Should You Choose the University First or Begin Preparing for SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS?

Discover the correct academic sequence for building a comprehensive study-abroad plan through EZ Academy and Fehmistein.

Choosing the University or Starting Test Preparation First?

When a student decides to study abroad, they often begin with one of two paths:

• Searching for universities and majors.
• Registering immediately for the SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS.

But which should come first?

Should you choose the university and then determine the required exam? Or should you begin improving your English and obtaining an international certificate before choosing your university destination?

The most accurate academic answer is that choosing a university and preparing for an exam are not completely separate stages. However, you should not begin specialized training for a specific exam before understanding your university goal and the basic admission requirements.

The correct steps for studying abroad begin with:

1. Identifying your major, target countries, and potential universities.
2. Reviewing program requirements.
3. Determining which exam or exams are accepted.
4. Assessing your current level.
5. Building a preparation plan that aligns with the required score and application deadline.

This sequence prevents students from wasting time and money on an exam the university may not require, or targeting a score that does not match the program or scholarship conditions.

Why Does the Order of Steps Cause Problems for Many Students?

Admission requirements vary significantly between countries and universities, and may even differ between two programs within the same university.

The European Education Area recommends beginning planning by understanding available fields of study and qualifications, then reviewing entry requirements, application deadlines, and study start dates. (Avrupa Eğitim Alanı)

However, many students begin with the exam because they assume that:

• All universities require the SAT.
• IELTS or TOEFL are always required.
• A high score guarantees admission.
• The most popular exam is suitable for all countries.
• Language requirements are similar across all majors.
• University choice can be delayed until after receiving the result.

These assumptions may lead to an inaccurate plan. Some universities may accept more than one language exam, some may grant exemptions under certain conditions, and the SAT may be required, optional, or not used at all depending on the institution and program.

The Correct Academic Sequence for Studying Abroad

The study-abroad journey can be organized into seven interconnected stages:

1. Defining your academic goal.
2. Choosing potential countries and universities.
3. Reviewing admission and scholarship requirements.
4. Identifying the appropriate exam and required score.
5. Assessing your current level.
6. Building and implementing a preparation plan.
7. Preparing your university file and applying on time.

This does not mean delaying English learning until you choose a final university. You can develop your general English early, but specialized preparation for the SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS should be based on clear requirements.

Stage 1: Define Your Academic Goal Before Choosing an Exam

Begin by answering the following questions:

• What major do I want to study?
• Am I looking for undergraduate or postgraduate studies?
• Which countries suit my budget and goal?
• Do I want to study in English?
• Do I need a full or partial scholarship?
• When do I want to begin my studies?
• What is my academic GPA?
• What is my current English level?

You do not need to have one specific university at this stage. It is enough to create an initial overview that helps you understand the types of programs and exams you may need.

An undergraduate student may face different requirements from a master’s student, and required admission exams may differ by country and major.

Stage 2: Create an Initial University List

After defining your goal, begin selecting a group of universities instead of relying on a single option. It is preferable to divide the list into:

• Ambitious universities: Highly competitive institutions or those with requirements slightly above your current profile.
• Balanced universities: Institutions whose requirements align well with your GPA, level, and capabilities.
• Safety universities: Institutions where you have a higher probability of meeting the requirements, while maintaining program quality and relevance.

When comparing, do not rely only on general rankings. Review:

• Program content.
• Language of instruction.
• Program duration.
• Admission requirements.
• Tuition fees.
• Living costs.
• Available scholarships.
• Degree recognition.
• Internship opportunities.
• University location.

The right university is not necessarily the highest-ranked one. It is the university that aligns with your academic goals, financial capabilities, and profile.

Stage 3: Review Official Admission Requirements

After preparing your list, move to the admission page of each program, not only the university’s main page. Search for:

• Required GPA.
• Accepted certificates.
• Required language exam.
• Required overall score.
• Minimum score per skill.
• Required academic admission exam.
• Statement of purpose.
• Letters of recommendation.
• CV/resume.
• Portfolio, if required.
• Final deadline.
• Deadline for sending test scores.
• Separate scholarship requirements.

An application file may include language test results, a statement of purpose, CV, portfolio, passport, certificate, and transcripts, depending on the program and educational institution. (Avrupa Eğitim Alanı)

Collect this information for each university in a single standardized list so you can compare them easily:

• Target major.
• Required language exam.
• Whether an academic admission exam such as SAT is required.
• Required score by program.
• Final application deadline.

You may find that:

• One university requires IELTS or TOEFL and SAT when needed.
• Another accepts TOEFL without requiring SAT.
• A third accepts IELTS or grants an exemption under certain conditions in exchange for an internal exam.

Then you will know which exam serves the largest number of your options.

Stage 4: Understand the Role of Each International Exam

The SAT, TOEFL, and IELTS cannot be treated as exams that serve the same purpose.

When Do You Need the SAT?

The SAT is used in some undergraduate admission applications to provide an academic indicator alongside other file elements. However, its use differs between universities, so you must review each institution’s policy individually.

College Board allows students to send SAT scores by test date through Score Choice, although some universities and scholarship programs may require all results. Some institutions also use Superscoring, meaning they consider the highest section scores across multiple test dates. (SAT Suite)

Before preparing, verify:

• Is the SAT required or optional?
• Does the university use it for admission or scholarships?
• What is the accepted or competitive score range?
• Does your major emphasize the Math score?
• Does the university use Superscoring?
• What is the latest acceptable test date?

When Do You Need TOEFL?

TOEFL is used to prove the ability to study in English in an academic environment. Its results are accepted by more than 13,000 institutions worldwide, but the required score is determined independently by each university or program. (ETS)

A TOEFL result is valid for two years from the test date, so you must coordinate its submission with the university admission cycle. (ETS)

Before choosing TOEFL, review:

• Does the university accept TOEFL?
• What score is required?
• Is there a minimum score per section?
• How must the score be sent?
• Does the university accept MyBest Scores?
• Will the result remain valid at the time of application?

When Do You Need IELTS?

IELTS Academic is used to prove English proficiency in an academic environment. It measures Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It differs from IELTS General Training, which is designed for other purposes, so you must confirm the required test type. (IELTS)

IELTS partners recommend considering the result valid for up to two years, although the receiving institution may apply a different policy. (IELTS)

Before registering, verify:

• Is IELTS Academic required?
• What overall score is needed?
• Is there a minimum score per skill?
• Does the university accept the available test format?
• Does it accept One Skill Retake?
• When must the score be sent?

To learn how to analyze your performance and improve your IELTS score specifically, read our article: How to Improve Your IELTS Score Through Smart Training and Error Analysis.

Should You Begin Learning English Before Choosing a University?

Yes. Developing general English early is a beneficial decision, especially if your level is far from the requirements of academic study.

However, there is a difference between:

Developing General English

This includes grammar, vocabulary, reading, listening, speaking, and writing. It can begin before selecting a final university because it supports all future pathways.

Specialized Test Preparation

This includes:

• Understanding the structure of the SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS.
• Learning question types.
• Managing time.
• Practicing scoring criteria.
• Completing mock tests.
• Analyzing performance.

This type of training should begin after you know which exam serves your goal and what score you need.

What Should You Do If You Have Not Chosen a University Yet?

If you are in an early stage and still comparing countries, do not wait without any preparation. You can begin with four steps:

1. Assess your English level: Take a placement test that reveals your strengths and weaknesses. You can try the mock tests on Fehmistein for this purpose.
2. Develop your general foundation: Focus on reading, listening, vocabulary, and writing, especially if your level is below B2.
3. Create a shortlist of countries and programs: Choose 5–10 potential programs and review their requirements.
4. Do not book an exam before verifying: You can explore sample questions, but do not make a final decision before knowing which exam is most widely accepted in your list.

What Should You Do If the Application Deadline Is Close?

When time is short, you must carry out the selection and assessment stages in parallel. Begin immediately by:

• Finalizing your university list.
• Reviewing deadlines.
• Identifying the accepted exam.
• Completing a diagnostic test.
• Determining the nearest official test date.
• Calculating the time needed for score release and submission.
• Assessing the possibility of retaking the exam.
• Preparing documents in parallel.

Do not schedule the exam too close to the application deadline, because you may need to retake it or address delays in score release or submission.

How to Convert University Requirements into a Preparation Plan

After identifying the exam, convert the university requirements into four clear elements:

1. Target Score

Do not automatically target only the minimum. Define:

• The official minimum score.
• A target score that gives you a comfortable margin.
• Requirements for each section or skill.

2. Target Timeline

Start from the application deadline and work backward:

• Date by which the university must receive the score.
• Official test date.
• Buffer time for a retake.
• Mock-test period.
• Training period.
• Foundation stage, if needed.

3. Current Gap

Compare your diagnostic result with your goal through a clear sequence:

Current score → Weak skills → Required score → Available time

4. Weekly Plan

Specify:

• The skills you will study.
• The number of practice activities.
• Time for error review.
• Dates for short tests.
• Mock-test dates.
• Progress indicators.

To learn more about building a preparation plan that connects your university or scholarship requirements with SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS, read: How to Convert Your University or Scholarship Requirements into a Clear Preparation Plan.

The Role of AI in Building a More Accurate Training Plan

Traditional training faces a fundamental problem: a student may solve a large number of questions without knowing why their mistakes recur or which skill should receive priority.

AI-supported performance analysis helps convert training results into usable data by:

• Identifying strong and weak sections.
• Detecting recurring error patterns.
• Comparing performance across practice sessions.
• Tracking accuracy and speed.
• Identifying skills that need additional training.
• Reprioritizing based on results.

However, artificial intelligence does not choose the university for the student, nor does it guarantee a specific result. Its most useful role is supporting training decisions after the academic goal and exam requirements have been defined.

On the Fehmistein platform, smart training comes after the student’s goal is known, enabling them to practice through organized SAT, TOEFL, and IELTS tracks, review mistakes, and monitor progress instead of relying on random practice.

A Model of the Correct Sequence for Studying Abroad

Assume a student wants to pursue an undergraduate degree abroad.

1. Defining the goal: Major: Engineering. Countries: Three potential options. Start date: Next academic year. Need: University admission with scholarship search.
2. University research: The student selects eight universities and reviews each program’s requirements.
3. Analyzing requirements: They find that some universities require or use the SAT in evaluation, all programs require proof of English, most options accept IELTS and TOEFL, and the highest language requirement appears in one of the target universities.
4. Decision: The student decides to prepare for the SAT because it serves the main universities on their list, and to choose IELTS or TOEFL after comparing the two exams and available dates. They also complete a placement test before determining the preparation duration.
5. Implementation: Foundation stage if needed, guided training, mock tests, performance analysis, an early official exam that allows time for a retake, and preparing the university file in parallel.

With this sequence, the exam becomes a means to achieve a specific university goal, not a separate objective.

Common Mistakes in Ordering the Study-Abroad Journey

• Starting with the SAT without knowing the university’s policy: Some universities on your list may not require it.
• Booking IELTS or TOEFL before comparing the two: The university may accept both, but one may suit your performance style and schedule better.
• Delaying university selection until after receiving the result: You may obtain a good certificate and then discover that it does not meet a specific program requirement or that the application deadline has passed.
• Choosing only one university: This increases risk and prevents you from building a backup plan.
• Studying general English without a transition date: The student may continue for a long time without moving to exam-related training.
• Intensive training without a diagnostic test: This leads to distributing time equally instead of focusing on the skills that most affect the score.
• Waiting for the test result before preparing documents: Some documents, translations, and recommendation letters require time and should be prepared in parallel.

How EZ Academy and Fehmistein Support Your Academic Journey

A correct academic journey requires two integrated components: thoughtful educational planning, followed by practical training based on a clear goal.

The Role of EZ Academy

EZ Academy helps students:

• Analyze their academic goal.
• Choose a suitable major and universities.
• Understand admission requirements.
• Identify the required exam.
• Apply to international universities.
• Explore suitable options and scholarships.
• Enroll in English courses according to their level.

The Role of Fehmistein

Fehmistein is the smart training platform established by EZ Academy. It offers specialized tracks for SAT, TOEFL, and IELTS.

The platform helps students:

• Train through an organized path.
• Complete skill-based practice activities.
• Take mock tests.
• Review mistakes.
• Analyze performance.
• Identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Monitor progress throughout the preparation period.

Thus, EZ Academy helps the student determine the university, exam, and goal, while Fehmistein helps them convert this goal into organized, measurable training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I choose the university before beginning to learn English?

No. You can develop general English early, but it is preferable to identify universities before beginning specialized preparation for IELTS, TOEFL, or SAT.

Is the SAT required for all international universities?

No. SAT policies differ between universities and programs, so you must review each university’s official website.

Should I choose IELTS or TOEFL before choosing a country?

It is preferable to first identify which exams are accepted by potential universities, then choose the exam that best suits your performance style and schedule.

Can I apply before receiving my test result?

This depends on the university’s policy. Some institutions allow you to send the score later, while others require it at the time of application.

When should I begin exam preparation?

After identifying the exam and required score, complete a diagnostic assessment and determine the duration based on your level and application deadline.

Does a high score guarantee admission?

No. A test score is one element within a file that includes GPA, documents, statement of purpose, recommendations, and program requirements.

Can I prepare for two exams at the same time?

Yes, when needed—for example, SAT with IELTS or TOEFL—but you must distribute time according to priorities, deadlines, and your level.

Start by Choosing Your Goal, Then Build Your Training Around It

The correct academic sequence does not begin with the university alone or the exam alone. It begins with a clear goal and a well-researched university list, followed by analysis of admission requirements and selection of the exam that serves the largest number of your options.

After that, assess your level, determine the score and available time, and build a plan that combines foundation training, specialized practice, mock tests, and performance analysis.

For international university applications and a free educational consultation, contact the EZ Academy team via WhatsApp:

Phone: +90 552 574 12 76

Direct link: https://wa.me/905525741276

To prepare for the SAT, TOEFL, and IELTS, explore the benefits of smart training on the Fehmistein platform, including organized tracks, mock tests, error review, and performance analysis.

A free trial is available for each track so you can explore the training content and platform before choosing the right subscription.

👉 Explore training benefits and start your free trial here: https://www.ezacademy.com.tr/packages

Start with the university that suits your goal, then choose the exam it requires, and convert admission requirements into a clear training plan that brings you closer to studying abroad.

Prepared by: The Educational Content Team

Consultancy Review: Ms. Inaya Zureik, Founder and Director of EZ Academy and Fehmistein

Last updated: July 2026