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Standardized Tests for College

Standardized tests are required on most college applications, which are used as part of the college admission process along with other factors (i.e. supporting documents, grades, extracurricular activities, etc.). The tests are designed to measure students’ knowledge in areas determined to predict their academic success in college. Standardized tests are not intelligence or IQ tests, and their scores do not indicate how smart a student is. Each year, students with low-test scores are admitted to college. However, these students usually had good grades in high school, wrote a good essay, and were actively involved in school and/or their community. Conversely, students who had high test scores, but fair grades in high school have also been admitted to college.

There are several standardized tests which measure a student’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. There no limit to how many times you can take any test. Colleges will use your highest scores when they evaluate your application. The two most commonly used college admission tests are the SAT and ACT. Students usually take these tests during their junior year, early in their senior year, or both. Visit your high school counselor regarding registration, fees, and test dates and sites. This information is also available on the test centers’ web sites. Contact the colleges in which you are interested in attending to see which tests they require or accept. Listed below are brief descriptions of college entrance/placement tests and tests for college credit.


Entrance/Placement Tests
   
PSAT and NMSQT
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a preparatory exam for the SAT. PSATs are offered annually and are taken by high school sophomores and juniors. This test allows students to identify their strengths and weaknesses in certain areas on the test. Students with low scores in certain areas can seek help through various resources (i.e. books, workshops, etc.) to help them prepare and score better on the actual SAT test. PSATs taken during your junior year can qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation scholarships and other awards. For more information about the PSATs, test resources, sample questions, and study aids, visit The College Board Online.

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ACT
The ACT, administered by the American College Testing Service, is designed to measure a student’s English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning abilities. Test scores range from 1 to 36. Colleges use the ACT as a factor in admitting students, awarding scholarships, and placing students in appropriate classes, special programs, and honors courses. Students usually take this test during their junior year, early in their senior year, or both; contact each college to make sure the ACT is accepted. For more information about the ACT, test resources, sample questions, and study aids, visit the ACT website.

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SAT I and SAT II: Subject Tests
The SAT I and II are administered by The College Board. Students usually take this test during their junior year, early in their senior year, or both; contact each college to make sure the SAT is accepted. The SAT I is designed to measure a student’s verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities. Test scores range from 200 to 800 on both the verbal and math sections. Colleges use the SAT I scores for admissions purposes and in awarding scholarships. SAT II: Subject Tests are given in specific subjects such as mathematics, science, English, or foreign languages. More selective schools require students to take one or more SAT II tests for freshman placement and/or college course credit when they apply for admission. For more information about the SAT, test resources, and study aids, visit The CollegeBoard Website.

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Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
The GRE is administered by the ETS. Students applying for graduate school (advanced study after receiving the equivalent of a four-year college degree) take the GRE. The GRE is an important factor for acceptance in graduate school programs. There are two tests: the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Tests. The GRE General Test is designed to measure a student’s verbal, quantitative, and analytical skills acquired over time and that are not related to any specific field of study. GRE Subject Tests are designed to measure a student’s knowledge of particular subjects, such as Biology, English, or Mathematics. You may have to take both test depending on the program you are applying for. The scores from these tests are used to help predict a student’s success in studies on the graduate level. For more information about the GRE, test resources, and study aids, visit the GRE website.

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TOEFL and ELPT
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and the ELPT (English Language Proficiency SAT II: Subject Test) are designed to evaluate the English proficiency of students who attend U.S. high schools, whose native language is not English, whose best language is not English, or who usually speak a language other than English at home. These tests measure a student's understanding of spoken and written standard American English and how well he or she will function in a classroom where English is spoken. Colleges and universities use either TOEFL or ELPT scores to help them place entering students in the appropriate English and developmental classes; contact each college to see which test they require or accept. For more information on the about these tests, sample questions, and study aids, visit at TOEFL or English Language Proficiency SAT II: Subject Test.

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ASSET
The ACT ASSET Program is a series of short placement tests designed to measure a student’s strength and needs in language, reading comprehension, mathematics (numerical skills, elementary algebra, and geometry), and study skills. ASSET is used primarily at community colleges. For more information, visit the ACT: ASSET.


COMPASS
The ACT Computerized Adaptive Placement Assessment and Support System (COMPASS) is a series of tests designed to measure a student’s strength and weakness in mathematics, reading, writing, and English as a second language skills. For more information, visit the ACT: COMPASS.

CPAt
The Career Programs Assessment (CPAt) measures a student’s basic skills in three areas: language, reading, and arithmetic. Proprietary schools primarily use this test. For more information, visit the ACT: CPAt.
   
Tests for College Credit
   
AP
Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations are given to students taking AP courses in high school. There are 33 courses in 19 subjects including history, government, English, music, art, and some sciences and foreign languages. Students that receive high-test scores on AP exams can earn college credit, be exempt from certain required college courses, and/or be eligible for honors or other specialized programs. AP exams are not required as part of the college admissions process, and many students who choose to take AP exams do so in the spring of their senior year. If you are taking an AP course, you should check with the college you plan to attend to determine their policy on AP courses and exams. For more information, visit The CollegeBoard: AP.
CLEP
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers 34 examinations for many subjects traditionally taken during the first two years of college. Some colleges use the scores to award credit for undergraduate college courses without attending the class. Sometimes, these exams are also used by business, industry, government, and professional groups to satisfy educational requirements for advancement, licensing, and admission to training programs. For more information, visit The CollegeBoard: CLEP.

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