VANADZOR, Armenia — On July 28, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Extension in Vanadzor organized an event on several international exams: SAT, ACT, TOEFL, and IELTS. Considering that these tests periodically update format and content, AUA Extension brought to the attending students the most up-to-date information. There were 22 participants in attendance.
The session began with an introduction about TOEFL iBT. Participants learned about the overall structure of the test: reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections. To help participants gain hands-on experience with the test format, the session included short interactive exercises adapted from TOEFL. This gave students a chance to practice under simulated exam conditions, measure the level of their preparedness and identify areas that would need more practice. A comparison between TOEFL iBT and IELTS followed, showing the differences in timing and scoring the respective test, and the manner in which the speaking component is scored.
The second part of the session focused on the actual SAT and ACT requirements, delivered by an experienced AUA Extension instructor who connected online from Yerevan. Participants learned about the exam structure and the importance of consistently practicing with sample tests, the value of developing learning strategies to minimize choosing incorrect answers, and the approaches necessary for improving individual test-taking speed, underscoring the importance of addressing the challenges associated with time restrictions.
Moreover, AUA Extension instructors guided the participants through essential preparation strategies, including test-taking techniques, setting immediate and longer-term objectives and choosing corresponding practice approaches aimed at improving test results. Attendees were actively engaged throughout the session, asking questions about registration procedures, recommended study materials, and test timelines. Extension staff also explained the step-by-step process to help students navigate registration and related activities with ease.
Two AUA alumni shared their personal stories about preparing for these tests. They spoke about their own preparation challenges, the resources they found most useful, and how they managed test-day stress.
The session concluded with an extended question-and-answer session. Participants asked about registration deadlines, test fees, the availability of online and in-person preparation resources, and the recommended timing to begin preparing for these tests. Instructors clarified several points related to preparation and timing, offered suggestions on study schedules for both high school and university students, and shared information on AUA Extension’s upcoming test preparation training opportunities.
AUA Extension is the non-degree educational program of the American University of Armenia (AUA), with programs especially geared to meeting the educational needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds and occupations, as well as governments and corporate organizations. AUA Extension offers a comprehensive range of courses and certificate programs, including language classes, test preparation courses, and a wide range of professional development training. Through its regional centers around Armenia, AUA Extension expands opportunities for locals to thrive and contribute to the development of their communities. Additionally, AUA Extension provides testing services on behalf of various standardized tests for college admission and exams for international professional certification.
