College Admissions Tests
College Admissions Tests
(For universities in the United States)
PSAT/NMSQT: Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
The PSAT is given to students in the 11th grade in October of each year. The exam lasts roughly two hours, and consists of math, verbal, and writing sections. The PSAT is used as a rough predictor of SAT scores and as a practice for standardized testing. For students who are U.S. citizens, a strong score on the PSAT can qualify the student for National Merit Scholarships. Score results will be distributed to students and parents in December or January.
SAT I
The SAT Reasoning test is a four hour test in verbal and mathematical reasoning ability that is required by almost all four year colleges and universities in the United States. Scores range from 200 to 800 on each section; 2400 is a perfect score. Verbal sections of the test include two sections: Reading Comprehension (800), Writing which includes essay (800). The Math sections include questions in the areas of basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry (800). A calculator may be used. The test is usually offered at the American School in each country six times a year. Check www.collegeboard.com to verify testing center location. In general, it is recommended that the SAT Reasoning test be taken in May or June of the junior year and repeated in the fall of the senior year. Students should meet with Mr. Will early in the junior year to discuss their timetable for taking all required tests.
SAT II: Subject Tests
SAT Subject test consists of one hour tests measuring knowledge in specific subject areas. The subject areas currently offered are: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math IC, Math IIC, Literature, Writing, U.S. History, World History, French, German, Modern Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Spanish, and English Language Proficiency Test. Scores range from 200 to 800. Up to three exams may be taken on one test date. Not all U.S. colleges require SAT Subject exams, so check to see if the college(s) that interests you even requires the SAT Subject test. Students should be careful to verify which, if any, SAT individual universities require these exams. SAT subject tests in Sciences and Math are the most commonly required exams.
ACT : American College Test
The ACT is usually administered at the American school of each country 5 times per year but check www.act.org to verify test center location. This test has four parts: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science reasoning. Four sub-scores and a composite score are reported. There are four major differences between the ACT and the SAT:
PLEASE SEE CHART ON LEFT TO COMPARE SAT I to ACT SCORES:
TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language
The purpose of the TOEFL is to evaluate the English language proficiency of students whose native language is not English. In almost all colleges and universities where English is the language of instruction, the TOEFL is required of all applicants who are not native speakers of English. The test consists of four parts: Listening comprehension; Reading comprehension; Essay, and Speaking. Most universities require a minimum Internet-based score of 80/120; others require a score of 73/120, while IVY leagues want over 100/120. Students should check the individual universities for specific requirements. TOEFL has a current cost of $160. Students should go to www.ets.org to register for the exam.