ACT

The ACT is a college entrance examination administered six times each year. The four subtests – English grammar, mathematics (through trigonometry), reading comprehension, and science reasoning – are each scored 1-36, and these scores are averaged for a composite score. The examination lasts three and a half hours, unless the student chooses to also write an optional, 30-minute essay.

SAT

The SAT is a college admissions test with two parts.

SAT Reasoning Test

The SAT Reasoning Test is administered seven times each year. Its three subtests are writing, critical reading and mathematical reasoning (through Algebra II). Each subtest is scored on a scale of 200-800, and these scores are added together for a total SAT score from 600-2400.

SAT Subject Tests

The SAT Subject Tests measure achievement in specific high school subjects, including English, history, sciences and foreign languages. Many students, especially those who are applying to more competitive schools, may wish to take one or more subject tests in addition to the SAT Reasoning Test in order to strengthen their application packages.

PSAT/NMSQT

The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is administered to freshmen and sophomores and serves both as an introduction to standardized testing and as the first stage in the process of selection for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship. It is essentially a shorter, less challenging version of the SAT.

ISEE

The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is required for admission to many private middle and high schools. It is very similar in structure and content to the SAT and PSAT, and students who prepare early for the ISEE are often at an advantage when they take their college entrance exams.

AP

High scores on AP (Advanced Placement) Examinations allow students to earn college credit for high school coursework and can sometimes reduce the number of courses required for graduation or lower the cost of a degree. They are offered in many subjects, including literature, history, art, sciences and advanced mathematics.