Standardized Tests for College and Scholarships

When Indian students aim for universities in the United States, they’re not just applying to schools—they’re navigating a system built around US exams, standardized tests used by American colleges to evaluate applicants’ readiness for higher education. Also known as college entrance exams, these tests are often the first real hurdle in the application process. Unlike Indian board exams that focus on memorization, US exams like the SAT, a widely accepted test measuring reading, writing, and math skills for US college admissions and the ACT, a similar test that includes a science section and is preferred by many Midwestern and Southern universities test how well you think under time pressure, not just what you remember.

Many students don’t realize that the PSAT, a practice version of the SAT taken in high school, also serves as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Scoring high on the PSAT isn’t just about practice—it can mean free money for college. The Selection Index, which combines your scores in reading, writing, and math, determines if you become a National Merit Semifinalist. And here’s the catch: cutoffs vary by state. A score that qualifies you in Texas might not in California. That’s why knowing your state’s historical cutoffs matters more than chasing a national average.

For Indian students, especially those from CBSE or ICSE backgrounds, these tests feel unfamiliar. You’ve trained for competitive exams like JEE and NEET—high-stakes, content-heavy, and based on syllabus mastery. But US exams? They’re more about pattern recognition, time management, and strategic guessing. A student who aced their Class 12 boards might struggle with SAT reading because the questions aren’t about facts—they’re about tone, inference, and context. That’s why prep isn’t just about taking more tests—it’s about learning how American colleges think.

Harvard, Stanford, MIT—they all look at these scores, but not the same way. Some use them as a filter. Others use them to spot potential in students from systems that don’t grade on curves. Your CBSE percentage might not convert directly to a GPA, but your SAT score? That’s a universal number they understand. And if you’re aiming for scholarships, your PSAT score might be the only thing that gets you noticed before your application even lands on a desk.

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of test prep hacks. It’s a collection of real, practical insights from students who’ve been there: how much you actually need to score to qualify for National Merit, why some students ace the SAT but bomb the ACT, and how to pick the right exam for your strengths. You’ll also see what top schools really look for beyond the numbers—and how to turn a good score into real opportunity.