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Standardized Test Success

© ML Arthur

Despite the fact that many colleges and universities are beginning to de-emphasize standardized testing for admissions, in all likelihood you will have to take some such tests for admission to your academic program, placement within the program, or scholarship competition. High scores will help you get in, even at a school that des not require scores. Following, you will find a list of common standardized tests for college and graduate school:

SAT 1 (scholastic aptitude test) - most common college admissions test in the United States. Includes math, vocabulary, and reading comprehension questions.

ACT (American college test) - college admissions test most common in the Midwest. Some people can earn higher scores on this test than on the SAT because it tests different skills. Includes math, English skills, reading comprehension, and science reasoning questions.

PSAT (preliminary scholastic aptitude test) - test like the SAT but taken earlier. Used for many scholarship competitions.

SAT II (subject tests) - 1 hour tests in a variety of subjects like writing, math, history, science, and foreign language. Many schools require 1-4 of these tests as a supplement to the SAT 1, for all home-schooled candidates, or for placement.

MCAT (medical college admissions test) - 6 hour long test required for application to medical school. Includes verbal, physical science, and biology questions.

LSAT (law school admissions test) - required for admission to law school. Includes reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and logic games questions, as well as a writing assessment (unscored).

GMAT (graduate management admissions test) - required for admission to business graduate programs. Includes math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and analytical reasoning questions. This test is administered by computer.

GRE (graduate record examination) - used by many academic and professional graduate program for admissions and fellowship decision. Includes math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and analytical reasoning questions. This test is given by computer.

GRE Subject Tests -- Tests available in some specific subject areas, particularly the sciences, to test knowledge acquired in college. Writing assessment also available.

So now that you know what standardized tests are out there, here are some tips for success on the tests:

Start practicing early. Don't just cram at the last minute. Don't try to memorize - instead, learn the strategies to make yourself do well.

Take a full-length test as early as possible so you can discover your strengths and weaknesses.

Don't just answer questions and take practice tests. Make sure you understand what you did wrong on every incorrect question. Use flashcards for vocabulary and math concept drill.

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