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.

Graduate Program Transfer Question

Here is a question from one of my readers...

Question: Is it possible to transfer from one college or university to another without starting my program over?

Answer: It is quite common for students to transfer from one school to another at the undergraduate level. In fact, some schools (many 2-year colleges) are designed to be transfer schools and offer only the first two years of undergraduate study. Their graduates often go on to do the last two years of a bachelor’s degree at another school.

The situation regarding graduate programs is more complicated due to the nature of graduate education. It is sometimes possible to transfer to another university after beginning a graduate program in the U.S. The policies, however, will vary by individual school; therefore, it is important that you inquire of the university where you plan to transfer as to exactly what courses they will accept for transfer. You should make sure to inquire about the general transfer policy as well as the specific policy which pertains to the school from which you will be transferring. It is likely that some of your previous graduate credit will not be accepted. You should choose the school you are transferring to carefully, and you should probably discuss this with your current graduate advisor.

College Transfer, In Reverse

This is something interesting about transfers…

Research by Sara Goldrick-Rab and Fabian T. Pfeffer (Sociology of Education, April 2009) using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study indicates that approximately one third of traditional-aged college students transfer from one college to another within eight years of high school graduation. Only 6 percent transfer from community colleges to four-year colleges, while 15 percent will “reverse transfer” from four-year colleges to community colleges. According to the authors, reverse transfers are more likely among students from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.

If you are properly prepared and you’ve planned out what you want this is less likely to occur.

Transitioning from a Community College to a Four-Year School

If you want to start out at a community college (or are already enrolled in one) and then transfer to a four-year school, make sure you have a plan. If you try to make the switch without mapping out your steps, then your transition will be harder. Here are the steps you should take to transition from a community college to a four-year school.

Make a list. Come up with a list of objectives to help you determine the right path for you. Think about where you see yourself in five or ten years. Here are some questions to consider:
• What career would you like to pursue?
• What academic preparation is required to enter this career field?
• Which four-year institution has a good academic program for your field of interest?
• What are some of the characteristics you are looking for in a four-year school?

Choose a transfer school. The earlier you can select a four-year institution to attend, the better off you will be. Universities and colleges differ widely in the courses they accept for transfer. By choosing a transfer school as early as possible, you will save a lot of time and effort because you will know in advance which courses will transfer to your selected school. When choosing a transfer school, check to see which schools have articulation agreements. Articulation agreements provide specific transfer policies that make it easier to transfer from one school to another. Be sure to visit schools and take virtual tours of campuses to help you pick a four-year school.

Meet with transfer advisors. Because not all universities and colleges accept the same courses for transfer, it is critical that you work with a transfer advisor at your community college as well as one at the school to which you want to transfer. These advisors will help you map out courses to meet graduation requirements at your community college and transfer requirements for your chosen four-year institution.

Focus on academics and extracurricular activities. Most community colleges operate under an "open admissions" policy, which means that anyone with a high school diploma or GED may attend, regardless of prior academic performance and extracurricular involvement. However, to be accepted into your four-year school of choice, you need to stay focused on academics, achievements, and extracurricular activities. Keep your grades up and become involved in your community. Your transfer school wants well-rounded students.

Research financial aid options. Four-year institutions are more expensive than community colleges, so be sure to look into your financial aid options. Look for scholarships by performing a free scholarship search (never pay for that service). You should also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for state, federal, and institutional aid. Even if you don't think you'll qualify for need-based financial aid, you should still complete the FAFSA to be eligible for low-interest student loans. The FAFSA can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov as soon as possible after January 1st of the year for which you are requesting aid.

For more specific information on transferring to a four-year school, contact your community college transfer advisor.