Standardized Admissions Tests: SAT, ACT, & SAT Subject Tests

As a part of the application process, most American colleges and universities require scores from one of the U.S. standardized admissions tests. To find specific admissions test requirements, use U.S.-university directories such as the International Student Handbook of U.S. Colleges (The College Board, New York, NY) and Applying to Colleges and Universities in the United States: A Handbook for International Students (Peterson's, Princeton, N.J.). Also note that community colleges do not usually require applicants to take standardized admissions tests.

U.S. standardized admissions tests are primarily multiple-choice tests that are intended to measure the skills necessary for undergraduate study. American colleges and universities use admissions tests as a means of assessing all applicants (from the United States and other countries) against the same standard. Keep in mind that secondary school diplomas and examinations are not equivalent to admissions tests, and that tests are only one part of the application — good test scores alone do not guarantee admission to the schools of your choice.

There are three main undergraduate admissions tests:

• SAT
• SAT Subject Tests
• ACT

Some universities may have their own in-house examinations or additional tests that applicants are required to take. For further information, make a list of the colleges you want to apply to, and then use general college directories or the colleges' own catalogs and websites to find out each institution's specific test requirements.

SAT

Content: The SAT is a measure of the critical thinking skills you'll need for academic success in college. The SAT assesses how well you analyze and solve problems—skills you learned in school that you'll need in college. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. It is administered seven times a year in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories, and six times a year overseas.

SAT Subject Tests

Primarily multiple choice, only one hour long. Measure knowledge in specific subject areas. The subjects currently offered are:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Chinese with Listening
• French
• French with Listening
• German
• German with Listening
• Italian
• Japanese with Listening
• Korean with Listening
• Latin
• Literature
• Mathematics Level 1
• Mathematics Level 2
• Modern Hebrew
• Physics
• Spanish
• Spanish with Listening
• United States History
• World History

Many U.S. colleges and universities, especially those that have more competitive admissions criteria, either require or recommend one or more SAT Subject Test scores for admission and/or placement purposes. Be sure to check each institution's requirements before registering for an SAT Subject Test. While some colleges specify which subject tests you must take, others leave the option up to you. In this case, it is advisable to take exams in your strongest areas of study.

Scores: Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800, and the writing section will contain two subscores. Therefore, the highest possible combined score on the SAT would be 2,400. Scores are reported separately to colleges for the mathematical and verbal sections. Most college directories and catalogs quote average scaled scores for each institution to give some guidance on relative selectivity. SAT Subject Tests are also scored on a 200 to 800 scale.