I. Academic Requirements: GPA and Educational Credentials Serve as the Fundamental Threshold
Academic background constitutes the core admission standard for studying in the U.S., with distinct differences in requirements between undergraduate and graduate programs. Undergraduate applicants must submit a high school diploma and complete transcripts covering grades 9 through 12. For standard institutions, a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (approximately 80% on a 100-point scale) is required; for Top 50 institutions, a GPA of 3.5+ (85%+) is recommended; and for Ivy League and Top 30 institutions, the actual average GPA for admitted students typically falls between 3.8 and 4.0. The difficulty level of coursework carries more weight than grades alone; U.S. high school students who complete 3 to 5 AP courses—achieving scores of 4 or 5 in core subjects—can significantly enhance their competitiveness.
Graduate applicants must hold a four-year bachelor’s degree recognized by the Ministry of Education; current final-year students may apply by submitting a Certificate of Enrollment. The baseline GPA requirement is 3.0+; Top 50 institutions typically require 3.5+; and for business disciplines and popular STEM fields—such as Computer Science and Financial Engineering—the actual average GPA for admitted students often reaches 3.7+. Applicants who have completed a “Junior College-to-Bachelor’s” transfer program or a three-year bachelor’s degree program must undergo credential evaluation through agencies such as WES or ECE to verify that their qualifications are equivalent to a U.S. four-year bachelor’s degree. STEM applicants may be required to complete prerequisite courses—such as Calculus and Programming—while business applicants must possess a foundational understanding of Economics and Statistics.

II. Language Proficiency: A Mandatory Requirement for International Students, with a Slight Increase in Thresholds for 2026
Language proficiency scores are a mandatory requirement for international applicants. Most institutions accept the TOEFL iBT and IELTS exams, while some also recognize the Duolingo English Test. At the undergraduate level, standard institutions typically require a TOEFL score of ≥80 or an IELTS score of ≥6.5; Top 50 institutions require a TOEFL score between 90 and 100 or an IELTS score of ≥7.0; and Top 30 institutions—including the Ivy League—typically require a TOEFL score between 105 and 110 or an IELTS score of 7.5+. Furthermore, some institutions—such as MIT—impose specific minimum score requirements for individual sections (e.g., a minimum speaking score of 28). Language proficiency requirements are more rigorous at the graduate level. For standard institutions, a TOEFL score of ≥90 or an IELTS score of ≥7.0 is typically required; for Top 50 institutions, the benchmark rises to 100+ for TOEFL and 7.0–7.5 for IELTS. For elite programs—such as those at Harvard Business School or Stanford’s Computer Science department—a TOEFL score of 105+ is mandatory, with no individual section score falling below 25. For the 2026 admissions cycle, the acceptance of the Duolingo English Test has increased, with institutions like the University of Southern California (USC) and Northeastern University accepting scores of 120+. However, most Ivy League institutions do not recognize this exam. Language proficiency scores are valid for two years; therefore, it is advisable to begin test preparation 1–2 years in advance to avoid the pressure of last-minute score-boosting efforts.
III. Standardized Testing: A Mandatory Return in 2026 and a Key to Competitiveness
For the 2026 admissions cycle, policies regarding standardized testing have tightened significantly. Nineteen of the Top 30 universities have reinstated the mandatory submission of SAT or ACT scores, and all six of the top-tier Ivy League institutions now require them. For undergraduate admissions, target SAT scores are as follows: Top 10 universities typically require 1510–1580 points, while universities ranked 11–30 require 1450–1550 points; the corresponding ACT scores are 34–36 and 32–34, respectively. The University of California (UC) system remains “Test-Blind,” meaning that even if scores are submitted, they will not be reviewed during the admissions process. Approximately 30% of institutions retain a “Test-Optional” policy; however, over 90% of admitted students at these institutions choose to submit their scores.
At the graduate level, applicants in STEM fields are typically required to take the GRE; for Top 30 programs, a score of 325+ is recommended (with a minimum Quantitative Reasoning score of 165). Business school applicants generally require a GMAT score of 720+ or ​​a GRE score of 320+, while the average GMAT score for MBA programs exceeds 700. Some programs—such as the Master of Finance program at MIT—may offer waivers for standardized testing requirements; however, submitting a high score generally enhances an applicant’s competitiveness. For top-tier STEM programs, a GRE Verbal Reasoning score of 160+ and a Quantitative Reasoning score of 170+ are considered the standard benchmark, whereas business programs tend to place greater emphasis on Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing scores.