College Tests

Introduction

For a high school student considering secondary education, the lists of testing available can be overwhelming, though the college aptitude and placement tests are a necessary evil.

All tests have a purpose, and despite it being difficult to understand at the time of test taking, they serve a vital role in the proper placement of a student for their respective college.

It is important for a student to understand that their IQ level is not learned, it is something that they are born with, and regardless of their studies, the most that they can raise their IQ is approximately five points; their IQ will encompass a portion of their college aptitude testing.

On the flip side of this, the knowledge that they have accumulated along their journey through middle and high school will become an integral part of the remaining portion of the testing.

These tests are carefully constructed with scientific certainty to ascertain a student’s proper placement. And though they make up the majority of a student’s application process, it is worthy of noting that test scores are not the only factors considered for college placement.

Tests

PSAT/NMSQT test

The PSAT/NMSQT is a preliminary SAT or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test that is essentially a practice SAT test, given to tenth and eleventh grade students in the Fall.

This will help them get into college or career school more quickly. Those participating in this test receive a free “My College Quick Start”, an interactive, online analysis and personalized SAT tutorial.

They may also opt in for a SSS, “Student Search Service”. The SSS allows scholarship organizations and interested colleges to contact them directly. Juniors may qualify for certain National Merit Scholarships, through prestigious national scholarship programs.

SAT test

The SAT, (Scholastic Aptitude Test) needed for college admissions, is taken in the Fall of student’s senior year of high school.

There are two SAT Tests, the SAT Reasoning Test and the SAT Subject Test.

• The SAT Reasoning Test measures the critical thinking skills needed for academic success in college, and it’s scores are often used by colleges as an indicator of the student’s ability to succeed in the higher, secondary education environment.
• The SAT Subject Test is used to demonstrate the student’s understanding and mastery of each specific subject, such as history, math, language and English. The SAT Subject Test is often used by colleges for placement and course selection.

CLEP test

The CLEP is a College Level Examination Program. The CLEP Test is also given to seniors, in the Spring/Summer.

It provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate, through a variety of exams, college-level achievement.

Approximately 2,900 colleges will allow and grant college credits and advance standing for CLEP placement tests.

AP test

Similar to the CLEP is the AP, also given to seniors in the spring. The AP, Advanced Placement Test, offers high school students college level classes, allowing them to earn advanced standing and credit in many participating colleges.