Standardized Tests

Are you planning to go to college but are a little anxious about taking the entrance test required for admissions? No need to worry, this section will help you prepare to take the different exams required for college admission. Just use the Internet resources we provided to find out more about the tests – content, dates, registration and preparation.

There are four main standardized tests you should be familiar with and take if you are considering going to college. Check with your high school guidance counselor or the schools you’re interested in attending to find out what test or tests they require you to take.

PLAN. The PLAN is the pre-ACT test taken by tenth-graders to help students estimate how well they will do on the ACT. It is a comprehensive guidance resource that helps you measure your current academic development, explore career/training options, and make plans for the remaining years of high school and post-graduation years. For additional information go to www.actstudent.org

ACT. This standardized test is designed to assess high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. It often is used for college admission decisions, and virtually all U.S. colleges and universities accept ACT results. The ACT consists of four multiple-choice tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science, as well as an optional writing test. Scores for each test are averaged to create a composite score. A perfect score on the ACT is 36. Contact your high school guidance counselor for test dates, locations, and study materials to familiarize yourself with test content and questions, or call the ACT information line at (319) 337-1000. Additional information on preparing for the test can be obtained from www.actstudent.org.

PSAT. The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is a two-part, exam that is very similar to the SAT. The PSAT consists of two 25-minute verbal sections, two 25-minute math sections, and one 30-minute writing skills section. Additional information can be obtained from their web site at www.psat.org. Most students take the PSAT in the fall of their junior year in high school. Some students choose to take it during their sophomore year. Scores on the PSAT are used to determine National Merit Scholars, students who qualify for merit-based scholarships distributed throughout the United States. Talk to your high school guidance counselor for more information.

SAT. The SAT is one of two standardized tests used by colleges as part of their admissions criteria. The SAT Reasoning Test is a three-hour and 45 minute exam that measures critical reading, mathematics and writing skills used for admission. Scores on each section range from 200-800 points. The SAT Subject Test consists of more than 20 subject areas, or achievement tests designed to measure subject-area knowledge. Additional information can be obtained from their web site at www.sat.org. Contact your high school guidance counselor for test dates, locations, and study guides.

Good test scores are important when applying to colleges and other post-secondary education institutions. The following resources provide the prep and practice you need to ensure you reach your score goal.

• College Board
• Number2.com
• Peterson’s “Test Prep Search”
• Princeton Review

Other Tests

Students interested in pursuing a graduate or professional degree are required to take additional standardized tests to qualify for admission into those programs. The most common of these tests are:

Graduate Records Examination (GRE). The General GRE Test is a three-and-a-half hour aptitude test on verbal, quantitative, and analytical abilities intended for applicants to graduate schools. In addition to the General Test, the GRE includes subject area tests in 16 different fields. For more information, contact the college you are interested in attending, or call the GRE General Information line at (609) 771-7670 or visit their web site at www.gre.org.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). The GMAT is a four-hour standardized test that is required for admission to most business schools in the United States. It includes multiple choice questions and a writing section. The GMAT results in four scores: verbal, quantitative, total, and analytical writing. The test is given during the last three weeks of every month (Monday - Sunday). For more information, contact the business college you would like to attend, or contact the GMAT information line at (609) 771-7330 or visit their web site at www.gmat.org.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The LSAT is a three-and-one-half hour multiple choice test used for admission into law schools. The test is administered four times a year. Contact the law school you are interested in attending, or call the LSAT information line at (215) 968-1001 or visit their web site at www.lsac.org.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The MCAT is a seven-hour test given in April and August of each year. The test includes four major components: verbal reasoning, scientific reasoning (both physical science and biological science), and a writing sample. For more information, contact the medical school you are interested in attending, or call the MCAT general information line at (319) 337-1357.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)/Test of Spoken English (TSE)/Test of Written English (TWE). If you are a foreigner applying to a college in the United States, you may have to take these tests to measure your English language skills. The TOEFL is a two-hour multiple choice test that evaluates a student’s English proficiency; the TSE evaluates English speaking ability; and the TWE evaluates English writing ability. For more information, contact the college you are planning to attend, or call the TOEFL information line at (609) 951-1100.