ADMISSION EXAMS

Many people absolutely hate test-taking. That’s totally understandable given that a single test can determine whether or not your 12+ years of hard work will pay off. Then, there’s the whole “under-the-gun” feeling created by the proctor and timed test-taking. Add to that the fact that most college or graduate school admissions officers would tell you that test scores are either the first- or second- most important factors to consider in making an admission decision.

SAT & ACT

Most colleges require the SAT or the ACT. Generally, more selective colleges require the SAT, while less selective colleges will accept either the SAT or the ACT.

The SAT is a predictive test, meaning it is designed to predict how well students will perform in college courses by testing them on the skills they will need to excel in college–critical reading, writing and math ; the ACT, on the other hand, tests how well students mastered what they learned in high school math, science, reading, writing and english courses.

The SAT is available in two versions–SAT Reasoning Test and the SAT Subject Tests. Students take the Subject Tests to demonstrate to colleges their mastery of specific subjects like English, history, mathematics, science, and language.

Many colleges use the SAT Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Used in combination with student transcripts, other test scores, teacher recommendations, etc., they provide a dependable measure of academic achievement and are a good predictor of future performance.

Five categories of SAT Subject Tests:
English

• Literature

History and Social Studies

• U.S. History (formerly American History and Social Studies)
• World History

Mathematics

• Mathematics Level 1 (formerly Mathematics IC)
• Mathematics Level 2 (formerly Mathematics IIC)

Science

• Biology E/M
• Chemistry
• Physics

Languages

• Chinese with Listening
• French (with/without Listening)
• German (with/without Listening)
• Spanish (with/without Listening)
• Modern Hebrew
• Italian
• Latin
• Japanese with Listening
• Korean with Listening

Most 11th graders have an opportunity to practice for the SAT by taking the PSAT/NMSQT (Pre-SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualification Test). Not only do students get to preview of what it’ll be like to take the SAT, but they also qualify for scholarships (up to $2500) from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP), National Scholarship Service and The Telluride Association.

PLACEMENT & EQUIVALENCY EXAMS

Advanced Placement Exams (AP)

Advanced Placement (AP) exams are generally taken by high school students at the completion of AP, or college-level, classes. Students elect to take these exams to stand out in the college admissions process by showing that they are already successful at completing college-level work. Currently, there are 37 AP classes and exams in 22 subject areas. Many high schools do not offer AP classes, but that doesn’t mean students attending those schools may not take the AP exams; students may take the AP exams without taking the classes by studying on their own or by taking test prep courses (see Test-Taking Toolkit below).

College-Level Exam Program (CLEP)

The College-Level Exam Program is a program under which 2,900 colleges and universities award college credit to students in lieu of them to complete college course work. Students take these exams to get credit for what they already know, skip to more advanced level classes sooner, save money by paying $65/exam versus hundreds of dollars per college credit, show proficiency in certain subjects and to graduate on time or sooner. The CLEP exam is available in 34 subject areas in 5 categories.

Proficiency Exams

Proficiency exams are tests used by some colleges, and by departments within some colleges, to determine whether students possess vital skills such as analytical reading and writing, critical thinking, college-level math, and communication skills. Proficiency exams may be required in lieu of admissions exams, or as a graduation requirement. View a sample proficiency exam.

Ability-to-Benefit Exams

Ability-to-Benefit Exams are equivalency exams used to demonstrate that students who have not earned a high school diploma or GED, either because they were home-schooled, disabled, drop-outs, or leave high school for other reasons. Ability-to-Benefit exams include the ACT are offered by only 8 providers.
GRADUATE & POST-GRADUATE EXAMS

Graduate school

Most graduate schools requires the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). However, specialized programs may require the GRE Subject Test in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology. GRE Subject Tests are intended to show admissions officers that an undergraduate student has mastered a certain body of knowledge, generally from classes taken as part of their major.

All of the above exams and assessments assess academic skills. But, there are hundreds of proficiency, certification and licensing exams used to determine mastery of job-related skills. Stay tuned for information on professional certification and licensing exams!

In the meantime, check out the Test-Takers Toolkit! You’ll find everything you need to know about what’s on the exams, test-taking tips, and free test preparation resources.