Preparing for College - Standardized Tests
An important part of the preparation for going to college includes how well one does on standardized tests.
The subject of this overview, the following information is illustrative for use in the classroom or other
presentation forums. Furthermore, as with the other information provided in this packet, it can be used as
a resource for anyone who seeks further information on the subject.
Standardized Tests
There are three main standardized tests you should be familiar with and take if you are considering going to
college. If you are already in college and preparing to go on to graduate, business, law, or medical school,
there are additional exams you'll have to prepare for. Check with your high school counselor or the schools
you're interested in attending to find out what test or tests they require you to take. Also, ask your counselor,
contact the testing agencies, or check your local bookstore for samples of past tests to become familiar with what
to expect. You may also want to check out some of the Internet Resources available on testing.
- PSAT
The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) is just what it says, a preliminary SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test),
which many college admission offices require. The PSAT has two parts: two 30-minute math sections and two 30-minute
verbal sections. Most people take the PSAT in the fall of their junior year in high school. But you may want to
take it in your sophomore year. Individuals who score very high on the PSAT receive a National Merit Scholarship.
Talk to your high school counselor for more information or call the PSAT information line at 609-771-7070.
- SAT
The SAT is one of two standardized tests required by most colleges for admission. The SAT was recently changed so
that now there is a SAT 1 and a SAT 2. The SAT 1 is the regular, three hour exam on verbal and math skills. Scores
on each section range from 200-800 points. The test is designed to measure reasoning skills. The SAT II consists of
about 17 subject areas, or achievement, tests. The tests are designed to measure subject-area knowledge. Contact
your high school counselor for test dates, locations, and study guides, or call the Educational Testing Service for
general SAT information at 609-921-9000.
- ACT
Another standardized test required by many colleges is the ACT (American College Test). The test is designed to
measure abilities and achievement in English, math, reading, and science. Scores for each section are averaged to
create a composite score with a perfect score equaling 36. Contact your high school counselor for test dates, locations,
and study materials to become familiar with test questions, or call the ACT information line at 319-337-1000.
Other Tests
If you're interested in pursuing a graduate or professional degree, you must take additional standardized tests to
qualify for admission into those programs. The most common of these tests areas follows:
Graduate Records Examination (GRE). The general GRE test is a three- and-a -half hour aptitude test on verbal,
quantitative, and analytical abilities. The test is intended for applicants to graduate schools. In addition to the
general test, the GRE includes subject area tests in 17 different fields. For more information, contact the college
you are interested in attending, or call the GRE general information line at 609-771-7670.
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). The GMAT is a four- hour standardized test that is required for admission
to most business schools in the United States. It includes multiple choice questions and a writing section. Sections
include: problem solving, data sufficiency, sentence correction (grammar), critical reasoning, reading comprehension,
and analytical writing assessment. The test is given four times a year. For more information, contact the business
college you are applying to, or call the GMAT information line, 609-771-7330.
Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The LSAT is a three-and-one-half hour multiple choice test used for admission
into law schools. The testis administered four times a year. Contact the law school you are interested in attending,
or call the LSAT information line at 215-968-1001.
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The MCAT is a seven-hour test given in April and August of each year.
The test includes three major components: scientific reasoning, verbal reasoning, and a writing sample. For more
information, contact the medical school you are interested in applying to, or call the MCAT general information line
at 319-337-1357.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)/Test of Spoken English (TSE)/Test of Written English (TWE). If you
are a foreigner applying to an American college, you may have to take the TOEFL and other tests to measure your English
language skills. The TOEFL is a two-hour multiple choice test designed to evaluate a student's English proficiency.
The TSE is designed to measure English speaking ability. And the TWE is designed to measure English writing ability.
For more information, contact the college you are applying to, or call the TOEFL information line, 609-951-1100.
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