Following are the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) we receive from prospective students interested in the SMU Undergraduate programmes. If you do not find an answer to your question below, please contact us.
| Q. What is SAT? |
A. SAT (previously known as SAT Reasoning Test) is administered by the US College Board. It tests students' critical thinking skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. |
| Q. Is SAT compulsory for admission to SMU? |
A. The SAT is compulsory for applicants with international qualifications. SAT is not compulsory for applicants with the following entry qualifications. While SAT is not required, strong scores can be used as an added advantage.
- Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Levels;
- Acceptable diplomas from the 5 Polytechnic institutions in Singapore (Nanyang Poly, Ngee Ann Poly, Republic Poly, Singapore Poly and Temasek Poly)
- NUS High School Diploma
- IB Diploma
There are specific SAT requirements for Law applicants. Please refer to Apply to SMU pages for details. |
| Q. I have obtained a score of 1900 for the SAT. Will I qualify for admission? |
| A. A score of 1900 will be minimally sufficient for applicants to make a competitive application. Please note that meeting the SAT guideline does not guarantee admission as admission to SMU is competitive and selective, and is not based on SAT alone. |
| Q. How long are SAT scores valid for? |
| A. For the purpose of admission, SAT scores are valid for 5 years. |
| Q. When is the latest SAT test that I must take |
| A. SMU will consider SAT scores for tests up to and including the May SAT. Scores from June SAT will not be considered. For example, to be considered for 2012, the last test to be considered will be the May 2012 SAT. Test scores from the May SAT must reach SMU by 31 May to be considered. Applicants should therefore take their SAT early and be solely responsible for ensuring that SAT scores are sent to SMU on time. |
| Q. Can I combine SAT scores from more than one sitting? |
| A. SMU will consider the best total score taken in one sitting. Combination of scores from different sittings will not be allowed. |
| Q. Where can I find more information on SAT? |
| A. For more information on test dates, test fees and registration details, please visit the websites at US College Board. |
| Q. I would like to have my SAT scores sent directly to SMU. What is SMU Institution Code? |
| A. Applicants should indicate 2861 (SMU Institution Code) on their SAT registration forms, so that the scores will be sent directly to SMU by US College Board. Even if you have requested US College Board to send your SAT scores to SMU, you must also submit a copy of your scores to SMU, as scores from US College Board to SMU can be delayed. |
| Q. My SAT scores will be released after the application deadline. Can I still apply for admission |
| A. You can submit an application for admission. You must send in your SAT scores when available. |
| Q. The medium of instruction in my high school is English. Why is SAT still required? |
| A. SMU uses SAT as an international benchmark to assess applicants with international qualifications on a common and equitable basis. Unlike other English proficiency tests, SAT tests students' critical thinking skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. |
| Q. Are SAT II subject tests required? |
| A. SAT II subject tests are not required for the purpose of admission by SMU. |
There are always opportunities available for us to contribute to the vibrant university culture and to make a difference. 
