There are two general tests for undergraduate admissions, the SAT (www.collegeboard.com) and ACT (www.act.org). You should check with the colleges and universities that you are planning to make application to about required tests. It is important to remember that this score is just a part of the record that will be reviewed and that your entire college admissions status will not be determined by your test scores.
What does the SAT stand for?
Originally, SAT was an acronym for the Scholastic Aptitude Test. In 1993, the test was renamed the SAT Reasoning Test. At the same time, the former Achievement Tests were renamed the SAT Subject Tests. SAT has become a simple way of referring to the SAT Reasoning Test.
What's the difference between the SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject tests?
The SAT Reasoning (formerly SAT I) is a three-hour test that measures verbal and mathematical skills. SAT Reasoning scores are used for college admission purposes because the test predicts readiness for college work. The SAT Subject Tests (formerly SAT II) are one-hour, primarily multiple-choice tests in specific subjects. The Subject Tests measure knowledge or skills in a particular subject and your ability to apply that knowledge. Many colleges require or recommend one or more of the Subject Tests for admission or placement.
What does it measure?
The SAT Reasoning Test measures verbal and math reasoning abilities. Subject Tests, one-hour, mostly multiple-choice tests, measure how much students know about a particular academic subject and how well they can apply that knowledge.
The SAT Subject Tests consistent of 22 Subjects and include: Writing (with an essay), Literature, U.S. History, World History, Math Level IC, Math Level IIC, Biology E/M, Chemistry, Physics, French Reading, French Reading with Listening, German Reading, German Reading with Listening, Spanish Reading, Spanish Reading with Listening, Modern Hebrew Reading, Italian Reading, Latin Reading with Listening, Japanese Reading with Listening, Korean Reading with Listening, Chinese Reading with Listening, and the English Language Proficiency Test.
What is the ACT?
Originally, "ACT" stood for American College Testing. In 1996, however, the official name of the organization was shortened to simply "ACT." This change in the official company name was made to better reflect the broad array of programs and services we now offer beyond college entrance testing.
What does the ACT measure?
The ACT is designed to assess high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science.
How long does it take?
The ACT includes 215 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete with breaks. Actual testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes.
Can I take a practice test?
Students can take practice tests for the ACT and SAT through the Electronic Campus. Free test preparation is available at Number2.com. At Number2.com you will be able to find practice tests, tutorials and tips for test taking. There is also a vocabulary builder which will help you regardless of the specific test you take and adapts to your ability.
GRADUATE EXAMINATIONS
The major standardized examination for graduate is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Other popular, and often required examinations are discipline specific. They include the General Management Admissions Test (GMAT) for business and related fields, the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), and the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
GRE
There are two parts to the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the General and Subject GRE tests. The General Test The General Test measures verbal, quantitative (mathematical), and analytical writing skills and is used by many graduate schools as part of the admissions process. The General Test, which is offered only in the Computer Adaptive format. The Subject Tests measure knowledge is specific subject areas.
Practice tests for the GRE and helpful test-taking tools and techniques are available at Number2.com
GMAT
The GMAT is specifically designed to assess the verbal, quantitative, and writing skills of applicants for graduate study in business. However, it does not measure knowledge in any business area because many applicants to graduate business schools come from various educational backgrounds and careers. The GMAT is one measure of potential academic performance in graduate management education.
LSAT
The LSAT is a half-day standardized test required for admission to all 197 law schools that are members of the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). It provides a standard measure of acquired reading and verbal reasoning skills that law schools can use as one of several factors in assessing applicants. The test is administered four times a year at hundreds of locations around the world.
TOEFL
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a 2 1/2-hour multiple-choice exam which measures English skills of international students who wish to study in English at North American colleges and universities. The TOEFL exam may be taken as a paper exam or via computer.
Links to SREB State and Related Resources
