Taking Admissions Tests

Tests are part of the process

Many four-year colleges and universities require standardized test scores as part of the admissions process. These scores are designed to supplement the information provided by your grade point average, high school transcripts, extracurricular activities, reference letters and personal essay. It is important to check the admissions requirements of universities, colleges and community colleges to determine what, if any, admissions tests are required. Keep in mind, many community colleges do not require the SAT or ACT for admission.

The most common admissions tests include the SAT Reasoning Test and the ACT test. Both tests are timed and average about four hours, including breaks. A fee is required to register for each test.

Sitting through the SAT

The SAT is designed to measure critical thinking, mathematical reasoning and writing skills that students need to complete college-level work. It consists of three major sections: critical reading, mathematics and writing. Each section has a potential of 800 points. The test consists of multiple-choice questions, a written essay and math questions.

The art of taking the ACT

The ACT test is a general education college entrance exam that is based on what is taught in high school. It covers four areas: English, math, science and reading. The test is given in a multiple-choice format, with a score of 1-36 possible for each area, and an overall composite score is given. The optional 30-minute writing test requires students to plan and write a short essay.

Which test is best for you?

It is important to talk with your teachers, guidance counselors and other students about which test may be best for you to take. Some students may feel more comfortable taking a test based on what they were taught in high school (ACT) vs. skills they will need in college (SAT). You can also try out some practice test questions as each standardized test comes with practice test questions on their Web sites. Guidance counselors can assist you in registering for the test. It is also recommended that you take the SAT or ACT in your junior year, so you have the option to retake the test if a higher score is desired.

Start preparing

In the fall of your junior year, you may take the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) which helps you to prepare for the SAT. By taking this practice test, you also have a chance to enter the National Merit Scholarship Corporation scholarship programs. The PLAN is a practice test to prepare students for the ACT, which can be taken by 10th-graders. For more information visit the ACT Web site.

These practice tests will give you feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on the skills necessary for college study. This information will help you target specific areas on which to focus, study or practice. You can also see how your scores compare with others applying for college and the type of questions and specific directions to expect on the tests.

If you typically do not do well on standardized test, consider taking a preparation class or workshop in your area to improve your test-taking skills. Check out the ACT and SAT Web sites for additional preparation materials as well.

AP Test Advantages

Did you know there are more than 30 Advanced Placement classes and test you could take in order to get college credit while still in high school?

Taking AP exams can potentially save you (or your family) thousands of dollars in tuition bills depending on where you go to college, how well you score on the tests, and the number of test you pass. Some students will even enter college as a Sophomore due to AP credits – putting you further ahead in the registration cue, getting into more advanced classes earlier, or letting you enter that "Just of Majors" course long before others that started college with you…


Here is a list of potential courses:

Art History
Biology
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Chemistry
Chinese Language and Culture
Computer Science A
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics
English Language
English Literature
Environmental Science
European History
French Language
German Language
Comp Government & Politics
U.S. Government & Politics
Human Geography
Japanese Language and Culture
Latin: Vergil
Music Theory
Physics B
Physics C
Psychology
Spanish Language
Spanish Literature
Statistics
Studio Art
U.S. History
World History

Check with you counselor or instructors to see which classes are offered at your school. Remember to check with your potential college or area universities what the AP credits would count for (electives, GEN ED courses, etc) depending on your score. Some college will give you credit for English 101 if you get a 4 or 5, but only an English elective credit if you get a 3.

Also, remember that you generally don’t have to take the AP class in order to sign up for the test. So if you’re a history buff but your school doesn’t offer that class you may be able to take the test elsewhere (another high school or testing center) and try for credit. Each test does cost money but $86 (or $56 if you show financial need) now is better than hundreds in tuition later… Plus, depending on your state and your financial need you may even be able to take multiple AP exams for free or at very low cost. See this website for more information on your state.

The Truth About College Costs

The middle class is caught in the middle. The rich can afford colleges' big sticker price and the poor get generous financial aid. But how much money are we really talking about? I know it varies from state to state, but assuming you plan on attending a public university (or reasonably priced privet – yes, they do exist)

Average College Prices 2009-2010 School Year:

Public four-year $7,020 (up 7.5 percent from last year)

On the 4 year plan that’s $28,080 just for tuition and fees…

Students spend an average of about $3,200 on books in those 4 years, and transportation, room and board can add about $4,800 a year (more or less depending on region, housing situations, and spending habits)

That’s a low book average of just about $51,000 for a four year degree.

Now, don’t freak out (I can hear the cries of “we could never afford that” from all the parents), consider the following details:

Did You Know That...

32 percent of full-time students enrolled in public four-year colleges and universities attend institutions that charge tuition and fees between $3,000 and $6,000.

More than $168 billion in financial aid is available to students and their families.

About two-thirds of all full-time undergraduate students receive grant aid. In 2009-10, estimated aid in the form of grants and tax benefits averaged about $5,400 per student at public four-year colleges.

What's there for the middle class? One option: try for scholarships awarded by non-profits and wealthy individuals. This is good for all levels of economic status, but the middle class tend to need it most. Don’t ever pay for access to scholarship database or website. Remember if they ask for money, then they want yours and are not giving it away (scams are everywhere – it is really easy to make a credible looking and sounding website considering that it is an issue that effects millions every year).

Access huge databases of possible scholarships and grants free at websites like: collegeispossible.com, scholaraid.com, freschinfo.com, collegenet.com, salliemae.com, and srnexpress.com. On each site, you’ll answer questions and receive a list of relevant or possible target scholarships. Competition for such scholarships is always fierce so unless you’re a star or and “underrepresented” minority, it’s only worth applying for perhaps your ten best shots. Don’t waste time or get your hopes up too much.

The real cost of that degree after financial aid opportunities (not including the actual value of what was learned, the experiences, friends and connections made, and the fact that you can sell back the text books once your done) is somewhere around that original figure of $28,000. That’s not bad, considering the average wage right out of college across various occupations is about $31,000 and that’s just entry level jobs…