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 Standardized Tests
The College Board administers many of the important standardized tests used by colleges for admission and placement. These tests include: PSAT/NMSQT, SAT (Reasoning and Subject) and AP Course/Tests. The College Board website has a lot of useful information for students and parents.

The ACT, Inc administers the ACT and ACT Plus Writing test. The ACT is an alternative to the SAT Reasoning Test™. Some colleges require the ACT Plus Writing. See the ACT website for details.

Many colleges use both the ACT and the SAT Reasoning Test™ for admission. ACT is more widely used in the Midwest and South. The SAT is preferred on the East and West coast.

Difference between ACT and SAT Reasoning Test™.
ACT has a Science component and an optional writing component. ACT has no guessing correction.
SAT has a mandatory writing test. SAT has correction for guessing i.e. they take off for wrong answers. 

ACT
It is a national college admissions examination. It is accepted by virtually all colleges. Many students take these in their junior year to allow for retest if needed. The test consists of 215 multiple-choice questions in four subject area tests in English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. Each subject has a score from 1 to 36 with a composite average score. The writing score is from 2 to 12. See the ACT FAQ for details.
The ACT Plus Writing includes the four subject area tests and a 30-minute Writing test. The writing test is required by some colleges.

Upcoming Dates
ACT administered test dates.

Please check all dates against the appropriate websites before registering.

SAT® - Scholastic Aptitude/Achievement Test.

The common test used by virtually all colleges is the SAT Reasoning Test™. Some colleges require SAT Subject tests. When used by itself SAT refers to the SAT Reasoning Test™.

Upcoming Dates
These dates are for both SAT Reasoning Test™ and SAT Subject Tests (unless otherwise specified).

*No SAT Subject Tests.

Please check all dates against the appropriate websites before registering.

Students can take up to three Subject Tests on a single test date.
The SAT Reasoning Test and Subject Tests cannot be done on the same test date.

SAT Reasoning Test™
This is required by virtually every college. Early preparation is highly recommended. The test has three sections: math, reading and writing. Each carries a score in the 200 to 800 range. The Test Fee schedule is here.

Official SAT Question of the Day
The College Board website has an invaluable free tool that will help you every single day in your SAT preparation. You can either go to their website daily at SAT Question of the Day or register at the same location to receive the Question of the Day in your email.

The Official SAT Study Guide
This book is the official study guide and is a very good starting point in your preparation. It costs $19.95 and contains detailed descriptions of the math, critical reading, writing and essay portions of the SAT. It also has eight practice tests.

SAT Subject Tests™
Tests your knowledge in specific subjects. Some colleges require them for admissions and course placement. They are usually 1 hour multiple-choice tests. Most students take these towards the end of the junior year or beginning of senior year. It is recommended that you take them soon after completing the required course work while the material is still fresh in your mind. So do your homework on college admission requirements early!

PSAT/NMSQT - Preliminary SAT®/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

This test helps you prepare for the College Board SAT Reasoning Test™. Students register for this test at their high school.

NMSC -  National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

The NMSC uses the PSAT/NMSQT score (in the junior year) as an initial screen for 50,000 students to be "commended". In September of the senior year 16,000 semi-finalists are recognized. Semi-finalists submit their SAT scores, grades, essay and an application for the NMSC scholarship. All finalists receive a certificate of Merit and of these 8,200 get Merit scholarships and 2500 are awarded National Merit Scholarships.

AP - Advanced Placement Program Courses
AP courses gets students a head start on college-level work during high school. There are 37 courses across 22 subject areas. To enroll, talk to an AP teacher or coordinator at your high school. A student does not need to enroll in an AP course to take the exam. AP courses are scored on a 1 to 5 scale with 3 as a passing grade and the grading is relative using a bell curve. Most colleges accept scores or 4 or 5 and offer college credits for these scores.