SAT & ACT for Canadians: What You Need to Know

If you’re a high school student in Canada, or a parent of one, you’ve probably heard of the SAT and ACT tests floating around in conversations, especially around this time of year. But if you're wondering, “Do these tests even apply to us Canadians?” the answer is: maybe!

Let’s break it down: what these tests are, how they differ from Canadian standards like OSSLT and EQAO, and why some Canadian students should pay attention to them.

First Things First: What Are the SAT and ACT?

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and the ACT (American College Test) are standardized tests widely used for college and university admissions in the United States. While they’re most popular among American students, they’re also open to international students, including Canadians.

Here’s what you should know:

• The SAT focuses on reading, writing, and math. It includes sections like Reading Comprehension, Writing & Language, and Math (some with and without a calculator).
  
  

• The ACT covers English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional essay section.
  
  

• Both tests are scored differently. The SAT is scored out of 1600, while the ACT is out of 36.
  
  

So, no, they’re not the same as OSSLT (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test) or EQAO. Those are Ontario-specific assessments meant to measure literacy and numeracy within our provincial curriculum, not for college applications. Think of the SAT and ACT more like global passports for education beyond Canada’s borders.

Why Should Canadian Students Care About the SAT or ACT?

Let’s say you're perfectly happy in Ontario, why would the SAT or ACT matter? Here are a few scenarios where they might:

📚 1. Planning to Study in the U.S.?

• This is the most obvious reason. Most U.S. colleges and universities still use SAT or ACT scores as part of their admissions process, especially for merit-based scholarships. If you're eyeing a school like NYU, Stanford, or even a smaller liberal arts college, you'll likely need one of these scores.

🇨🇦 2. Some Canadian Universities Accept Them Too

• Yes, really! While not required, some Canadian schools like UBC and McGill may consider SAT or ACT scores as supplemental if you’re applying with international credentials or want to strengthen your application.

🎓 3. Scholarships & Specialty Programs

• Even if you're not applying to a U.S. school, some international scholarships or enrichment programs look at SAT/ACT scores. This includes summer programs, academic exchanges, and even some competitions.

🧠 4. Academic Challenge & Goal-Setting

• For students who enjoy pushing themselves, preparing for the SAT or ACT can be a great way to challenge your math, reading, and critical thinking skills. Plus, preparing for them early in high school can build strong study habits and confidence.

Interesting Facts and Tips for Canadian Students

• Test Centers Are in Canada! You don’t have to go to the U.S. to take the SAT or ACT. Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, and many other cities have official test centers.
  
  

• The SAT went digital in 2024 – meaning the test is now adaptive and taken on a computer. This change makes it shorter (about 2 hours) and more efficient.
  
  

• You can choose which scores to send. This is called "Score Choice," which allows students to only send their best SAT scores to colleges.
  
  

• Preparation makes a difference. The SAT and ACT are teachable tests. Students who take the time to prep tend to perform significantly better, especially in math, which tends to follow predictable patterns.

So, Should You or Your Teen Consider It?

If you're planning to study in the U.S., or want to keep your options open, taking the SAT or ACT might be worth it. Even if you’re still not sure about your future path, having a solid test score in your back pocket could give you more opportunities down the line.

How Mathnasium Can Help

If you’re looking to sharpen your math skills for the SAT, ACT, or just to boost your confidence in school, we’ve got your back. At Mathnasium, we help students build strong math foundations through personalized learning, whether it's homework help or long-term enrichment.

Get in touch with us today to schedule a free assessment and see how we can support your goals.