A wide variety of exams are used by colleges and universities to determine admissions and placement.

THE SAT REASONING TEST : The SAT is probably the best known of the several exams. Despites its waning popularity and its upcoming overhaul, the SAT is still (and will more than likely continue to be) a major college admissions tool. The SAT tests students verbal and math skills and translates them into a score ranging from 200 to 2400. Colleges on the West Coast, and most major university systems (like UC, Ivy League, and others) use this exam as a major deciding factor.

SAT SUBJECT TEST : Increasingly popular are the SAT Subject Test subject exams, which test individual skills in writing, mathematics, history, science, and foreign languages. They are usually administered in conjunction with the SAT- meaning that many colleges require students to take both the SAT  Reasoning and SAT Subject Test. In general, colleges requires students to take two to three SAT Subject Tests as part of their admissions requirement  Please contact your specific school of interest for more information.  Each subsection score may range from 200-800.

AMERICAN COLLEGE TEST (ACT) : A popular alternative to the SAT is the ACT. The ACT test students’ skills in a variety of subjects, including English, math, and science. However, many colleges only accept SAT scores. The ACT is more prevalent on the East Coast. Check with your selected colleges and/or universities to determine which test is required.

SUBJECT A EXAM : The Subject A Exam is specific to the University of California. It is a placement exam for English classes and it must be passed before the end of a student’s first year of college. Failure to pass the exam can result in a student being removed from his/her studies. It determines the English class a student may take, but the required classes cannot be taken unless the exam is passed beforehand.

SCHOOL SPECIFIC ASSESSMENTS : Each college may administer assessments in specific subjects to determine which classes a student may take. For example, a high score on a math assessment may place students in required math classes, while poor performance may force students to take remedial classes before entering the required courses. Check with your college/university to determine which tests, if any, will be required. Fee: Varies with each exam.

PRELIMINARY SAT (PSAT) : While not a required exam, the PSAT may prove beneficial to students since it serves a dual purpose. One, it prepares students for the SAT, since it is given in the same manner and has a similar scoring system, allowing students to develop familiarity with the SAT. Two, a high score during a student’s junior year may qualify students for the National Merit and other scholarships.