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Standardised Tests in High School, College, and Beyond

© ML Arthur

So, you are going to apply to college, huh? Well then, you will need to think about standardized tests. These tests will affect your chances of getting into the college of your choice, your ability to get a scholarship, and even whether you get advanced standing in college. It is important to remember, though, that some colleges are beginning to make these tests optional, especially elite northestern colleges and the University of California system.In this article, we'll briefly review the kinds of standardized tests you might encounter in high school and college.

• PSAT The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test is the SAT's little sibling. It is a somewhat easier, and thus less consequential, version of the SAT. You commonly take it during the fall of your Junior year in high school, some time in October. Many people take it in 10th grade as well, for practice. It will effect two things: which colleges send you brochures in the mail without your having to ask and whether you become a National Merit Scholar, an award that once guaranteed a scholarship but no longer does. There is a similar, but much less available, version of the ACT. Moral: Don't sweat it.
• SAT The Scholastic Aptitude Test is the most feared test of any college-bound student. Most colleges require that you take either the SAT or the ACT (see below) in order to apply. But don't worry so much! It just tests reading comprehension, vocabulary, and high school math. Books, computer software, and courses are available to help maximize your score. To put this test in perspective, read The Big Test by Nicholas Lehman.
• ACT The American College Test is similar to the SAT, but some find it easier to do well on. It is more common in the Midwestern United States than elsewhere. Instead of the SAT's two sections, the ACT contains four: reading comprehension, English (grammar, proofreading, vocabulary), math, and science reasoning (graph reading, etc. which does not suppose prior knowledge). It is available in all areas, and books can help you learn to ace it.
• TOEFL If you did not go to school in an English-speaking high school, the Test of English as a Foreign Language is for you. It tests writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills so that colleges know if you can function in an all-English learning environment.
• SAT II Given in many subjects such as foreign languages, literature, writing, math, sciences, and history, the SAT II lets colleges know if you have developed a thorough knowledge of any subject area. If you were homeschooled, bet on taking a bunch of them. Otherwise, many colleges require three, usually including the writing test (which has a scored essay to write). If you are entering a specialized field, count on having certain tests to take (Engineering often required math and science tests, for example). If you are majoring in something more general, take the subjects you are most comfortable with, and take them as soon as you complete relevant course work so the material stays fresh. Some less selective schools may grant credit or placement for high scores on these tests.

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