What types of college entrance exams or tests do I have to take in order to
apply for a college or university?

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Colleges and universities spend countless hours each fall sifting through college applications. The college education system relies on a college applicant's high school academic performance along with their standardized test performance. This even playing field comes in the form of standardized testing.

Standardized testing is also used when competing for college scholarships. Many college scholarships use your scores on the SAT or ACT as a factor when determining if they will award your money for college.

Standardized Tests

The standardized tests you need to take for college includes the SAT and/or the ACT. The AP subject exams are optional.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

The SAT consists of critical reading, math, and writing sections. It takes about 4 hours to complete the test. This college entrance exam is usually offered seven times per year. You may take the SAT as many times as you wish. Aspiring college students often take the SAT at least twice to see if they can raise their score and have a better chance at college scholarships.

Scholastic Aptitude Subject Tests

These standardized tests are in addition to the basic SAT test. Some competitive colleges and universities require students to take these tests for college admission as well as to meet college scholarship requirements. SAT subject tests can be taken for math, history, physical sciences, literature and foreign languages. Each test takes one hour to complete.

ACT Test

Some colleges and universities allow a college applicant to take the ACT instead of the SAT. The ACT consists of four sections including: English, math, reading, and science. A composite score is calculated from the four sections. The test takes 3-4 hours to complete. A benefit of the ACT test is that you can take it several times and send only your best score with your college application.

Advanced Placement Exams (AP)

The purpose of taking advanced placement exams is to test out of some of the required classes. Taking these academic exams will help you get a jump start on your college education by earning college credit. Plus, some college scholarships and college grants factor in your success on the AP exams.

AP exams are available in:

• English, German, Spanish, French, Latin Literature and French Language
• U.S., European, World and Art History
• Macro and Micro Economics
• Calculus
• Computer Science
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Environmental Science
• Psychology
• Studio Art
• U.S. Government and Politics
• Music Theory
• Human Geography

You can also practice for the SAT by taking the PSAT. This test is usually taken during your junior year of high school. It helps you prepare for the SAT. In addition, if you do well on the PSAT, you can qualify for a National Merit College Scholarship.

Brush up on your school subjects as well as test taking skills. The academic scores you earn on these tests will help you to gain entrance to college, earn money for college through a scholarship, and even earn you college credit. What a great way to start your college degree.