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Academic requirements and required
tests for admission vary from college to college. Most colleges
require students to take the SAT 1 (scholastic assessment test) or
the ACT (American College Test). Other colleges require the SAT 2
subject tests as well.
Studies show that students can
raise their scores by studying the material the test covers.
There are many ways you can prepare
yourself for these tests. There are classes offered through high
schools and libraries for free or for a fee. There are books you can
buy with old SAT tests or check out the library.
Be sure to check out the websites
with free practice SAT exams. By approaching the material with an
open mind and a willingness to apply the strategies, you will feel
more comfortable and prepared on test day.
SAT 1:
Scholastic Assessment Test
A 3 hour, primarily multiple-choice
test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities that
develop over time.
SAT 2:
Subject Tests
Subject tests are one-hour, primarily
multiple-choice tests that measure student knowledge of particular
subjects and ability to apply that knowledge.
It is best to take a subject test
after completion of the course of study in a subject such as biology
or US History, while the material is still fresh.
For language tests, it is best to
complete at least 2 years of study before taking the test.
The College Board recommends taking
the SAT 2 subject tests by the end of the junior year or very
beginning of the senior year to meet college admission deadlines.
ACT:
American College Test
The ACT assessment is designed to assess high school students'
general educational development and their ability to complete
college level work. The test cover 4 skill areas: English, Math,
Reading and Science Reasoning.
AP (Advanced
Placement)
AP tests are given in May for
college level courses taken at high school or equivalent preparation
in various subject fields. College credit and grades can be earned
for acceptable scores, which is at the discretion of the college or
university.
TOEFL (Test
of English as a Foreign Language )
TOEFL is given with the major
purpose of determining the English proficiency of people whose
native language is not English. Many colleges include TOEFL as an
admissions requirement for students who have not completed at least
three years of high school in an English speaking country.
University
of California - Subject A Examination
As a UC undergraduate, you must
demonstrate proficiency in writing. You must score 8 or higher on
the UC Subject A Examination. The test should be taken in May if you
plan to enroll in the fall.
The requirement may also be met by
scoring a 3 or higher on the AP English test or 680 or higher on the
SAT 2 - Writing Subject Test.
California
State University
- English Placement Test (EPT)
- Entry Level Mathematics Test (ELM)
The EPT and ELM are required of all
new students. A SAT 1 Verbal score 550 or higher (24 or higher on
ACT) exempts you from the EPT. A SAT 1 Math score of 550 or higher
(23 or higher on the ACT) will exempt you from the ELM. The tests
can be scheduled at any CSU campus.
Sample
Test Links
