College entrance exams are standardized aptitude tests used to evaluate students for college admissions purposes. They are designed to measure students’ skills and help colleges evaluate how ready students are for college-level work. Admission tests apply a common standard to everyone. This helps colleges evaluate and compare the preparation of students who go to different high schools. All schools do not offer the same academic programs, learning environments or even expectations.
​
​
Test scores are just one part of your college application! Colleges look at your test scores, along with your high school grades and courses, to see how well prepared you are for college-level work.
​
​
Types of College Entrance Exams
SAT
The SAT is one of the most commonly required college entrance exams. This test has three sections: Reading, Writing and Language; Math; and an optional essay section. Each section is scored from 200-800, meaning students can score anywhere from 400-1600 on the whole test (the optional essay is scored separately).
​
How to Register: You will need to register on your own at collegeboard.com. Fee waivers are available if you have free/reduced lunch - please see your counselor.
PSAT/NMSQT
The PSAT (which stands for Preliminary SAT) won’t count towards your college admissions applications, but it is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship. This means that some of the highest scoring students may win scholarship money, so while you shouldn’t stress out about the PSAT, you certainly shouldn’t ignore it either. Instead, use the PSAT as practice for the SAT and ACT and one of the starting points on your college admissions journey.
​
How to Register:
Sophomores and juniors are welcome to register to take the test every October.
ACT
The ACT is a standardized aptitude test similar in content and importance to the SAT. Both tests are accepted and looked upon favorably by a lot of colleges and universities. The ACT is multiple choice and has sections in English, Math, Reading, and Science. Like the SAT, there is an optional Writing section. Each section is scored on from 1-36, and the final score is generated as the average of all four subject areas. Students who opt to take the Writing Test will receive a Subject-Level Wring Score and an ELA score, which is the average of the scores received from English, reading, and writing)
​
How to Register:
You will need to register on your own at www.act.org. Fee waivers are available if you have free/reduced lunch - please see your counselor.
PreACT
PreACT® offers sophomores an early experience with ACT test items, provides a predicted ACT test score, and offers a wealth of information to help students get the start they need to be college ready.
​
Anchored on the ACT college and career readiness standards, PreACT helps educators and career readiness standards, PreACT helps educators, students, and parents, identify areas of academic strength and opportunity. Students may opt to have their information shared with colleges and scholarship agencies when the take the PreACT, providing greater opportunities for recruitment and scholarship awards.
How to Register: Sophomores are offered the exam during the spring semester.