Colleges often use standardized national test scores to assess whether students are academically ready to work at college level. Some students may need to take the Common Core State Assessment (CSAA) or the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) to be admitted to a four-year college. [Sources: 5]
To help students sit these important university entrance exams, the Department of Education is offering the SAT for 11th-grade students for the first time this fall. In the following sections you can learn what this means, how to prepare, what methods you can use to bypass introductory courses, and when and how much you can take them. To help students earn college credits for their existing knowledge, College Board offers free online courses on the National Education Progress Assessment (NAEP) and Common Core State Assessment (Core State Assessment). [Sources: 3, 5]
The CLEP series offers students the opportunity to earn college credits, save money, move faster to higher education, and ultimately complete more quickly. The CLE P developed by the College Board is one of the nation’s most widely accepted credit review programs. [Sources: 1, 3]
There are 33 CLEP exams available to help you achieve your college and career goals, so read the exam descriptions for each of the 33 exams to find the one that is right for you. Register for the exam and pay the $89 exam fee, and there is no fee for the rest of your CLE P credits and fees. [Sources: 1]
Certain community and technical schools require ACT scores and SAT scores if you plan to enroll in a program that prepares students for a four-year school transition. This guide can help you go through standardized tests by covering the structure of the scoring process for the ACT and SAT. It also provides information on how well you do in entrance exams for universities, as well as tips and tricks for admission to college. [Sources: 4]
The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is one of two standardized tests used by secondary schools to assess the readiness of undergraduate students. Most colleges and universities require participation in the SAT, as well as the ACT and other higher education entrance exams. [Sources: 4, 6]
The test is used to help universities determine whether a student’s ability to handle college assignments such as math, science and English is high enough to do them at college level. [Sources: 6]
The SAT Reasoning Test is an important tool to measure a student’s readiness for college work. The SAT measures students “reasoning and thinking skills by asking them to apply what they have learned in high school. Reason has a free booklet that describes in detail how the test is organized, timed and evaluated, and explains the type of questions used. [Sources: 6]
In addition, the test website contains a wealth of information you should not miss, including the free test booklet listed above. Also included is a full field test that gives you a good idea of what to expect, as well as instructions on how to take the tests on the SAT website before the actual test day. [Sources: 6]
If you’re not sure whether the test is right for you, Princeton Review offers a free quiz that can help you. Along these lines you can register for the tests, check your results before taking them and much more. [Sources: 4, 6]
The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test) is a test similar to the SAT and is usually taken by 10th and 11th grade students. Also known as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, it allows you to practice for SAT and receive national achievement award. [Sources: 4]
However, before students take the test, they can join the College Board’s Student Search Service, which connects students with participating schools. Since universities use the final test (the official SAT) to evaluate candidates, practical tests are a good way to familiarize yourself with the SAT format and timing before taking the real thing. Although this test is designed to familiarize students with SAT content, it is perfect for second-year students who wish to qualify for admission to some of the most academically rigorous colleges. [Sources: 2, 4]
It is intended for high school students and serves as a practical test for students in the first year of their tertiary or university education. [Sources: 2]
The College Board helps students determine what they need to work on most when they graduate from high school and helps educators guide them along the way. This test is best suited for serious eighth and ninth graders seeking a four-year college or university degree, as well as those hoping for merit scholarships. It is designed to provide students from eighth through ninth grade with the skills they need most to improve their performance on the SAT. Early learning courses for eighth, ninth and tenth graders are offered, as well as a variety of other courses for middle school students. [Sources: 2]
Designed to familiarize you with the PSAT and SAT format and timing, it includes a variety of questions, including math, science, English, social sciences, and history. Taking a practical exam can be an additional way to study, as it helps you to ask questions and finish sections. [Sources: 0, 2]
Sources:
[0]: https://myfuture.com/college/taking-college-entrance-exams
[1]: https://www.friends.edu/admissions/costs-financial-aid/college-level-examination-program/
[2]: https://admissions.usf.edu/blog/what-are-college-entrance-exams
[3]: https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/clep-exam/
[4]: https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/college-entrance-exams/
[5]: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/testing/college-entrance-exams
[6]: https://www.eastbayconsortium.org/college-entrance-exams