Colombia occupies third place in Latin America in number of students who take this test, only behind Brazil and Mexico. But what is promoting this phenomenon and how can parents help their children to prepare for this challenge?
The SAT, a test that evaluates skills in reading, writing and mathematics, has become a determining factor in the admission processes of more than 70 countries. Although during the pandemic many universities stopped demanding it, its importance has resurfaced strongly. In Colombia, the number of last year students who take the SAT has grown in recent years. Among the cities where these students are from Bogotá (47%), Cali (9%) and Barranquilla (8%).
The goal? Apply to high demand programs such as businesses and marketing, engineering and information sciences. The most popular universities among Colombians who take the SAT include Florida International University, University of South Florida and Georgetown University, in addition to the universities belonging to the Big Ten conference, highlighted by being research institutions with a solid academic reputation.
Beyond the SAT: the advantage of the AP courses
While the SAT is a key tool, it is not the only option to highlight in the admission process. The AP courses (Advanced Placement) are gaining ground in Colombia, allowing students to take university level classes from school. In this way those who approve these exams can obtain university credits, saving time and money in their higher education.
In the last five years, the number of Colombian schools offered by AP courses has grown by almost 20%, consolidating Colombia as the second country in Latin America with more students in this program, only surpassed by Mexico. Among the most popular subjects are Human Geography AP, English and AP composition, AP microeconomy, AP Computing Sciences and AB AP calculation.
“The rigorous exams of AP and SAT help students to stand out in admission processes in higher education institutions around the world by putting their academic achievements in context,” says Claudia Valencia, College Board’s international associate director, non -profit organization founded more than 120 years ago to help students around the world access higher education.
What should parents do?
If your child is considering studying abroad, it is key to start preparation with time. Presenting the SAT in the last year of school and taking AP courses can be decisive strategies to improve your admission opportunities. Colombian universities such as the Andes, La Sabana and the Javeriana already validate the results of AP, which means that even those who decide to stay in the country can benefit from this preparation.
In a context where more than 4,000 higher education institutions worldwide value AP and SAT scores, it is essential that Colombian parents know these tools and consider them as part of their children’s educational strategy. Prepare for the global future is an investment that makes a difference. As Claudia Valencia points out, “these types of exams and courses help students to stand out in admission processes in higher education institutions around the world by putting their academic achievements in context.”
