Standardized Tests

There are many different standardized tests you could take during your high school career, but which ones should you take, when should you take them, and is there an advantage to taking one test or another? Part of what we will do is review the types of standardized tests available to your student and make recommendations as to tests you should consider taking and when you should take the tests. There is a lot of strategy involved in deciding which tests to take and when to take them, and these decisions can affect the type of credit you may be awarded when you enter college. We can make these complicated questions easier for you to understand. Here are some of the common standardized tests you likely have heard of:

1. PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test): ALL students should take this test in their Junior Year. Students take the PSAT in their Junior year of high school to compete for scholarships sponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Company (NMSC). You must sign up for and pay a small fee to take this test. If you do not take the PSAT, you will not have the opportunity to be part of this competition. If you don't see signs posted at your high school with information, check with your counselor at school so that you do not miss this opportunity.
2. SAT: If you took the PSAT and are in the running to become a National Merit Finalist, you MUST take the SAT. Also, if you plan to apply to college, you need to take either the SAT or the ACT. Most Colleges and Universities require SAT or ACT scores from tests taken during Junior and early Senior year as part of the college application. There are some colleges that do not require a SAT or ACT score (check college websites to see what is required by that college for your application).
3. ACT: The ACT serves the same purpose as the SAT, except the ACT also tests the student's ability in science. You should take the ACT as well so that you have two choices (SAT and ACT) when submitting your application.
4. SAT Subject Tests: Some, but not all colleges ask for applicants to submit two SAT Subject Tests as part of the application. Some colleges, like MIT, are very specific about which SAT Subject Tests you should take. You should check the college website to see if Subject Tests are required and if so, which ones. You don't have to wait until your Junior or Senior year to take Subject Tests.
5. AP (Advanced Placement): Many high schools offer AP courses (college-level classes to challenge students). If you take an AP course, you should take the corresponding test. Some students don't realize, however, that even if you have not taken the AP course, you can still take the AP test. This is particularly relevant for students attending IB high schools.
6. IB (International Baccalaureate): Some high schools offer the IB program (a college-level program to challenge students). Students may take IB tests under very restricted circumstances. For example, you may only take IB tests starting in your Junior year of high school. This means that if you take an IB course as a Sophomore, you will not be able to take the corresponding IB test. Students may find that it is much more difficult to score a 7 on an IB test than it is to score a 5 on an AP test.