Why Your Kids Should Sit For ACT or SAT Test As a Nigerian (2025)

Just like in Nigeria NECO and WAEC are nationally recognized and accepted as the prerequisite to gaining admission into any school of choice within Nigeria, so is the ACT and SAT in the United States (US). 

But the difference between the two is WAEC's potency ends in West Africa, while the other is internationally recognized and seen as the most standardized test/exam used for the process of admission in the US. 

like NECO and WAEC, so is ACT and SAT! According to BC BestColleges, "the ACT and SAT has been in long rivalry just like Pepsi to Coke" one is argued to be better than the other. But thats not what our bone of contention is, our contention here is why it is very vital for your kids of secondary age should take ACT or SAT aside WAEC and the benefits that comes with it.

In this article we'll be looking at:

• What is ACT & SAT, the difference between the two, and what purpose they serve?
• Why should your kids take the test as a Nigerian? 
• Pass marks, Validity Period of the test, registration & exam centers within Nigeria?
• Cost, criteria's and requirements?

What is ACT & SAT Test?

SAT considered to be an aptitude test, a Standardized test! According to Wikipedia it has been in existence since June 23, 1926 and written by about 8,000 pupils, the test was introduced to compliment the then existing College Board Essay Exams, and have since continued to be in use because of its ease in administration. 

Just like sitting for a verbal and quantitative studies test, (Verbal studies assesses your comprehension capacity, grammar accuracy and usage, while Quantitative covers the mathematical aspect) so is the SAT test. It is divided into sections, the Reading, Writing, and Maths sections. 

The ACT like WAEC covers the students curriculum, and it has been in existence since 1959.

What is the Purpose of Both Test ?

The sole purpose for both test aside checking the students intellectual ability or guarantying the said student's academic soundness, is to gain admission. And with one or both result, your ward or kids can apply directly and gain admission in upto 20 US universities. 

Why Should Your Kids Take the test as a Nigerian? 

As a Nigerian below are the  benefit and practical reasons, your kids should go for ACT or SAT!

1. Multiple Application to International Schools: A single SAT or ACT score can be sent to many universities in different countries, increasing your kid's chances of being admitted.

2. Guaranty of Visa Approval: While the exam itself does not guarantee the visa, but with an admission letter to an accredited university made possible by your SAT or ACT score, it highly increases approval chances for a student visa.

3. Scholarship Opportunities: High SAT or ACT scores can qualify you for merit-based scholarships offered by universities abroad. In some cases, a strong score can lead to partial or full tuition funding, which can significantly reduce study costs

4. Competitive Advantage: For a Nigerian applying to highly ranked schools, these exams provide a standardized benchmark to compare applicants from different education systems. Even if your WAEC or NECO grades are good, a strong SAT/ACT score can strengthen your profile.

5. Long Validity Period: Test Scores remain valid for 5 years, this means if test is taken in 2025, the test result can be re-used for applications till 2030. 

Pass Marks, Registration & Exam Centers Within Nigeria?

Pass Marks for ACT or SAT

When you write WAEC or NECO, 5 credits can be a pass mark depending on the course of study and the institution one is applying to, or Jamb, a score of 150 can still be considered a pass mark depending on the course and the school you applied for. 

It is also similar for the ACT or SAT test, they are no pass mark, although  the over all score for ACT is 36 and SAT is 1600. A score of 20 for ACT or 800 in SAT can still give you admission, still depending on course of study and institution, but to get into an ivy league or competitive school,  above 27 for ACT and  1200 will do the magic. 

Note: the entire admission isn't solely dependent on the test results, other factors, like the students school activities, grades etc will also be put into consideration.

Registration & Exam Centers for the Test Within Nigeria

Visit their official page ACT.org or SAT to register, every payment is made on their official site. They have various exam centers scattered all over Nigeria, from Aba to Kaduna while registering search and select the location most convenient for you.

Cost, criteria's and requirements?

The total basic registration fee for ACT is $186.50, visit act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration for any other payments. 

The registration fee for SAT test beginning on August 23, 2025, is $68, plus an extra $43 fee for international students, a total of $111. visit  satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration/international-testing/fees for late payments fees. 

General Criteria's and Requirement for Both Test: 

Age Limits: they are no age limits, but for ACT pupils must be upto 13 years

ID Requirement: A valid government issued ID or international passport

Subjects Tested: English, Math, Reading, and optional Science and Writing sections 

In conclusion think of the SAT and ACT as a keys that can open far more doors than WAEC or NECO ever could for your kids and wards."

While WAEC and NECO are excellent for local university admission, SAT and ACT scores are widely accepted by thousands of universities across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and even parts of Asia. With these scores, your child is not just applying to Nigerian schools, they can compete for scholarships and spots in top global institutions, many of which specifically recruit African students to increase diversity.

Why you should act now in 2025

• Scholarship opportunities – Many U.S. and Canadian universities give merit-based scholarships to students with high SAT/ACT scores, even without a sports or special talent profile.
• Global mobility – With admission to a reputable foreign university, the student visa approval rate is significantly higher.
• Future networks – Studying abroad connects your child to networks, internships, and career pathways that may not be easily available in Nigeria.
• Test score validity – SAT and ACT results are valid for two years (SAT) or five years (ACT), meaning your child has flexibility in applying after the exam.

My advice:
If your child is between SS2 and first-year university, start preparing now. Book a test date early, spots fill up quickly in Nigeria. Even if your child is unsure about studying abroad today, having the score gives them the option tomorrow. It’s like having an international passport, you may not travel this year, but when the opportunity comes, you’re ready.