Updates for International Applicants
If you’re planning to apply to U.S. universities for Fall 2026, it’s important to understand the updates coming to standardized tests. Several exams — including the SAT, ACT, Duolingo English Test, and TOEFL — are undergoing changes that will affect how you prepare and apply. Here’s a summary of the most relevant updates, with official sources and effective dates.
SAT (College Board)
Effective: Already in place internationally since 2023; fully adopted in the U.S. by 2024 and continuing into 2025–2026.
Key Changes:
- Fully digital format via the Bluebook™ app
- Shorter test (~2 hours)
- Adaptive testing: question difficulty adjusts based on performance
- Shorter reading passages
- Calculator allowed for all math sections
- No essay section
- Faster score reporting
Official Source:
College Board – SAT Overview
ACT (ACT.org)
Effective: September 2025 for Saturday national testing (including international); Spring 2026 for school-based testing.
Key Changes:
- Shorter test: 2 hours and 5 minutes
- 44 fewer questions
- More time per question
- Optional science and writing sections
- Math section now has 4 answer choices instead of 5
- Composite score based on English, math, and reading
- Superscoring supported
- Online and paper formats available
Official Source:
ACT Test Enhancements
Duolingo English Test (DET)
Effective: July 2025
Key Changes:
- New subscores: Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening
- New integrated subscores: Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, Production
- New interactive speaking and listening tasks
- Removed tasks: Read Aloud and Listen Then Speak
- Flexible timing and improved interface
- Results available within 48 hours
Official Source:
Duolingo English Test – Readiness Guide
TOEFL iBT (ETS)
Effective:
- May 30, 2025: Enhanced Home Edition experience
- January 21, 2026: Major updates to format and scoring
Key Changes (January 2026):
- Adaptive testing in Reading and Listening
- Updated content with more real-world academic topics
- New scoring scale (1–6) aligned with CEFR, alongside traditional 0–120 scale for two years
- Faster score delivery and simplified registration
Official Source:
ETS – Upcoming TOEFL Updates
IELTS
Effective: No major format changes announced for 2025–2026.
Recent updates include:
- New score-setting guide for institutions
- Enhanced Test Report Forms for UKVI (from August 29, 2024)
Official Source:
IELTS News & Insights
GRE & GMAT
Effective: No confirmed format or scoring changes for 2025 as of now.
These exams remain widely accepted for graduate admissions, though many programs are now test-optional or test-flexible. Always check the specific requirements of each university and program.
