Standardized Tests
That Many Colleges Require

Many of the courses recommended for college-bound students (such as geometry and rigorous English courses) are also essential preparation for the college entrance examinations - the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test). The general SAT test is also referred to as the SAT I to distinguish it from the SAT subject test, which is also called the SAT II or the ACT Assessment. The SAT measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities. The ACT Assessment measures English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning abilities.

Students applying to colleges in the East and West usually take the SAT exam. Students applying to schools in the South and Midwest often take the ACT; however, students should check the admission requirements at each school to which they are applying.

Usually, the tests are offered in the junior and senior years of high school and can be taken more than once if a student wishes to try to improve his or her score. Students can get books at libraries or bookstores to help them to prepare for all of the tests. In addition, some private organizations and companies offer courses that help students prepare for these exams.

Many schools offer the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) to their students. This practice test helps students prepare for the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). The PSAT is usually administered to tenth or eleventh grade students. A student who does well on this test and who meets many other academic performance criteria may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. You can find out more about the PSAT/NMSQT and the National Merit Scholarship Program by talking to your guidance counselor.

Some colleges also require that an applicant take one or more SAT subject tests in major areas of study. These tests are also known as SAT II tests. SAT II subject tests are offered in many areas of study including English, mathematics, many sciences, history, and foreign languages. A subject test measures the extent of a student's knowledge of a particular subject. It is a good idea for a student to consult a guidance counselor about this early in high school; often the best time to take an SAT subject test is right after the student has taken a course in that subject. For example, many students take the SAT biology test right after they have completed a course in biology. This could mean that you would take your first SAT subject test as a freshman or sophomore in high school.

Knowing what will be required for college is important; by taking the right courses and examinations from the beginning of high school, you may avoid admission problems later on. In addition, students who do not prepare well enough academically in high school, if admitted to college, may be required to take remedial courses. Most colleges do not offer credit for these courses, and students may have to pay for these extra courses and spend extra time in college to earn their degrees. Studies have also shown that students who take more rigorous courses in high school are more likely to complete college. Below is a list of some questions that you may want to ask your guidance counselor.

  What basic academic courses do you recommend for students who want to go to college?

  How many years of each academic subject does the high school require for graduation?

  What elective courses do you recommend for college-bound students?

  Can students who are considering college get special help or tutoring?

  What activities can students do at home and over the summer to strengthen their preparation for college?

  How much homework is expected of students preparing for college?

  What do different colleges require in terms of high school grades and SAT or ACT scores?