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Testing Resources.
National Assessments For College Acceptance
The two most widely recognized and accepted national assessments are the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and the ACT (American College Testing).
SAT & ACT: Both tests assess a student's readiness for college-level coursework. They evaluate skills and knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics. The ACT also has a science section.
Acceptance: Most colleges and universities across the United States accept the SAT and ACT scores equally. There's generally no preference for one over the other.
Format and Content:
SAT: As of 2024, the SAT is fully digital and adaptive, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your performance. It has two main sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. Calculators are permitted on the math section, and formulas are provided. Scores range from 400 to 1600, with each section (Reading, Writing, and Math) scored between 200 and 800.
ACT: The ACT offers both digital and paper versions. It has four required sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. There's also an optional Writing test. The math section does not provide formulas. A composite score ranges from 1 to 36; the average score is from the four main sections (each scored out of 36).
Superscoring:
Many colleges allow "superscoring" for both the SAT and ACT. This means they will consider your highest section scores across multiple test attempts to create the best possible composite score.
Test-Optional Policies:
It's important to note that many colleges have adopted "test-optional" policies, especially in recent years. This means they do not require SAT or ACT scores for admission. However, some highly selective institutions may still recommend or require these tests. It's crucial to check the specific admission requirements of each college you are interested in.
Preparation: Numerous resources are available for the SAT and ACT, including practice tests, prep courses, and online materials. Taking practice tests for both can help you determine which test format suits you better.
Other National Assessments to Consider:
PSAT/NMSQT: The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is usually taken in the junior year of high school. It serves as practice for the SAT and is also the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
CLT: The Classic Learning Test is a standardized college entrance exam that has emerged as an alternative to the more established SAT and ACT. The CLT is designed to assess a student's readiness for college by evaluating skills in:most
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Verbal Reasoning: Textual comprehension and analysis.
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Grammar/Writing: Textual editing and improvement.
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Quantitative Reasoning: Logic and mathematics.
A key differentiator of the CLT is its emphasis on classic literature and historical texts for the majority of its reading passages, aiming to engage students with influential authors and ideas.
