Why SAT/ACT Scores Matter More Than IELTS/Duolingo for Nigerian Students Seeking US/Canadian Scholarships

How Nigerian Students Can Ace SAT/ACT and Win Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships

SAT/ACT is not on the same level as IELTS/Duo Lingo and co. IELTS is an English proficiency exam and has nothing to do with intellect—your score from an IELTS or Duo Lingo only tells the admission committee how fluent you are or how proficient you are in speaking, reading, understanding, and writing in the English language. It does not speak to your academic or technical knowledge.

As an undergraduate prospective, you’ll most likely need to ace your SAT/ACT. I recently spoke with an education counselor in Abuja who works in an American high school (Abuja). Her daughter was accepted into a fully funded undergraduate program in Canada. She packaged the application - included community service/volunteer work, awards from high school, excellent high school grades, leadership role in high school and church, leader of a teen dance group, etc etc, and above all - a great financial need - this is because most of these scholarships for undergraduate are meritorious but may often prioritize people with financial need.

For 100% undergraduate scholarships, that may even include flight, visa fee, accommodation, relocation fee, etc. Think of Asian countries like China, Japan, and Korea.

For 100% scholarships that may include everything aside from visa fees and flight - think Europe

Think of the US and Canada for 30, 50, 75, 80 - 100% scholarships.

Bonus: For 100% scholarships, that may include relocation allowance, think Mastercard, Erasmus, Commonwealth, Fullbright, etc. Caveat: This type of scholarship is VERY competitive, so you’ll need to prepare your application packets well.

I know people who studied fully funded undergraduate studies in Korea and are now in my school for their PhD. They came to the US straight after completing their bachelor's in Korea. If you’re being fully funded, it doesn’t matter where—just go and study (if you truly love academics and learning). While studying, map out plans.

I’m emphasizing Asia a lot - they will give you fully funded scholarship, if you know you like to study and you’re ready- pump in your undergraduate applications.

If you’re a parent with young kids, please consider enrolling them in a foreign language course. Consider reaching out to an education counselor so you can get professional guidance on how to place your child in a good position ahead—even before they get to this bridge.