Follow our complete recruitment timeline for athletes aiming to play college sports in the U.S. Covers every milestone from early prep to commitment day.
Follow our complete recruitment timeline for athletes aiming to play college sports in the U.S. Covers every milestone from early prep to commitment day.
Follow our complete recruitment timeline for athletes aiming to play college sports in the U.S. Covers every milestone from early prep to commitment day.
Introduction
If you’re a student-athlete from Lithuania, Latvia, or Estonia dreaming of earning a sports scholarship to study and play in the United States, there’s more to prepare for than just training on the pitch. One of the most important parts of your application journey is standardized testing.
In this blog, we’ll explain the three most common tests international student-athletes need to take—SAT, ACT, and TOEFL—and how they fit into your path toward NCAA or NAIA eligibility.
Why Are Standardized Tests Important?
US colleges use standardized tests to evaluate academic readiness. While some universities are now “test-optional,” many athletic programs, especially at NCAA Division I and II levels, still require test scores as part of eligibility checks and admissions. For international students, the TOEFL or another English proficiency test is also often mandatory.
Knowing which tests to take—and when—is a key part of preparing for success.
1. SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
A multiple-choice test that measures reading, writing, and math skills. It’s accepted by nearly all US colleges.
The SAT is often used by college admissions teams to compare students from different backgrounds. Some coaches may also ask for it during recruitment.
Ideally at age 17 to 18, to allow time for retakes if needed.
Baltic athletes should plan ahead—there are only a few SAT test dates per year in the region.
2. ACT (American College Test)
An alternative to the SAT, accepted by all US colleges. Includes a science section, which some students prefer.
Some students find the ACT format more suited to their strengths, especially those strong in science reasoning.
Like the SAT, aim to sit the ACT at age 17 or 18. The ACT is also offered digitally in select locations.
3. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
An English language proficiency test required by most US colleges for non-native speakers.
This test proves your ability to study in an English-language environment. Strong TOEFL scores can also boost your academic profile—even if a school is test-optional for the SAT or ACT.
Plan to take the TOEFL 6–12 months before your application deadline. That gives you time to improve scores if needed and avoid scheduling conflicts with other exams.
SAT vs ACT: Which Should You Take?
Both tests are equally accepted, but you don’t need to take both. Here’s a quick comparison:
SAT | ACT |
Strong in reading/writing & math | Strong in science reasoning |
Fewer questions, more time per question | More questions, less time per question |
Optional essay discontinued | Optional essay still available (but not always required) |
Try practice tests for both and see which one fits your strengths better.
How These Tests Fit Into NCAA Eligibility
If you’re aiming to compete in NCAA Division I or II, you’ll need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and submit your standardized test scores. The NCAA uses a sliding scale to match your test scores with your academic grades (GPA).
Important: TOEFL is not required by the NCAA, but it may still be required by the college for admission.
Tips for Baltic Student-Athletes Preparing for Tests
