College Application Process — Admissions Testing

Most colleges (other than Community College and some technical schools) require college entrance exams, and the more competitive private colleges may require additional exams. Your ability to qualify for the colleges you want to consider depends, in part, on how well you do on these exams, so they are a very important part of preparing yourself for college.

SAT I or Scholastic Aptitude Test is a four plus hour test that is divided into three sections: critical reading, math reasoning, and writing. Each section ranges from 200-800 points for a total score of 2400.

This is the most common college exam in our part of the country. The PSAT exam (which you take in your sophomore and junior years) is a “practice” exam for the SAT. There are many resources available to help you get the best possible score on this exam. You also can (and often should) take the exam several times (although generally three times is sufficient). You may do better on one part of the exam each time you take it, and colleges generally will take your “best” score from each section.

ACT or the American College Test is another college entrance exam. While it is less common than the SAT, almost all colleges will accept an ACT score instead of an SAT score. Some students do better on the ACT (which is an achievement test, not an aptitude test like the SAT), and it may be a good idea for you to at least consider taking it. The ACT tests four areas: English, math, reading, and science, with an optional writing portion (which more competitive colleges require). Scores range from 1 to 36.

SAT II refers to subject tests that are often required for admission by highly competitive colleges in addition to the SAT I. The SAT II tests are one hour long, and are taken in specific subject areas such as Biology, Chemistry, Math, American History, and the different foreign languages. You can get a complete list of the SAT II tests from the company that produces them (the “College Board”). Generally, a college that wants the SAT II test will want three of them, and may want them in specific subjects. They are not given as often as the SAT I, so you should learn what subjects you most likely need to take, and when the tests are offered.

TOEFL or the test of English as a Foreign Language is for students whose first language is not English.

Advanced Placement or AP Exams are exams that are not required by colleges for admissions but do assist the student’s chances of being admitted into highly selective colleges. The exams vary in length and format depending on the subject being tested. The test is administered in May, and is normally taken after you have taken the same AP course. The scores range from 5 to 1, with the higher scores more likely to earn you college credit when you start college. Some students can even start college with a semester’s worth of credits because of their AP’s.

WHEN? Normally, it is a good idea to take the SAT I and/or ACT in the spring of your Junior year. Then, if you want to, you can re-take it once or twice by the winter of your Senior year. If you are taking SAT II’s, it is best to take them soon after finishing the course that they are related to (for example, take American History after you finish the Marple Newtown course in American History).

Specific test dates and registration forms are available at the Counseling office, or on-line. SAT I and II information: www.collegeboard.com

ACT information: www.act.org

TOEFL information: www.toefl.org

These tests all cost money (check the forms or websites for specifics), but if you have financial hardship, you may qualify for fee waivers. See your counselor for details.