A physics instructor assists students after class with lab reports

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Application to UPP requires scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This exam is an internationally recognized assessment developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to measure the ability of nonnative speakers of English to use and understand English as it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings. The TOEFL is given several times a month at various locations in Saudi Arabia as well as in other nearby countries. In Saudi Arabia, it is an internet-based exam. For more information about the TOEFL and how to register, visit the ETS website at www.ets.org/toefl. To download a list of basic information about the TOEFL, click here.

UPP requires students to take the iBT TOEFL at selected points in the program, and in particular, at the end of the academic year. At other key points, UPP administers the Institutional TOEFL (ITP) exam. The ITP provides an indication of student progress without the expense of the iBT, although its scores are not considered official for university admission purposes.

SAT

The SAT is a standardized test developed by the College Board in the United States that most U.S. universities require of their native-English-speaking applicants. Nonnative speakers of English are usually not required to take the SAT for admission to U.S. universities, although it can be a requirement for scholarship applications. The SAT is required for admission to Alfaisal University in Riyadh.

There are two different types of SAT exams. The first is the SAT Reasoning Test, which assesses the critical thinking skills students need for academic success in college. It consists of critical reading, math, and writing sections.

The Subject Tests (formerly SAT II: Subject Tests) are designed to measure student knowledge and skills in particular subject areas as well as a student's ability to apply that knowledge.

Most UPP students will be expected to take both the SAT Reasoning Test as well as Subject Tests relevant for the coursework in their respective pathways.

For more information on the SAT, visit the College Board’s website at www.collegeboard.org. To download a list of basic information about the SAT, click here.

Advanced Placement (AP)

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program enables high school students to take college-level courses that culminate in standardized exams. Depending on students’ exam scores, college credit or advanced placement may be possible at many universities in the U.S. and Canada and in more than 40 countries. Higher level courses in the UPP give students exposure to material not typically covered in most high school classes, exposure to college-level work.  These courses encourage the development of problem-solving skills that are necessary for performing well on AP exams.

AP tests are scored on a numeric scale of 1 to 5. A score of 3 is considered a passing score. Exam scores are interpreted as follows.

1 = No recommendation
2 = Possibly qualified
3 = Qualified
4 = Well-qualified
5 = Extremely well-qualified

UPP students who are required or elect to take AP exams will be registered by the UPP. Additional information is available from teachers and students’ academic advisors as exam time approaches.

The official AP Web site—http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html —has many resources you may find helpful to familiarize yourself with AP tests.