All About College Admissions Standardized Tests including the SAT, ACT, and PSAT

Standardized tests, which help colleges compare students from a variety of high schools and backgrounds, are - like it or not - a very important part of the college admissions process. This resource provides a basic introduction to the most common admissions exams, as well as links to more detailed information.

Which Tests Do You Need to Take?

The main college admissions tests are the SAT (SAT Reasoning Test) and the ACT - for most applicants, these are the only tests that really matter. The two tests are competitors - while you're allowed to take both, and many students do so, colleges only require one. Some colleges take only one of the exams, some prefer one to the other, and other schools will happily except either the SAT or the ACT. The best way to find out what colleges want is simply to go to the colleges' web sites and see what they recommend. If you're allowed to choose either, you should try to determine which test may be best for you.

The PSAT (Practice SAT) is given at school to sophomores and juniors each fall. It's primarily just a practice SAT that isn't sent to colleges. The PSAT is also, though, used to determine National Merit Scholarship qualifying.

The PLAN is a test similar to the PSAT for those who will later take the ACT.

SAT Subject Tests (formerly the SAT IIs) are primarily required by more competitive colleges such as Ivy League schools. SAT Subject Test scores are also considered at many schools that do not require them. Sometimes, colleges require the Subject Tests with the SAT but not with the ACT. You can check with each college to determine its SAT Subject Tests policy, including which particular Subject Tests it requires or recommends. Most college applicants do not take the SAT Subject Tests.

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is for those for whom English is not their native language.

When Do You Need to Take Them?

Our standardized testing timeline provides a good schedule to help you plan when to take each test. You should also check out, far in advance, the SAT test dates, ACT test dates, and Subject Test test dates. Because the SAT and SAT Subject Tests are both administered by the College Board, those tests are given simultaneously and cannot be taken at the same administration.

Typically, you should plan to take all three tests for the first time by the spring of your junior year.

How Do You Sign Up?

The PSAT and PLAN tests are administered at high schools and thus you don't need to sign up for them.

To sign up for the SAT or sign up for the SAT Subject Tests, you should visit the College Board website. You can sign up for the ACT at the ACT website.

The deadlines for signing up for the tests (and not paying a late fee) are typically 4-5 weeks before the exams are given.

How Should You Prepare?

You probably don't need to study for the PSAT unless you're such a high scorer (top few percent) that you think you may be able to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. If you do decide to study for the PSAT, you should mostly prepare for the SAT (skipping the essay).

It definitely makes sense to study for the SAT (or ACT). Choosing a good SAT prep guide or prep course can make the difference in getting you ready for the test. While it's not ideal, it's also possible to study for the SAT at the last minute - don't skip SAT prep simply because you waited longer than you should have.

In addition to studying well before the tests, you should also make sure that you're ready for test day.

What Kind of Score Will You Need to Get?

Everyone wants to know what constitutes a good SAT score or good ACT score , but that depends upon which colleges you're considering. Check with the schools - their average score is a decent benchmark of roughly where you should be, although there are obviously a number of other important factors.

Can You Take the Tests More Than Once?

You can definitely take these tests more than once, and you probably should. Taking the tests in the winter or spring of your junior year gives you plenty of time to retake them if necessary.