Thinking ahead to standardized admissions testing for the college application? There are several types of standardized tests used for college admissions. Each one has a purpose and these 
tests give the college admissions representatives an idea of the student’s college readiness. The admissions committee will often look at these scores in conjunction with the grade point average and rigor of courses taken by the student. The tests are the SAT, SAT Subject Test, ACT with Writing, TOEFL, and AP (Advanced Placement Tests). This link reveals an excellent comparison between the New SAT and the ACT – https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/inside-the-test/compare-new-sat-act.
SAT Reasoning Test is a standardize test which measures a student’s verbal and mathematical aptitude as well as writing skills. Score range is 600-2400.
SAT Subject Tests were developed by the College Board to measure the student’s knowledge or skills in a certain area such as math, history, physical science, literature, and foreign language. These tests can be taken at any point in the student’s junior or senior year as long as they have completed the related course work in that subject area.
ACT with Writing is also taken nationally like the SAT. It focuses on English usage, mathematics usage, social science reading, and science reading. An optional writing section is recommended by most colleges. Score range is 1-36.
TOEFL evaluates non-native English speakers’ ability to read, write, speak, and listen to English similar to the way it is used at the university level. The sections covered include: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing.
AP or advanced placement test are considered college-level course given in high school for possible college credit. Score range from 1-5. The student should check with the colleges they are applying to see if they accept AP credits. Some colleges will offer credit for a score of 3, though most require a 4 or 5.
Students are reminded to submit their scores directly to the colleges they are applying to.
Two tests offered to students for practice for the standardized tests used in the college admissions process:
The Preliminary ACT or PLAN includes 50 items in the 30-minute English section, 40 items in the 40-minute mathematics section, 25 items in the 20-minute reading section, and 30 items in a 25-minute science section. In addition, there is roughly one hour of needs assessment tools, directed by high school course and grade information entered by each student and an interest inventory that helps link students with relevant scholarship and career steering resource based on the information provided.
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test or PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test that all sophomores and juniors sit for in October each year; it provides firsthand practice for the SAT. As a junior, it also gives testers a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s scholarship programs.
The Qualifying Index by state is established each year by pinpointing the lowest score in a small percentage of top performers statewide. Historically speaking, Northeast states and California indexes tend to skew highest in the nation. Commended Students are notified in the summer leading up to senior year; Semifinalists are invited to complete an application to become finalist at the outset of senior year.
The format of the test mirrors that of the SAT Reasoning Test (see below) minus the 25-minute essay section. Grading the essay of every sophomore and junior taking this test nation- and worldwide would present a serious delay in score reporting. Fear not, as a student’s very presence in the humanities here at Parker more than prepares him/her for the writing/essay portion of the PSAT or the ACT.
TEST DATES –
For ACT – http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/taking-the-test.html
For SAT and SAT Subject Tests – https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat?navId=gh-sat
