ESADE Admission Test vs SAT: Which Should You Take?

To satisfy ESADE's selection-test requirement you can use the ESADE Admission Test, the SAT, or the ACT — they're treated as alternatives. So which gives you the best shot for the least effort? Here's how to decide.

The quick answer

• Already taking the SAT/ACT (e.g. on an American curriculum, or applying to US universities too)? Use it — you're preparing anyway, and a strong score does double duty.
• Everyone else? The ESADE Admission Test is usually the cleaner route: it's built for ESADE admissions, needs no curriculum-specific content, and assesses reasoning you can train directly.

Whichever you choose, prepare for it properly — it's a meaningful part of a holistic application.

Head to head

What they measure. All three test reasoning rather than recall. The ESADE test's reasoning sections depend on your programme — the BBA sits Sufficiency of information, Numerical analysis and Logical reasoning, while the Bachelor in Law swaps Numerical analysis for Verbal ability. The SAT covers reading, writing and maths on a broader, US-oriented blueprint.

Format and marking. The ESADE test runs 3 hours, and half of that is an English level test — a 90-minute essay plus multiple choice. On the multiple-choice reasoning sections, points are deducted for wrong answers; on the English test they are not. The SAT uses its own scoring without the same penalty structure, so if you've trained for SAT pacing, ESADE's penalty rules are a different habit to build.

One limit worth knowing before you plan around the SAT: it substitutes for the ESADE test only for the BBA and the Double Degree in Business Administration and Law. For other programmes, the ESADE test is the route.

Where and when. The SAT runs on fixed international dates at test centres, which can be scarce depending on where you live. The ESADE test is scheduled within ESADE's admissions process.

Cost. The SAT has registration fees (often higher with international surcharges) plus travel to a centre. The ESADE test sits inside your ESADE application rather than being booked and paid for separately — check ESADE's current application fee on their admissions pages before you budget.

Score signals. ESADE doesn't publish cut-offs. For the SAT route, prep guides suggest ~1300+ is competitive and ~1400+ strong — treat these as third-party estimates, not official thresholds.

How to choose

1. List your other applications. If several also take the SAT, the SAT does double duty.
2. Check test-centre access. No convenient SAT centre nearby tilts you toward the ESADE test.
3. Match the format to your strengths. Comfortable with broad, fast reasoning under a penalty? The ESADE test suits you. Already SAT-trained? Lean on that.
4. Mind the timeline. Whichever route, leave enough runway to prepare before your target round.

Source: ESADE Business School official admissions pages (admission test and other accepted tests). SAT/ACT figures are third-party estimates and vary by year and region; confirm current fees and dates with the College Board / ACT. EsadePrep is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by ESADE.