13 College Entrance Exams And When To Take Them
A college entrance exam is a standardized test designed to evaluate a college-bound student’s aptitude in various areas such as math as well as reading and writing skills.
Among postsecondary institutions in the US, some of the most popular entrance examinations, which are also widely considered the main ones, are the SAT and the ACT.
More than 80% of American colleges and universities — some of whom are test-optional, while others are test-blind — do not require applicants to take entrance exams and submit their scores.
Yet, in most instances, students could benefit from taking them even when not required in admissions.
Some scholarship programs, for instance, require college entrance exams as a qualifying factor.
Certain standardized exams, on the other hand, allow for the earning of credit, which can shorten the duration of college and lower its cost.
At some test-optional colleges, the submission of exam scores, particularly when encouraged, may increase admissions chances.
In this post, we will discuss some of the most important things high school teens planning on going to college should know about 13 different college entrance exams, namely:
- ACT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- PreACT
- AP
- IB
- CLEP
- CLT
- TOEFL
- GED
- GRE
- GMAT
1. ACT (American College Test)
The ACT was introduced in 1959 as a competitor to the SAT, which, up to that time, was the only standardized college entrance examination.
In 2022, around 1.3 million graduating high school students took the ACT, and the national composite score that year was 19.8 out of the highest possible score of 36.
Is it required by colleges?
According to the Common App, only 4% of colleges and universities require standardized test scores in the admissions process, which means that the vast majority of postsecondary institutions do not require the ACT.
How important is it in college admissions?
ACT scores are taken into account in the admissions process if submitted to colleges with a test-optional policy. In some instances, they are used to place admits in classes that are at the appropriate level for them.
What is the format?
The ACT consists of 4 sections, all of which are in multiple-choice formatting: English, mathematics, reading and science. There is an optional 40-minute-long writing section on the ACT.
When do you take it?
Most college admissions officers suggest that high schoolers take the ACT twice — in the junior year and in the senior year — to determine their strengths as well as weaknesses that they should improve on.
Where do you take it?
ACT test-takers sit for the college entrance exam at various testing locations across the country, including high schools, career schools and colleges and universities.
The ACT may also be administered via the internet.
How much does it cost?
The ACT with no writing costs $66.00, while the ACT with writing costs $91.00. For non-US residents, meanwhile, the ACT with no writing costs $181.50, while the ACT with writing costs $206.50.
How should you study for it?
Generally speaking, it’s recommended for high schoolers to use official study resources when preparing for the ACT, which is best done 2 to 3 months before the test date. They should also take official practice tests to determine weak points.
How does scoring work?
The composite ACT score, which is the average of a test-taker’s scores on all sections, can range anywhere from 1 to 36. Scores are either rounded up or rounded down, which is why there are no ACT scores with decimal points.
Read our review of the ACT test.
2. SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
The SAT came into being in 1926, evolving from an army IQ examination. In 2022, around 1.7 million high schoolers took the SAT.
It’s more popular than the ACT, particularly on the East and West coasts.
Is it required by colleges?
Most institutions of higher education in the US do not require applicants to submit their SAT scores, although it may boost the odds of students getting in at test-optional schools, especially if their composite scores are high.
How important is it in college admissions?
At test-optional colleges and universities, according to a survey, SAT scores may be used by admissions officers when other factors on an application are similar, thus serving as a tie-breaker.
What is the format?
The SAT consists of a total of 2 sections, all of which are multiple-choice question types: math (no calculator and calculator sections) and reading and writing. There is an optional essay section that’s 50 minutes long.
When do you take it?
According to general consensus, the best time for college-bound teens to take the SAT is in the fall or spring of their junior year of high school and also in the fall of their senior year of high school.
Where do you take it?
The SAT is administered at various centrally-located educational institutions, including high schools as well as colleges and universities.
Eventually, the SAT will be available online, though it will still have to be taken at test centers.
How much does it cost?
The SAT costs $60, although there’s an additional $43 regional fee for international students.
How should you study for it?
Students who are planning on sitting for the SAT are recommended to improve their reading speed and also reading comprehension skills. They are also encouraged to take at least 2 full-length practice tests to determine strengths and weaknesses.
How does scoring work?
The composite ACT score, which is the sum of the scores in the different sections (between 200 and 800), can range anywhere from 400 to 1600. There are no penalties for wrong answers.
Read our review of the SAT test.
3. SAT Subject Tests (Formerly SAT II)
First things first: the administration of Sat Subject Tests was discontinued by The College Board for both domestic students and international students in 2021.
There were a total of 20 subjects covered, and many selective postsecondary institutions back then could require applicants to take 1 or even more SAT Subject Tests.
Is it required by colleges?
When it was still in existence, not too many colleges and universities required SAT Subject Tests. Those who did, in most instances, required applicants to submit at least 2 SAT Subject Test scores.
How important is it in college admissions?
There were some colleges that included SAT Subject Tests as a part of the general admissions process.
However, it’s not uncommon, too, for some to require applicants to submit their scores in the said college entrance examinations if interested in applying to certain programs with a more selective admissions process than most.
What is the format?
Like the SAT, SAT Subject Tests consisted of multiple-choice questions, the number of which varied from subject to subject. For instance, the Math SAT Subject Tests had 50 questions.
On the other hand, the Literature SAT Subject Test had 60 questions. The 20 subjects covered were grouped into 5 categories: math, science, English, history and languages.
When do you take it?
Students were recommended to take SAT Subject Tests in their junior and senior years of high school.
Where do you take it?
Similar to the SAT, high school teeners who would like to take the SAT Subject Tests had to select from an assortment of test centers across the US, which usually included high schools and degree-granting institutions.
How much does it cost?
The basic registration fee for the SAT Subject Tests was $26.00. Test-takers had to shell out additional fees for each subject test, most of which cost $22.00 — those with listening sections could go up to $26.00 each.
How should you study for it?
High schoolers who were planning on taking SAT Subject Tests were recommended to prepare for the standardized test around 3 months in advance. As expected, the College Board provided official review materials and practice tests.
How does scoring work?
The lowest score test-takers could get on SAT Subject Tests was 200, while the highest was 800. The score was obtained by getting 1 point for every correct answer, although a fraction of a point was subtracted for every wrong answer.
Back then, most selective colleges and universities that required SAT Subject Tests preferred a score of 700 to 650 or higher.
4. Preliminary SAT (PSAT)
Because the “P” in its name stands for “Preliminary,” it doesn’t come as a surprise that the PSAT serves as a practice test for the SAT, although it’s slightly shorter and easier.
However, the PSAT, which is also known as the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), serves as an eligibility test for the National Merit Scholarship Program, too.
Is it required by colleges?
Colleges and universities do not require applicants to submit PSAT scores.
However, as mentioned above, it’s a must for those who would like to see whether or not they are qualified for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
To be eligible, however, students would have to sit for the PSAT in their junior year of high school as well as score higher than 99% of all test-takers.
How important is it in college admissions?
The PSAT is an important role player in the college admissions process, particularly when applying to test-required or test-optional schools, in that it helps high schoolers score better on the SAT.
What is the format?
While the majority of PSAT questions are multiple-choice kinds, some math questions require test-takers to write in their answers rather than select them.
The entire examination, which is 2 hours and 45 minutes long, consists of 3 sections, and they are reading, math and reading and writing.
When do you take it?
Due to the fact that the PSAT should be taken in the junior year of high school for test-takers to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, most take it in the 11th grade. However, it may also be taken in the 9th and 10th grades.
Where do you take it?
Instead of taking the PSAT at test centers, students typically take it in their middle or high schools.
How much does it cost?
Registering for the PSAT costs $18.00. Some educational institutions, however, may charge test-takers an additional fee to cover the costs of having the standardized exam by the College Board administered.
How should you study for it?
It’s usually enough for students to prepare for the PSAT around 2 months before the test date. Because the PSAT is administered every October, test-takers have to start studying at the start of the fall semester or earlier.
How does scoring work?
The total PSAT score can range anywhere from 320 to 1520, which is based on the total of 2 section scores: evidence-based reading and also writing and math. The score for each of the said sections ranges from 160 to 760.
Read our review of the PSAT test.
5. Preliminary ACT (PreACT)
Intended for 10th grade students but can also be administered to teens of any grade, the PreACT is designed to help test-takers prepare for the ACT by giving them a sense of the actual test as well as the testing experience.
Compared to the PSAT, which is its direct counterpart, the PreACT is relatively newer, given that it was invented in 2016.
Is it required by colleges?
The PreACT is not required in college admissions — it’s strictly only for practice for the ACT, unlike the PSAT which serves not only as a practice for the SAT but also as an eligibility exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
How important is it in college admissions?
Because the PreACT may help increase ACT scores, sitting for it may increase the chances of a high schooler getting into a college where ACT scores are considered either a requirement or an optional submission.
What is the format?
Just like the ACT, the PreACT consists of multiple-choice questions students have to answer in 2 hours and 10 minutes — there are pretest activities such as discussion of key concepts and test-taking strategies that last for 1 hour.
There are a total of 136 questions to answer, and there’s no writing section — just English, math, reading and science.
When do you take it?
Even though it’s meant for 10th graders, the PSAT can be taken at any time during high school.
Where do you take it?
Rather than at test centers such as career schools and colleges and universities, the PreACT is administered through local high schools. Students at high schools that do not administer it may sit for the PreACT at nearby high schools that do.
How much does it cost?
The PreACT costs $17.00 per test-taker.
How should you study for it?
Students who are thinking about taking the PreACT are recommended to study for it 2 to 3 months before the test day.
Since the PreACT is very similar to the ACT, high schoolers may rely on official and unofficial ACT study materials and practice tests even though there are also those that are specifically for the PreACT.
How does scoring work?
While ACT scores range from 1 to 36, PreACT scores range anywhere from 1 to 35. In both standardized examinations, questions answered correctly are counted and translated into a number between 1 and 35.
6. Advanced Placement (AP) Test
Designed and administered by the College Board, which is the same non-profit organization responsible for the PSAT and SAT, AP tests are standardized tests that measure a student’s mastery of AP courses.
However, it can be taken, too, without taking AP courses. Many colleges and universities accept AP exam scores to award credit or for placement purposes.
Is it required by colleges?
Postsecondary institutions do not require AP tests in the admissions process.
How important is it in college admissions?
Although AP tests do not influence admissions decisions, they can allow applicants, particularly those with high scores, to earn college credits or college placement — or, in some instances, both.
On the other hand, AP courses can boost admissions chances as it increases the rigor level of a student’s high school record, which most colleges consider.
What is the format?
Each AP exam covers a different subject matter. It’s also divided into 2 sections — the first section typically consists of multiple-choice questions, while the other section usually consists of free-response questions.
The number of questions to answer can vary from one AP exam to the next, and most AP tests are 2 to 3 hours long.
When do you take it?
The majority of high schoolers take AP exams in their junior and senior years, though 10th graders may also take them.
Where do you take it?
AP exams are administered in high schools and test centers.
How much does it cost?
The cost of each AP exam is $97.00 at schools in the US, US territories, Canada and Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) institutions. At schools elsewhere, the cost is $127.00 per test.
How should you study for it?
Studying 1 to 3 months before May, which is when AP exams are administered, is recommended.
High school students who would like to take AP tests without attending classes may use official and unofficial AP exam test preps — it’s possible to sit for an AP examination without attending the corresponding AP class beforehand.
How does scoring work?
AP exam scores are reported on a 5-point scale. A score of 3 or higher is considered a passing grade.
Read our review of the AP tests.
7. International Baccalaureate (IB) Test
IB tests are available only to students who have successfully completed associated IB courses.
As of this writing, there are more than 1,200 schools in the US that offer IB courses, around 91% of which are public. IB tests are administered in May of the senior year of high school, although internal assessments take place earlier in January or February.
Is it required by colleges?
Postsecondary institutions do not require applicants to have participated in any IB test or the entire IB diploma program.
However, it can allow students to earn college credit or placement, depending on the policy of the school that accepts it.
How important is it in college admissions?
Because IB is an international program, it can help boost a student’s chances of getting admitted to international colleges and universities, including some of the most selective ones.
What is the format?
Unlike most standardized tests, IB exams rarely rely heavily on multiple-choice questions — many questions are either free-response questions and there are essays, too, depending on the subject matter.
When in high school do you take it?
It’s during the senior year of high school when IB exams are taken, although up to 2 standard-level IB exams may be taken by students at the end of their junior year of high school.
Where do you take it?
Students sitting for IB exams usually undergo the standardized tests at high schools that offer IB courses, though some colleges and universities may also serve as test centers.
How much does it cost?
The entire IB diploma program costs $11,650.00. But given that a student can usually earn up to a maximum of 30 credits, which costs $16,110.00 using a rate of $537.00 per credit, a total of $4,460 in college costs can be saved.
Still, it’s important to note that some alternatives to the IB test are cheaper and may also allow students to earn more credits, such as CLEP — here’s a link to an article talking about this option.
How should you study for it?
Studying for 1 to 3 months before the test date is recommended for students who would like to sit for an IB test. Paying attention while attending the corresponding IB course is an important part of the process.
How does scoring work?
An IB diploma program score is the sum of the grades for each of the 6 subjects, with 7 being the possible highest grade, thus giving a total of 42 points. Core components allow for 3 additional points, thus bringing the maximum score to 45.
Read our review of the IB tests.
8. College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Created and administered by the College Board, CLEP measures the proficiency level of high school students in introductory college courses, thus allowing them to earn credit where CLEP exams are accepted.
Is it required by colleges?
No college or university in the US requires applicants to sit for CLEP exams. However, more than 2,900 institutions of higher education in the country grant credit for CLEP, although credit policies can vary from school to school.
How important is it in college admissions?
CLEP is not important in college admissions, although the test-taking experience may increase a high school teen’s confidence in sitting for the SAT or ACT, which is considered an academic factor in the admissions process at many colleges.
What is the format?
Most CLEP exams, which usually last for around 90 minutes, consist of multiple-choice questions, around 90 to 100 of them. There are some CLEP tests, such as Spanish with writing and college composition, with an essay section.
When in high school do you take it?
High schoolers can take CLEP at any year level provided that they are already at least 13 years old.
Where do you take it?
CLEP examinations are administered at various test centers. They range anywhere from high schools, colleges and universities, military bases and independent testing organizations.
How much does it cost?
No matter the subject matter or length, all CLEP tests cost $85.00 each.
How should you study for it?
Passing CLEP exams usually requires test-takers to prepare 1 to 3 months before the test date, depending on how well they know the subject matter and their learning style.
The College Board provides official CLEP study courses, guides, practice tests and various other resources for those who would like to sit for it.
How does scoring work?
A CLEP test-taker gets 1 point for every correct answer. The raw score is then converted into a scaled score ranging from 20 to 80. According to the American Council on Education (ACE), a score of 50 or higher is recommended for credit.
Read our review of the CLEP Exams.
9. CLT (Classic Learning Test)
More than 200 institutions of higher education, many of which are private faith-based and liberal arts schools, accept CLT as a replacement for more popular college entrance exams such as the SAT and ACT.
Some test-optional colleges that are not partners with CLT may replace CLT scores as alternatives to SAT and ACT scores.
Is it required by colleges?
Like most other standardized exams, CLT is not a requirement in the admissions process at schools that accept it.
How important is it in college admissions?
Similar to the SAT and ACT, CLT-partner schools use CLT to evaluate the college readiness of applicants.
Needless to say, the higher the CLT exam score, the higher the chances of getting in. In some instances, CLT results may be used by certain scholarships to determine the eligibility of a student.
What is the format?
A CLT exam contains a total of 120 multiple-choice questions, which test-takers have to answer in 2 hours. It is divided into the following sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and grammar/writing.
When in high school do you take it?
CLT is designed to be taken by junior and senior high school students. For those who are in the 9th and 10th grades, CLT10 is available, which is a preparatory exam for CLT just like the PSAT for the SAT and the PreACT for the ACT.
Where do you take it?
High school students take CLT exams at designated CLT partner schools.
How much does it cost?
A CLT exam, which includes the optional essay, costs $54.00.
How should you study for it?
It’s usually recommended for 9th and 10th graders to gear up for CLT exams 3 to 4 months before the test date. They can rely on official CLT study guides as well as answer past exams as a form of practice.
How does scoring work?
Each of the 3 sections of CLT is scored a minimum of 0 points and a maximum of 40 points. Combined, a CLT test-taker can have a score ranging from 0 to 120. While there is no passing score, colleges accepting CLT decide on acceptable scores.
10. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Simply put, the TOEFL test is designed to assess an individual’s ability to combine listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to succeed in an English-speaking learning environment.
The standardized test score is globally accepted, which is why it’s primarily for international students who would like to demonstrate their proficiency in English.
Is it required by colleges?
Many colleges and universities not only in the US but also various institutions across the globe, which amount to more than 11,000 schools, require international applicants to sit for the TOEFL test.
How important is it in college admissions?
Other than making a student eligible to apply, the TOEFL test may also increase admissions chances.
What is the format?
The TOEFL exam consists of 4 sections — reading, writing, speaking and listening. Test-takers are given a total of 3 hours to answer the questions, which come in multiple-choice formatting.
When in high school do you take it?
11th graders are the ones who are best suited to take the TOEFL exam. That’s because the passages are tricky and the vocabulary is high-level, which lower-year high school students may have trouble with.
Where do you take it?
It’s at authorized test centers across the US and all over the planet when the TOEFL exam is administered.
How much does it cost?
Depending on the location of the test-taker, the TOEFL exam can cost anywhere from $100 to $120.
How should you study for it?
The general consensus is that test-takers should prepare for the TOEFL exam 2 to 3 months before the test date, although those who have very little experience with the English language may have to prepare more in advance.
Reviewing official TOEFL guidebooks as well as taking official practice tests are highly recommended.
How does scoring work?
Each of the 4 sections of the TOEFL exam is scored from 0 to 30. The total score, which is the combination of the scores in the different sections, can range anywhere from 0 to 120.
11. General Education Development (GED)
Individuals who didn’t go to high school and would like to get their hands on a diploma equivalent may take the GED exam.
Every year in the US, more than 700,000 individuals take the GED exam, which is designed to assess the test-taker’s knowledge and skills in 4 important areas, and they are math, science, social studies and language arts.
Is it required by colleges?
In most instances, students who are applying to colleges and universities with a GED are required to take the SAT or ACT.
When choosing, test-takers should opt for the standardized test they are comfortable and confident with. Here’s an article on which between the SAT and ACT it’s easier to get a perfect score.
How important is it in college admissions?
With the absence of a high school diploma, the GED serves as the single most important application requirement.
What is the format?
The GED exam consists of 4 subject matters, which are divided into these sections: mathematical reasoning, reasoning through language arts, social studies and science.
All in all, the standardized test takes 7.5 hours to complete, although it’s possible to take a single subject at a time. Most of the questions are multiple-choice.
When in high school do you take it?
Students may take the GED test at any time after they reach the age of 16.
Where do you take it?
The GED exam is administered at test centers. It may also be taken with online proctoring.
How much does it cost?
The cost of the GED exam can vary from state to state. It can be as low as $45, such as in Maryland. However, it’s not uncommon for test-takers to shell out a total of $120 to take all 4 subject tests.
How should you study for it?
Most students have to study for the GED exam 3 months before the test date. Since it consists of different sections, it’s important to determine one’s strong and weak areas by taking practice tests.
The official website of the GED offers a number of study guides that prospective test-takers may access free of charge.
How does scoring work?
It’s important for GED exam takers to get a score of 140 (score can range from 100 to 200) on each of the 4 subjects for them to pass and, of course, earn their GED diploma.
12. Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Created and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE is a standardized exam that is designed to test a test-taker’s overall readiness for graduate school, usually for a business or law program.
Needless to say, it’s not for high school students looking for undergraduate admission. Late in 2023, a shorter version of the GRE will be launched.
Is it required by colleges?
Fewer and fewer American graduate schools rely on the GRE for admissions purposes. On the other hand, it’s still considered an important requirement for students who would like to attend international graduate schools.
How important is it in college admissions?
Graduate schools that require the GRE will not review applications without it. It’s not unlikely for some graduate departments to also require applicants to take any of the various GRE Subject Tests.
What is the format?
The GRE is a computerized, multiple-choice question exam that takes 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete.
The shorter version, which was mentioned earlier, will only be 1 hour and 58 minutes long. There is 1 unscored section and 3 scored sections — analytical writing, quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning.
When in high school do you take it?
High schoolers are not eligible to take the GRE.
Where do you take it?
It’s in Prometric testing centers and at other testing centers (only on select dates) where the GRE is administered.
How much does it cost?
The cost of the GRE general test is $150 — the price will remain the same even after the shorter version of the examination is out. In certain parts of the planet, such as Australia and China, the registration fee is higher.
How should you study for it?
ETS, the creator and administrator of the GRE, provides a number of free GRE test prep resources as well as for-purchase ones. Most GRE test-takers will have to prepare for the standardized examination 2 months before the test date.
How does scoring work?
Individuals who take the GRE will get 3 different scores in the 3 different sections. Scores for the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections range from 130 to 170, and scores for the analytical writing section are from 0 to 6.
Read our review of the GRE test.
13. Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
At its core, the GMAT is an entrance exam for business schools, in particular graduate programs such as business and management.
Created in 1953, it’s designed to determine how an MBA applicant would perform in graduate courses. A total of 156,453 GMAT exams were taken by business school applicants all over the planet in 2021.
Is it required by colleges?
Most highly-ranked business schools require applicants to submit their GMAT scores. On the other hand, approximately 45% of online business schools require aspirants to submit theirs.
How important is it in college admissions?
At business schools where the GMAT is a part of the admissions process, the standardized test is not only a requirement but may also help increase an applicant’s chances of getting in, especially where acceptance rates are low.
What is the format?
The GMAT takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete. There are a total of 64 questions, some of which are multiple-choice. It consists of 3 different sections — quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning and data insights.
When in high school do you take it?
High schoolers are not eligible to take the GMAT.
Where do you take it?
It’s at Pearson VUE test centers where the GMAT is administered, although it can be taken online, too.
Pearson VUE, an IT service management company, is taken on board by the GMAT to provide the exam. The entrance exam for business schools is administered in 114 countries around the world.
How much does it cost?
The GMAT exam costs $275.00 in-person and $300.00 online.
How should you study for it?
Business school applicants should prepare for the GMAT exam 2 to 3 months before the test date.
The creator of the GMAT, which is the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), offers official GMAT exam practice test materials free of charge. Those who are preparing for the standardized test may choose to purchase additional ones from GMAC.
How does scoring work?
The composite GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800, and it’s the combination of one’s scores from the different sections. A GMAC score of at least 700 is considered excellent.
Read our review of GMAT test here.
ACT vs. SAT: Which Is Best For You?
Which between the ACT and SAT is best to take depends on the strengths and preferences of the test-taker.
Because both standardized exams are hard and no college or university has a preference for one, a high school student who is planning on taking either should instead consider the one where he or she is more likely to score better.
The general consensus is that the ACT is more high school curriculum-based, while the SAT is more on being an aptitude test, although recent modifications to the SAT have made it somewhat less true.
Since the ACT has a science section, it may appeal more to high schoolers who love the said subject matter.
However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that students whose strengths include reading comprehension and data interpretation should opt for the SAT.
The science section of the ACT also requires test-takers to read and analyze passages, similar to when going through the SAT’s writing and language section, which is why reading and analytical thinking skills are vital in both.
As a matter of fact, while the SAT is longer and has fewer questions than the ACT, the said college entrance exam has a lot of questions that require lengthy reading and problem-solving.
After all is said and done, still, the content of the ACT and SAT are pretty much the same.
Therefore, choosing which of the standardized tests to take will have to rely heavily on what a high schooler prefers in terms of question types and test-taking strategies as well as how well he or she handles time pressure.
In making a decision, it’s usually a good idea for students to take full-length practice tests of both — official practice tests from the College Board and ACT, Inc. are the best ones as they are practically simulations of the actual exams.
The exam on which they score better, needless to say, is what they should register for.
Below is a conversion table of the composite scores of the ACT (without the writing test) and the SAT:
| ACT | SAT |
|---|---|
| 36 | 1600 to 1570 |
| 35 | 1560 to 1530 |
| 34 | 1520 to 1490 |
| 33 | 1480 to 1450 |
| 32 | 1440 to 1420 |
| 31 | 1410 to 1390 |
| 30 | 1380 to 1360 |
| 29 | 1350 to 1330 |
| 28 | 1320 to 1300 |
| 27 | 1290 to 1260 |
| 26 | 1250 to 1230 |
| 25 | 1220 to 1200 |
| 24 | 1190 to 1160 |
| 23 | 1150 to 1130 |
| 22 | 1120 to 1100 |
| 21 | 1090 to 1060 |
| 20 | 1050 to 1030 |
| 19 | 1020 to 990 |
| 18 | 980 to 960 |
| 17 | 950 to 920 |
| 16 | 910 to 880 |
| 15 | 870 to 830 |
| 14 | 820 to 780 |
| 13 | 770 to 730 |
| 12 | 720 to 690 |
| 11 | 680 to 650 |
| 10 | 640 to 620 |
How to Prepare for College Entrance Exams
Different college entrance exams serve different purposes. Similarly, because each covers specific subject matters and has a unique format, it’s of utmost importance for test-takers to review the right topics as well as practice the right test-taking strategies.
Knowing the steps to take to get ready for a standardized test, needless to say, is of utmost importance.
AP Tests
Because AP tests are based on college-level courses, naturally, they are typically more difficult than regular high school subject tests.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that some AP tests are more challenging than others, thus requiring teeners who are about to sit for them to spend more time and effort preparing.
Steps to preparing for the AP exam
- Review 1 to 3 months before the test date
- Go through materials from the AP class
- Study new or additional materials
- Give problematic topics and concepts more time
- Take practice tests from the College Board and other sources
Resources to consider
- The College Board resources such as AP Daily and AP Live Review
- Advanced Placement YouTube channel
- The Princeton Review’s Premium Prep series
- Kaplan
- Khan Academy
SAT/PSAT
While it’s true that the PSAT is easier and shorter than the SAT, it introduces high schoolers to the structure and subject matter of the SAT, which can help make preparing for the latter easier for most test-takers.
Steps to preparing for the SAT exam
- Review 2 to 3 months before the test date
- Check out test-taking strategies
- Read test prep books
- Determine weaknesses and work on those
- Take full-length practice tests from the College Board and other sources
Resources to consider
- The College Board suite of assessments for the PSAT and SAT
- The College Board YouTube channel
- Barron’s Study Guide Premium
- Khan Academy
- The Princeton Review
ACT/PreACT
Serving as a simulation of the ACT testing experience and the test itself, the PreACT is less challenging and lengthy.
Still, taking it is recommended for high school teens who would much rather sit for the ACT than the SAT (or take both standardized tests) because it can help test-takers acclimatize to the exam and reduce their test anxiety, which can impact their scores.
Steps to preparing for the ACT exam
- Review 2 to 3 months before the test date
- Pay close attention to high school core courses
- Know the instructions and different sections
- Read test prep books
- Take full-length practice tests from the ACT and other sources
Resources to consider
- The ACT’s K12 Solutions and Official ACT Prep Guide
- ACT YouTube channel
- Mometrix Test Preparation
- Udemy
- Kaplan
TOEFL
Generally speaking, TOEFL is a quite difficult exam. It goes without saying that foreign students with very little to no experience with English may find it tougher than those with some experience with the language.
Steps to preparing for the TOEFL exam
- Review 2 to 3 months before the test date
- Familiarize oneself with the exam format and pattern
- Read and speak English and listen to podcasts everyday
- Use official and unofficial TOEFL review materials
- Take practice tests
Resources to consider
- The official TOEFL website (ETS)
- TOEFL TV Official YouTube channel
- ETS the Official Guide to the TOEFL Test
- Magoosh
- Kaplan
Other Tests:
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the College Reality Check.
