If you are considering applying to a four year college, you will want to think about taking a college entrance exam. The SAT Reasoning Test and the ACT College Entrance Exam are the most widely-used tests for undergraduate admissions. Also, SAT Subjects Tests may be required by the more competitive colleges. Usually, a student will take the SAT and/or ACT in the Spring of their Junior Year and Fall of their Senior Year.

To help prepare for the exams, students have the opportunity to take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) in the Fall of their Sophomore Year and Junior Year. The PSAT, when taken in the Junior Year, is used to qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship program.

Does everyone need to take the SAT or ACT? Many factors must be considered in answering this question. Most four year colleges require a college entrance exam score, although several colleges now have a "test scores optional" admissions option. You can check a particular colleges' admissions requirements by going to their website or searching through any of the many college search internet sites such as www.collegeboard.com, www.petersons.com, etc. Speak to your counselor for further information.

For information, click the links below:

Collegeboard
ACTstudent
Petersons