Their names can sometimes sound like alphabet soup, but
the standardized tests you will take in high school are
important for college. Some schools require different
tests, so you want to make sure to check with each one
about their requirements. Here are the four main tests
you may have to take if you want to apply to most
colleges:
PLAN.
The PLAN is the pre-ACT test taken by tenth-graders to
help students estimate how well they will do on the ACT.
It is a comprehensive guidance resource that helps
students measure their current academic development,
explore career/training options, and make plans for the
remaining years of high school and post-graduation
years. Talk to your high school counselor for more
information about PLAN.
ACT.
This standardized test is designed to assess high school
students' general educational development and their
ability to complete college-level work. It often is used
for college admission decisions, and virtually all U.S.
colleges and universities accept ACT results. The ACT
consists of four multiple-choice tests in English,
mathematics, reading, and science, as well as an
optional writing test.
PSAT.
The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is a two-part, exam that is
very similar to the SAT. The PSAT consists of two
25-minute verbal sections, two 25-minute math sections,
and one 30-minute writing skills section. Most people
take the PSAT in the fall of their junior year in high
school. Some students choose to take it during their
sophomore year. Scores on the PSAT are used to determine
National Merit Scholars, students who qualify for
merit-based scholarships distributed throughout the
United States. Talk to your high school counselor for
more information.
SAT.
The SAT is one of two standardized tests used by
colleges as part of admission requirements. The SAT I is
three-hour exam that measures verbal and math
reasoning skills used for admission. Scores on each
section range from 200-800 points. The SAT II
consists of more that 20 subject areas, or achievement
tests designed to measure subject-area knowledge.
