My daughter is a US citizen and we live in Malaysia, currently a sophomore in HS. She is in a Chinese medium school but she does speak English well. Does she need to take a language exam, if so, what? Also, will she need to take the SAT? She will be taking her O levels. The school she is currently in is giving the students the choice whether to take GCE or IGCSE, is one preferred over the other for US college admission?
Most schools still want the SAT or the ACT (there are lists of test-optional schools if you look), but the advantage for your daughter is that a strong score in the verbal/writing part is often accepted instead of TOEFL, especially in cases where language background is ambiguous (as it is for your daughter). Some schools also require SAT subject tests (usually 2, but some- Georgetown comes to mind- want 3), but in many cases the ACT with writing = SAT + 2 subject tests. Most schools are reasonably familiar with international qualifications, and I am not aware of a particular preference for GCE or IGCSE on the application side- though I have heard some lively discussion amongst students about which is easier / harder for achieving top marks!
Because your daughter has been studying in a school system where English is not the language of instruction, most places will require the TOEFL, IELTS, or other English proficiency exam. Since she is in a British-style system, she might feel more comfortable with the IELTS. She can also get advice about that choice from the English instructors at her school.
You also could have a chat with the counselors at the closest EducationUSA advising enter. There are two in Malaysia: https://educationusa.state.gov/find-advising-center?field_region_target_id=&field_country_target_id=300&field_center_level_value=All The counselors there should know if there seems to be a preference for GCE or IGSCE for admissions at the colleges and universities that are currently on her application list.
As far as I know, IGCSE’s are basically O’Levels but with an international curriculum, whereas GCE is AS+A2 for A-Levels.
Most selective universities will want to see good O’Level results and at least 4 AS levels and 3 A Levels, although some students have been know to do 5 or 6 AS and 4 A Levels.
In choosing between the 4AS/3A2 and 5-6AS/4A2 models, you have to determine which model is more likely to yield an optimal combination of B, A, or A. (ie., 4 AS at A/A are better than 6 at B, but 4 AS at A, 1A, 1B is better than 4A/A…) Students who take 5 or 6 AS tend to do so on the model of IB, ie., 1 or 2 Math/Science, 1 Humanities/Art/Foreign Language, 1 Native Language, 1 Social Science, 1 extra and choose 2 A2 that are connected (Math/Physics or Philosophy/History) plus one that shows subject versatility (the 4th one can be a “fun” one like Media Studies…)
She will have to take the TOEFL/IELTS and can take the PSAT next year (get information from CollegeBoard) if she wants to compete for the scholarship program. She’ll be allowed to choose between SAT and ACT with writing. Subject tests are better added after a certain level has been reached and a course completed. If Malaysia’s school year ends in November or February, she’d take the tests around those times (October-November-December, or January-March), if the school year ends in June she’d take the May and/or June tests, junior year.
Also if they have the International Baccaulareate program, that is even more understood by US colleges.