Measuring Progress
College Entrance & Other Exams
An array of standardized tests are one part of most college, career school, and service academy applications, which give admission officers a chance to compare you to other students not only in your school, district or state, but around the country (and sometimes around the world!). Here are some of the tests that may be required for the college, university, career school, or service academy you are interested in:
- PSAT/NMQST: The foundation for preparing you for the SAT, this one assessment helps you with preparation for AP courses and exams, the ACT, HSAs, PARCC, i-Ready, and much more. https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10
- SAT: This test is used by colleges, universities, and career schools as part of the admission process, measures your academic readiness for college and career school (careers in reading, writing and math). https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat
- SAT Subject Tests: These are hour-long tests given in different subject areas and used by some colleges and career schools for admission to certain program opportunities. https://sat.collegeboard.org/about-tests/sat-subject-tests
- ACT: Required by some colleges, career schools and scholarship providers, ACT tests your academic skills in English, math, writing, and science. You can take it during your junior and senior years. http://www.actstudent.org/
- AP Exams: Taken in May if you are enrolled in an Advanced Placement class, where a passing grade can help you earn college credit or a placement in higher-level courses.
- ACCUPLACER: An online test that many colleges use to determine your placement in college courses. https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/students
- ASVAB: If you have an interest in a service academy or a career in the armed services, this assessment considers developed abilities and predicts future success in the military. It can also help you in exploring general career opportunities. http://official-asvab.com/
- TOEFL: Taken online before entering college or career school, this test measures English proficiency for non-native English speakers. http://www.ets.org/toefl