Most American colleges and universities require applicants to submit standardized test scores, and testing is undeniably an important factor in admissions decisions. Your high school record, extra-curricular activities, essays, recommendations, community service, leadership experiences are also important considerations. They are not a measure of intelligence or overall worth; they are not even a great predictor of future success in college or beyond. They are a necessary hurdle students must surmount as part of the application process.  A prepared, relaxed approach to testing is best in the long run.

Although the College Board argued for years that because the SAT measured aptitude, students could not “study” for it, the evidence clearly indicates that both the SAT I and the SAT II Subject Tests measure acquired academic skills as much as aptitude. The skills assessed are ones you can enhance through practice and effort, whether through a paid test preparation course, individual tutoring, or a disciplined program of self-preparation.

Each of the major standardized tests is introduced below, and you can link to a more detailed explanation of each.  You can also check out hundreds of test-optional colleges at the Fair Test. 

Click for advice on When To Take the Tests, and also how to Send Your Scores.

Preliminary SAT (PSAT). This short version of the SAT I includes verbal, math, and writing sections, and is a useful predictor of your SAT I scores. Each section has a top score of 80 points, for a maximum 240 points. The test can be taken as early as 9th grade, but only scores from the junior year are used to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship program. Administered by the College Board.

SAT I.  SAT used to stand for Scholastic Aptitude Test, and then for Scholastic Assessment Test, but now the College Board says it stands for nothing. The SAT measures verbal, quantitative, and writing abilities, and is tilted toward advanced vocabulary, critical reading, mathematical problem-solving, and language, usage, and compositional skills. Administered by the College Board.

SAT II: These Subject Tests measure academic achievement in a variety of specific areas, with different levels of Math being the ones most commonly taken. Students can take up to three SAT II Subject Tests on a single test date, but not all tests are available on all dates. Students must indicate which Subject Tests they plan to take when they register for a test, but they can change their minds right up to the test date -- except for Language Tests with Listening. Administered by the College Board.

American College Test (ACT). The ACT appeals to many students because it is more explicitly achievement-based than the SAT I, does not penalize errors, and relies less on advanced vocabulary. It also does not include math grid-in or analogy items. The four areas tested by the ACT are Reading, Math, English, and Science. Each section is scored and reported separately and also as part of a single composite score with a maximum of 36. An optional writing section is also available. Administered by ACT.

Advanced Placement. AP Tests are given each May in a variety of subjects, including English Language, European History, Calculus, American History, English Literature, and Statistics, among many others. The 3-hour tests include a multiple choice section as well as an extended response or essay section, and are graded on a 1-5 scale. Passing scores (3+) may be used for college credit at many universities. Administered by the College Board.

 

Fair Test: 
Test-Optional Colleges

ACT vs. SAT

Compass --
SAT2 Requirements

SAT2 - FAQ

The College Board

ACT Site

Kaplan's ACT / SAT Quiz Banks

Princeton Review's Word of the Day

Worksheet:
(ACT) or (SAT1 + SAT2)?

Smart Parent Critiques AP

Counselors' Corner: Should Students Take Both ACT and SAT?