Is the SAT Worth It? A Guide for Polish Students and Parents

Is the SAT Worth It? Yes, if you’re planning to study in the USA, the UK, or at prestigious European universities (Bocconi, IE, SSE). Polish students average 1170 points without preparation and 1350–1450 with a study plan. Cost: $107 for the exam + 3–6 months of preparation.

Your child comes to you one afternoon and says they want to take some American exam. It costs over $100 (approximately 400 PLN), requires half a year of preparation, and is entirely in English. Your first reaction? Probably somewhere between “what’s the point?” and “isn’t it too early?”. And it’s hard to blame you – the SAT sounds like something from another world. Because it is from another world. From the American education system, which for decades has driven admissions to the best universities on the planet.

But before you dismiss it or reach for your wallet, pause for a moment. This exam is not a whim or a passing fad. For many Polish high school students, the SAT has proven to be a gateway to universities they previously only dreamed of – from Harvard, through Bocconi, to Trinity College Dublin. The question isn’t “does the SAT exist,” but is the SAT worth taking in your specific situation? And the answer to that question isn’t straightforward.

And if you are that student – sitting in 11th or 12th grade, reading about the SAT, hearing conflicting opinions from friends, teachers, and forum users, and unsure if it makes sense. One person says, “without the SAT, you won’t get into the USA,” while another claims, “universities no longer require it.” Who is right? Both, and neither. Because everything depends on where you’re aiming and how ready you are to prepare.

This article is written for both you and your parents. Without corporate jargon, without empty promises. We’ll go through the specifics: when the SAT pays off, when it’s a waste of time, how much it costs, what scores Polish students achieve, and how to start if you decide this is your path. If you’re looking for details about the exam itself – its structure, sections, strategies – read our complete guide to the SAT exam. Here, we’ll focus on one question: Is the SAT worth it?

When the SAT is Definitely Worth It

I’m not going to tell you that the SAT is for everyone, because that’s not true. But there are situations where taking this exam is one of the best educational decisions you can make. Here are five scenarios where the SAT simply makes sense.

1. You’re Applying to the USA

This is the most obvious case. If you dream of studying in the United States – there is no alternative. The SAT is practically mandatory for top universities. MIT reinstated the SAT requirement in 2022. Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, Brown, and Columbia returned to requiring SAT scores for the 2024–2025 admissions cycle. Georgetown University never dropped it. Caltech, Johns Hopkins, and many other top 30 players followed suit.

What about “test-optional” universities? Technically, yes – several hundred universities do not require the SAT. But the data speaks for itself. At test-optional universities, applicants who submitted SAT scores had a 2–5 times higher acceptance rate than those who did not. Test-optional is not the same as test-blind (where the university doesn’t look at scores at all). It’s more like “send them if you have a good score.” The absence of a score in your application signals to the admissions committee that your score wasn’t good enough to show.

Let’s take a specific example: in the 2024–2025 cycle at Harvard, the acceptance rate was 3.6%. Among applicants who submitted SAT scores, the rate was closer to 5–6%. Among those who did not submit them – below 2%. This is not a subtle difference. It’s a chasm. The Dean of Admissions at Yale stated directly: “test scores help us identify talented students from lesser-known schools and countries.” As a Polish student, you are exactly such a candidate – your school and education system are unfamiliar to American committees, and the SAT gives them a point of reference.

If you’re aiming for free studies in the USA or want a scholarship for an American university, the SAT is your ticket. Not an idea, not an option – a necessity.

2. You’re Aiming for Top European Universities

The SAT is not just an American exam. Hundreds of universities in Europe accept it as an admissions criterion, and some even require it. Bocconi in Italy (top 10 in Europe for business and economics) requires the SAT with a score of at least 1300 for most programs. IE University in Madrid – required. Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) – accepted and gives an advantage. Trinity College Dublin, University of St Andrews, King’s College London – the SAT as an alternative to A-levels. You can find a full list of European universities in our guide to European universities accepting the SAT.

For a Polish student, this is a huge opportunity. Instead of taking A-levels (which you don’t do in Polish high school) or the IB (which requires two years in a special program), you take one exam lasting 2 hours and 14 minutes – and open doors to universities in several countries simultaneously.

3. Your Matura Scores are Average, but You Have Potential

A Matura (Polish high school leaving exam) score of 70–80% on extended-level subjects? That’s solid in the Polish context, but often not enough to stand out in international admissions. Here, the SAT steps onto the stage as your “second chance” – independent proof that you can do more than your Matura score shows. A score of 1400+ on the SAT (which is realistic for a Polish student after 4–6 months of preparation) tells universities: “this candidate performs at a top 5% global level.” The Matura won’t show this, because admissions committees in the USA, UK, or Italy don’t know the scale of the Polish Matura and lack the context to interpret it.

Think of it this way: your Matura is local currency, and the SAT is the dollar. You might have 500 excellent zlotys, but if an American bank doesn’t know what a zloty is worth – you’d prefer to show them dollars too. The SAT is your universal “academic currency” that speaks a language understood by every admissions committee in the world. And if your Matura scores don’t reflect your true potential (because you had a bad day, because the Matura is a one-time event, because the system doesn’t favor you) – the SAT gives you a chance to fix that. And multiple times – you can take the SAT several times, and universities will only see your best score.

4. You Want Scholarships

Many universities – both in the USA and Europe – award merit-based scholarships (for achievements) based on SAT scores. At American public universities, an SAT of 1400+ often means an automatic scholarship covering the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition (saving $20,000–$40,000 annually). University of Alabama, Arizona State, University of Kentucky – these universities have clear SAT thresholds, which, when exceeded, grant you a scholarship without an additional application. In Europe, Bocconi offers scholarships from 50% to 100% of tuition, and the SAT score is one of the main criteria.

5. You’re Considering Several Countries at Once

Not sure yet if you want to study in the USA, UK, Netherlands, Italy, or Scandinavia? That’s completely normal – in 11th grade, few have a clear vision. The SAT is one exam that opens doors in all these directions simultaneously. Instead of preparing separately for UCAS, separately for Dutch applications, separately for Italian – you take the SAT and have a universal score accepted in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and Scandinavia.

This flexibility is incredibly valuable in the application process. You can apply to MIT, Bocconi, and Trinity College Dublin using the same SAT score. Only when you receive responses do you make your final decision. One exam, many options – it’s hard to find a better effort-to-effect ratio.

When the SAT DOESN’T Make Sense

Honestly – the SAT isn’t for everyone. Here are situations where this exam would be a waste of time and money.

1. You’re applying exclusively to Polish universities. No Polish university requires or accepts the SAT for admissions. If your plan is UW, UJ, AGH, or SGH (major Polish universities) – the SAT will do you no good. Focus on your extended Matura exam, as that’s what determines admission in the Polish system. Even the highest SAT score won’t help you get into a medical program at the Medical University of Warsaw.

2. Your English is below B2 level. The Reading & Writing section of the SAT requires a genuine C1 level – you’ll be reading academic texts from the 19th and 20th centuries, analyzing rhetoric, and understanding stylistic and structural nuances. This isn’t a grammar test – it’s a test of analytical thinking in English. If you struggle to watch movies in English without subtitles or read articles in The Economist, the SAT isn’t your priority right now. First, improve your language to a B2+ level, then revisit the SAT. This doesn’t mean “never” – it means “not yet.” Many students spend a year intensely studying English and then approach the SAT with much better results.

3. You have less than 3 months until applications and zero preparation. The SAT requires strategy, not just knowledge. Rushed prep leads to poor results. If the application deadline is in 8 weeks, and you don’t know what an adaptive module is or haven’t taken a single practice test – don’t throw $107 at an exam that won’t take itself. It’s better to submit a strong application without the SAT than a weak application with a poor SAT score. A score of 1100 won’t help you at any university worth applying to – and that’s exactly what you risk by taking it without preparation.

4. You’re aiming exclusively for Germany or France. These countries have their own admissions systems and rarely accept the SAT. German universities rely on the Abitur or its equivalents (for Poles – Matura + possibly Studienkolleg). French grandes écoles have their own concours. Exceptions exist (e.g., TU Munich accepts the SAT for some English-taught programs, and ESSEC and HEC Paris consider the SAT for their bachelor’s programs), but these are exceptions, not the rule. If your goal is engineering in Germany or political science in France – your energy is better spent on TestAS or DELF/DALF.

5. You have perfect Matura scores, a strong extracurricular profile, and aren’t aiming for the USA. If your extended Matura exam scores are 95%+, you have impressive extracurricular activities (Olympiads, research projects, volunteering), and you’re applying to European universities that accept the Polish Matura – the SAT is a nice-to-have, not a must-have. It might give you a minimal additional edge, but is it worth dedicating 3–6 months to it when you could be refining your application essays? Probably not. Invest that time in recommendation letters, your personal statement, or building a portfolio.

SAT vs. Other Paths – IB, AP, Matura

One of the most common doubts: “since there’s IB, AP, and the Polish Matura – why do I need the SAT too?” Good news – it’s not an “either-or” question. These paths complement each other, they don’t exclude. But it’s worth understanding the differences.

SAT vs. IB (International Baccalaureate)

The IB is a two-year curriculum (11th-12th grade in an IB high school), covering 6 subjects, an Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS. It’s a full diploma – the equivalent of a high school leaving exam, but international. The SAT is a single exam lasting 2 hours and 14 minutes, testing math and reading comprehension in English. The scale of commitment is incomparable: IB requires two years of intensive work, the SAT – a few months of preparation alongside regular classes.

But beware: you can have both. Many IB students also take the SAT, because some universities (especially in the USA) want both scores. An IB diploma says: “this student completed a rigorous, two-year program.” The SAT says: “this student can solve problems under time pressure on a standardized test.” These are two different pieces of information, and both have value. If you’re in an IB program and aiming for the Ivy League, the SAT is practically mandatory as a complement to your diploma. If you’re not in an IB program (and most Polish high school students are not) – the SAT can be your alternative path to the same universities.

SAT vs. AP (Advanced Placement)

AP exams are subject-specific tests (AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP Literature, AP Chemistry, and many others) – deeper, more specialized, scored on a scale of 1–5. The SAT is broader – it measures general analytical skills and doesn’t delve into any specific subject beyond math and English. Many top universities in the USA want the SAT plus AP scores in selected subjects – the SAT as a baseline, AP as proof of depth. AP shows you can think at a college level in a specific field, the SAT – that you have general readiness for higher education.

For a Polish student, AP can be harder to prepare for than the SAT, because it requires knowledge of the American curriculum (e.g., AP US History is practically impossible without specific context). On the other hand, AP Calculus BC or AP Physics C are often easier for Polish Matura students with extended-level subjects, because our math and physics curriculum is more advanced than the American one. The SAT relies on skills you develop regardless of the education system, making it more accessible for an international candidate. You can read more about the differences between these exams in our SAT vs. ACT comparison.

SAT vs. Polish Extended Matura Exam

The Polish extended Matura exam is recognized by many universities in Europe (especially in the Netherlands, UK, Scandinavia, and Germany) as equivalent to A-levels or Abitur. The problem arises when you apply to the USA – American universities don’t know the Polish Matura and lack context for it. Even if your extended math score is 95%, the committee at MIT doesn’t know what that means on a global scale. The SAT gives them a comparable point of reference – a score they can benchmark against every other candidate in the world.

Summary: The SAT doesn’t replace the Matura, IB, or AP. It’s an additional tool in your application arsenal. If you’re serious about studying abroad, a combination of the Polish Matura + SAT is the simplest and most cost-effective way to stand out.

A Parent’s Perspective – Common Questions

If you’re a parent reading this article – here are answers to questions that are probably swirling in your head. You don’t have to be an expert on the American education system. You just need to know what’s involved to help your child make a good decision.

”How much will it cost?”

Let’s break it down. The SAT exam itself costs $107 (approx. 430 PLN) – that’s a $64 registration fee plus a $43 international surcharge. Preparation materials: from $0 (Khan Academy, the official Bluebook app, free diagnostic tests on okiro.io) to $125–$500 USD (approx. 500-2000 PLN) for textbooks and online courses. Individual tutoring is a separate category – $25–$75 USD/h (approx. 100-300 PLN/h) in Poland, but it’s not essential.

Let’s put this next to the cost of studying abroad. A semester at an American university is $30,000–$45,000. A year at Bocconi is about €14,000. The SAT costs a fraction of a percent of these amounts. If an SAT score helps your child get a scholarship worth $20,000–$80,000 annually – the return on this investment is astronomical. It’s not an expense. It’s an investment with one of the best possible ROIs in education.

”Isn’t it too much stress?”

I understand that question. Your child already has the Matura, school exams, tutoring, maybe Olympiads. Another exam sounds like a recipe for burnout. But the SAT is not the Matura. It lasts 2 hours and 14 minutes (the extended Matura exam in Polish – 3 hours, in Math – 3 hours, in English – 2 hours, and so on for several days). The SAT is one test, one day, with one score. And you can take it multiple times – the College Board offers 7 test dates annually in Poland. If the first score isn’t satisfactory, you take it again. Universities only see the score you send them (known as Score Choice), so a weaker attempt simply disappears.

”Can my child handle it?”

If your child has B2+ English and is in 11th or 12th grade of high school – yes, they can handle it. Polish students have a huge advantage in the SAT Math section. The material on SAT Math roughly corresponds to the 10th grade extended math level – algebra, quadratic equations, functions, analytical geometry, basic trigonometry. Polish Matura students who chose extended math regularly achieve 700–800 out of 800 possible points in Math. The most advanced questions on SAT Math correspond roughly to what a Polish student covers in extended math by the middle of 11th grade. For comparison – an American student who didn’t choose AP Calculus might never see half of this material in school.

The problem is that the SAT formats questions differently than Polish textbooks. Instead of “calculate x,” you get a scenario with data, a graph, and a question that first requires understanding the context (in English), and only then performing calculations. This isn’t a matter of mathematical knowledge – it’s a matter of strategy and familiarity with the format. And the R&W section is entirely new territory – school English lessons won’t help you here. But 3–6 months of systematic preparation makes a huge difference.

”How can I help?”

The most valuable thing you can do as a parent is to create conditions in which your child can study effectively. You don’t need to understand what an adaptive module is or how superscoring works – that’s not your role. Your role is logistical and emotional support. Specifically:

• Provide a quiet study environment – The SAT requires 1–2 hours a day for 3–6 months. Don’t add a list of extra household chores during the preparation period.
• Invest in materials – Good textbooks (Erica Meltzer for R&W, College Panda for Math) cost about $50–$100 USD (approx. 200-400 PLN) and make a real difference compared to relying solely on free resources.
• Give them time – Don’t expect results in 2 weeks. SAT preparation is a marathon, not a sprint. The biggest progress usually appears between the 8th and 12th week of study.
• Be a supporter, not an auditor – Ask “how’s it going?”, not “when will you finally pass?”. Parental stress is one of the main reasons students give up on preparation halfway through.

A free diagnostic test on okiro.io will show both of you where you stand – no obligations. Your child will check their baseline score, and you’ll see a concrete number from which to build a plan.

What Scores Do Polish Students Achieve?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions – and one of the most difficult, because the College Board does not publish data broken down by country. But based on data from preparation platforms, Polish diaspora forums, tutor reports, and the results of students we’ve worked with, a fairly clear picture emerges.

Without Preparation (Baseline)

A Polish student in 12th grade of high school who sits for the SAT without any preparation typically achieves:

• Math: 580–620 out of 800 – the Polish math curriculum provides a solid foundation, but the SAT has specific question formats and traps that need to be known.
• Reading & Writing: 450–520 out of 800 – here, school-level English is not enough; SAT R&W requires analysis of academic texts from social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities.
• Total: 1050–1170 – above the global average (approx. 1060), but below the threshold for good universities.

A Polish student with an extended Matura exam in mathematics starts SAT Math with a huge advantage. Algebra, quadratic equations, functions, analytical geometry, basic trigonometry – you know this material from 10th-11th grade. The most advanced questions on SAT Math correspond roughly to what a Polish student covers in extended math by the middle of 11th grade. For comparison – an American student who didn’t choose AP Calculus might never see half of this material in school.

The problem is that the SAT formats questions differently than Polish textbooks. Instead of “calculate x,” you get a scenario with data, a graph, and a question that first requires understanding the context (in English), and only then performing calculations. This isn’t a matter of mathematical knowledge – it’s a matter of strategy and familiarity with the format. And the R&W section is entirely new territory – school English lessons won’t help you here.

After 3 Months of Solid Preparation

With regular study (1–2 hours a day, 5–6 days a week) using good materials:

• Math: 680–750 – a jump of 80–150 points, mainly due to learning the format and common traps.
• Reading & Writing: 600–700 – this is the section where the biggest progress is seen, as it comes with practice.
• Total: 1280–1400 – a score that opens doors to many very good universities in the USA and Europe.

After 6 Months with a Platform or Tutor

With a serious, systematic approach (adaptive platform, working with a tutor, regular full-length practice tests):

• Math: 720–790 – close to maximum; Polish students regularly aim for 750+, and the best reach 800.
• Reading & Writing: 650–730 – here, time is needed to build an “instinct” for academic English, but after 6 months of intensive practice, the progress is significant.
• Total: 1370–1500 – a score that qualifies you for the most selective universities in the world.

There are also top performers who achieve 1500+. This is rare (approx. 1–2% of test-takers globally), but achievable for a Polish student with strong math, C1+ English, and 6+ months of systematic preparation. Every year, several dozen Poles exceed the 1500 threshold – this is a small number compared to the population, but it proves that this score is within reach if you approach the matter seriously.

Global Context

For these numbers to make sense, you need points of reference:

• Global average 2025: approx. 1060
• Median accepted to Ivy League: 1510–1560
• Bocconi (minimum): 1300 (1400+ recommended)
• Top European universities: 1300–1450 is a safe zone (details in our article on SAT scores for studies in Europe)
• A score of 1400+ places you in the top 5% of all test-takers globally.

On okiro.io, you can check your baseline score in about 30 minutes – without paying, without registering for the official exam. This is the fastest way to see where you are and how much work lies ahead. If you prefer a fuller experience, take our sample SAT test with official College Board questions.

How Much Does SAT Preparation Cost?

Preparation costs are one of the first questions asked by both students and parents. Good news: the SAT doesn’t have to be expensive. Bad news: premium prep can cost as much as a used car. Here’s a realistic breakdown for three options.

Budget Option ($0–$125 USD)

This is the path for disciplined students who can study independently:

• SAT Exam: $107 (approx. 430 PLN) – this is the only mandatory cost.
• Khan Academy: free – official College Board partner, full SAT course with adaptive exercises.
• Bluebook (official app): free – 8 full practice tests from the College Board.
• okiro.io (free tier): free – diagnostic test and basic preparation materials on okiro.io.

Total cost: approx. $107 USD (430 PLN). Sounds unbelievable, but it’s true – the College Board provides enough free materials to achieve a good score. However, this requires self-discipline and the ability to plan your own study.

Standard Option ($125–$500 USD)

This is the most popular path – it combines free resources with the best paid materials:

• SAT Exam: $107 (approx. 430 PLN).
• Textbooks: “The Critical Reader” (Erica Meltzer) + “College Panda SAT Math” = approx. $50–$75 USD (200-300 PLN).
• Online platform (okiro.io premium or others): approx. $50–$125 USD (200-500 PLN) for 3–6 months.
• Optional second attempt at the exam: $107 (approx. 430 PLN).

Total cost: $200–$425 USD (approx. 800-1700 PLN). This is the sweet spot – enough to access the best materials, but without overpaying for tutoring.

Premium Option ($500–$2,000 USD)

For students who want maximum support or are aiming for 1500+:

• SAT Exam (2–3 attempts): $214–$321 (approx. 860-1300 PLN).
• Textbooks + platform: approx. $125–$200 USD (500-800 PLN).
• Individual tutor: $37–$75 USD/h (approx. 150-300 PLN/h) × 20–40h = $750–$3,000 USD (approx. 3000-12,000 PLN).
• Alternative: group course in Warsaw/online: $750–$2,000 USD (approx. 3000-8000 PLN).

Total cost: $500–$2,000 USD (approx. 2000-8000 PLN) (potentially more with a tutor). This makes sense if you’re aiming for the Ivy League, where the difference between 1450 and 1520 can determine admission. For students aiming for European universities with a threshold of 1300+ – the standard option is sufficient.

ROI – Return on Investment

The most expensive option costs $2,000 USD (approx. 8000 PLN). A merit-based scholarship at an American university is $20,000–$80,000 annually for 4 years of study. A scholarship at Bocconi is €6,000–€14,000 annually. Even if you spend $2,000 USD on preparation, that’s less than 1% of the scholarship value you could gain thanks to the SAT. It’s hard to find a better investment-to-potential-gain ratio in education.

Let’s put this in an even sharper perspective. Let’s say you spend $500 USD (approx. 2000 PLN) on the standard option and, thanks to a 1400+ score, you get a merit-based scholarship at the University of Alabama covering the tuition difference ($25,000/year × 4 years = $100,000). Your return on investment is over 20,000%. Even if the SAT doesn’t guarantee you a scholarship (because many factors influence that), the mere fact that it opens doors to applying to universities that offer such amounts makes this exam one of the cheapest and most profitable “investments” in your entire educational career. Compare this to the cost of math tutoring ($25–$50 USD/h for 2 years) or an IB course ($5,000–$15,000 USD/year in a private school) – the SAT wins in terms of price-to-opportunity ratio.

How to Get Started – 5 Steps

If you’ve read this far and your answer to “Is the SAT worth it?” is “yes” – here’s a concrete action plan. Many students make the mistake of jumping into solving problems without a plan. That’s like training for a marathon without a training schedule – you run, you sweat, but you don’t make optimal progress. You don’t have to do everything at once – step by step, in logical order.

Step 1: Take a diagnostic test. Before you plan anything, you need to know where you stand. Go to okiro.io and take a free diagnostic test. It will take you about 30 minutes and show your approximate score in the Math and R&W sections. This is your starting point – without it, you don’t know if you need 3 months or 6, whether you should focus on math or reading, and what score is realistic for you. Treat it like a doctor’s visit before starting a diet – first diagnosis, then treatment.

Step 2: Read our complete SAT guide. Before you start solving problems, you need to understand the exam’s structure – sections, timing, adaptive system, question format, scoring method. The SAT has its specific “rules of the game,” and studying without knowing them is like playing chess without knowing the rules. You’ll find everything in the SAT exam guide.

Step 3: Decide on your exam date. The SAT is held 7 times a year – in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December. The optimal plan is to take the SAT in March or May of 12th grade (if you’re applying in the fall of the same year) – this gives you time for a potential second attempt in August or October. If you’re in 11th grade, you have even more flexibility – you can take it in the spring of 11th grade and repeat in the fall of 12th grade. Check the exact dates in our SAT 2026/2027 calendar.

Step 4: Plan your preparation. Do you have 3 months? 6 months? A year? The intensity of your study and choice of materials depend on this. With 3 months – 1.5–2 hours daily, focusing on weaker areas. With 6 months – 1 hour daily, a calmer pace with an emphasis on consistency. You’ll find a detailed plan (week by week) in our 12-week SAT preparation plan.

Step 5: Register for the exam. Registration is done through the College Board website (collegeboard.org). You’ll need an account, a passport, and a payment card (Visa/Mastercard). The entire process takes about 15 minutes, but if you’ve never done it before, go through our step-by-step registration instructions – we’ll show you every screen, every form, and every field. Register at least 4–5 weeks before the exam to ensure you get a spot at a test center in your city (in Poland, the SAT is held in Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdansk, and several other cities).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Summary – Is the SAT Worth It?

Let’s return to the question in the title. Is the SAT worth it?

The answer depends on who you are and where you’re headed. Let’s summarize clearly:

If you’re planning to study in the USA – yes, absolutely. Without SAT scores, your application to most top universities will be incomplete. Even where the SAT is “optional,” candidates with good scores have measurably higher chances. MIT, Harvard, Princeton, Yale – these universities reinstated the SAT requirement because they believe test scores provide crucial information about applicants. As a Polish student from a school unfamiliar to them, the SAT is your strongest tool to prove that you’re playing in the same league as candidates from Phillips Exeter or Eton.

If you’re aiming for prestigious European universities – Bocconi, IE, SSE, Trinity College Dublin, St Andrews – yes. The SAT opens doors that the Polish Matura alone won’t. And often, it opens them with the bonus of a scholarship.

If you’re considering studying abroad but don’t know where yet – yes. The SAT is a universal key accepted in the USA, UK, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Ireland, and Scandinavia. One exam, one score, many possibilities. It’s hard to find a better effort-to-flexibility ratio.

If studying abroad is not an option or you’re aiming exclusively for Germany/France – no. The SAT is not for you, and that’s perfectly fine. Focus your energy on the Matura and the requirements of the specific universities you’re applying to.

The SAT is not a perfect exam. It doesn’t measure creativity, passion, mental resilience, or life wisdom. But in a world where universities receive 50,000 applications and must compare candidates from 100 different education systems – a standardized SAT score is one of the simplest ways to say: “I can think analytically and I’m ready for international-level studies.” It’s not the only component of an application, but it’s an element that you control 100% – unlike committee decisions, the randomness of an interview, or the subjective evaluation of an essay.

Cost: $107 for the exam + a few months of preparation. Potential gain: a scholarship worth tens of thousands of dollars, a degree from a globally recognized university, and a career start you can only dream of now. This is that rare case where the investment is small, and the potential return is enormous.

First step? Take a free diagnostic test on okiro.io, check your baseline score, and decide if this path is for you. And then – read our complete SAT guide and start preparing. Time flies, deadlines don’t wait, and the Ivy League doesn’t send invitations – you have to earn them.

Good luck. And remember – a Polish student with a good plan and determination can achieve an SAT score that many Americans can only dream of. We know this because we see it every year.