My Boarding School Blog

Standardized tests

Here is a list of standardized tests that a student would encounter.

* PSAT The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test is the SAT’s little sibling. It is a somewhat easier, and thus less consequential, version of the SAT. You commonly take it during the fall of your Junior year in high school, some time in October. Many people take it in 10th grade as well, for practice. It will effect two things: which colleges send you brochures in the mail without your having to ask and whether you become a National Merit Scholar, an award that once guaranteed a scholarship but no longer does. There is a similar, but much less available, version of the ACT. Moral: Don’t sweat it.
* SAT The Scholastic Aptitude Test is the most feared test of any college-bound student. Most colleges require that you take either the SAT or the ACT in order to apply. But don’t worry so much! It just tests reading comprehension, vocabulary, and high school math. Books, computer software, and courses are available to help maximize your score.
* ACT The American College Test is similar to the SAT, but some find it easier to do well on. It is more common in the Midwestern United States than elsewhere. Instead of the SAT’s two sections, the ACT contains four: reading comprehension, English (grammar, proofreading, vocabulary), math, and science reasoning (graph reading, etc. which does not suppose prior knowledge). It is available in all areas, and books can help you learn to ace it.
* TOEFL If you did not go to school in an English-speaking high school, the Test of English as a Foreign Language is for you. It tests writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills so that colleges know if you can function in an all-English learning environment.
* SAT II Given in many subjects such as foreign languages, literature, writing, math, sciences, and history, the SAT II lets colleges know if you have developed a thorough knowledge of any subject area. If you were homeschooled, bet on taking a bunch of them. Otherwise, many colleges require three, usually including the writing test (which has a scored essay to write). If you are entering a specialized field, count on having certain tests to take (Engineering often requires math and science tests, for example). If you are majoring in something more general, take the subjects you are most comfortable with, and take them as soon as you complete relevant course work so the material stays fresh. Some less selective schools may grant credit or placement for high scores on these tests.
* ASVAB This is the test you will take if you wish to enter the military. It assesses your skills and interests so that they can place you in the best position.
* AP Advanced Placement tests are usually offered at the end of a specific high school course, but some students choose to take them on their own. Offered in many subjects like foreign languages, science, math, history, psychology, and even art, high scores often grant credit and almost always grant placement.
* GED If you quit high school and now want to apply to college, you may need to take the General Equivalency Diploma in order to present evidence of a high school education to your college. Adult Education classes can help prepare you for these exams, which vary state to state.
* GRE The GRE is a test much like the SAT that students take in order to apply for admission to many master’s and Ph.D. programs, especially those in academic fields. It has a math section focusing on problem solving and data interpretations, a verbal section focusing on academic reading comprehension and difficult vocabulary, and an analytical section which tests your logical reasoning skills as well as offering up some logic games. Some subject tests, especially in the hard sciences, as well as a writing assessment, are also offered.
* GMAT The GMAT is similar to the GRE, but offers unique math questions to test your reasoning skills. This test is administered to students planning on attending business school.
* LSAT Potential law school students take this grueling exam, which focuses on reading comprehension, logic games, and logical reasoning skills. No math! You’ll also have to complete two writing assignments when taking this test.
* MCAT The master of all standardized tests, the MCAT is a full-day examination that tests verbal skills and scientific knowledge in a wide range of fields. If you are planning on going to medical school, start studying for this crucial examination now.

Remember that if you have a documented disability (learning, emotional, psychological, physical, etc.) you are eligible for special testing circumstances which may include a separate location, extended time, a computer, or a reader.