Admission Tests
Myths and Facts
1. My test score is the most important factor in a college's admission decision. Myth or Fact?
Myth: Admission test scores are just one item colleges review but are, generally-speaking, not factored over grades and classes. In fact, while most four-year colleges require tests, the emphasis on the test scores varies by college. In addition, most two-year colleges, including community colleges, open-enrollment colleges, and specialty schools don't require tests.
2. I don't need to take an expensive test prep course to prepare for an admission test. Myth or Fact?
Fact: Free and low-cost preparation works as well as, and maybe even better than, an expensive test prep course. Try these ideas:
3. A low score on an admission test will keep me out of college or career school. Myth or Fact?
Myth: The range of test scores at many colleges is very broad. Remember, test scores are just one part of your application. But if you don't take an admission test, you'll limit your college choices.
Learn More: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/testing/admission-test-myths
Myth: Admission test scores are just one item colleges review but are, generally-speaking, not factored over grades and classes. In fact, while most four-year colleges require tests, the emphasis on the test scores varies by college. In addition, most two-year colleges, including community colleges, open-enrollment colleges, and specialty schools don't require tests.
2. I don't need to take an expensive test prep course to prepare for an admission test. Myth or Fact?
Fact: Free and low-cost preparation works as well as, and maybe even better than, an expensive test prep course. Try these ideas:
- Take practice tests in NAVIANCE, and free test prep with College Board, (https://sat.collegeboard.org/practice), Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org/), and ACT (http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/).
- Take the PSAT/NMSQT or PLAN. These tests cover the same subjects as the SAT and ACT.
- Make it a habit to read and write frequently in and outside of class.
3. A low score on an admission test will keep me out of college or career school. Myth or Fact?
Myth: The range of test scores at many colleges is very broad. Remember, test scores are just one part of your application. But if you don't take an admission test, you'll limit your college choices.
Learn More: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/testing/admission-test-myths