Understanding the Different Standardized Tests
When students and parents begin to explore requirements and recommendations for standardized testing, they are often overwhelmed as they attempt to navigate a confusing, acronym-filled jumble of test-specific lingo and conflicting information. This guide provides basic explanations of each standardized test and its specific purpose, design, score scale, and more.
ACT? SAT? What are the differences and how should we choose?
ACT
Most colleges and universities require, as one part of their admissions application, reported scores from one of two standardized tests: the ACT or the SAT. Almost all colleges and universities that require standardized test scores accept results from either test and do not require both. For information about the differences between the ACT and the SAT, please refer to my FAQ response on this topic.
The ACT is created and administered by a nonprofit organization of the same name. The ACT is used to assess a student’s college readiness and provides a nationwide standard by which to measure all applicants, regardless of school coursework or geography. Students may take the test as many times as they wish, and they may choose which test date scores to submit to colleges and universities. Students must register for the test online.
There is one exception to these requirements: a required, school-administered ACT. In NC public schools, the ACT is required for juniors and is administered once per year at no charge during the school day. (The test date for this school-administered test varies year to year but is usually sometime in February; check with your child’s school).
The ACT consists of four (4) sections: English: 75 questions, 45 min (36 seconds per question); Math: 60 questions, 60 min (60 seconds per question); Reading: 40 questions, 35 min (52.5 seconds per question); Science: 40 questions, 35 min (52.5 seconds per question). There is an optional essay section (40 min). The four main test sections are scored on a scale of 1-36 points, and those four scaled scores are then averaged to determine the final composite score of 1-36. The writing portion is scored on a scale of 1-12 and stands outside of the composite score. If you take the ACT more than once, ACT will automatically provides a superscore. A superscore refers to the composite calculated from the highest section scores a student has received across multiple test dates. Each colleges decides whether it will accept an ACT superscore. Check the official admissions website of the college to determine whether the school accepts an official ACT superscore, wants to see all scores from all test dates, or only allows a score from a single test administration.
Each college and university sets its own guidelines about how much ACT scores are weighted in the admissions process, and every college and university differs on the definition of a “good score”. Most institutions publish on their admissions website the range of scores from the “middle 50%” of their most recent accepted class of students. This range can give you an idea of the score you need to be a successful applicant at your preferred school.
PRE ACT
The PreACT is intended for high school sophomores, although any high school student can take it. The PreACT is available only through your child’s school. Schools decide if and when to administer the test and inform students and families of the test date and registration process. The school will administer the test during a regular school day. Unlike the PSAT, the PreACT is not associated with any scholarship or award opportunities.
Because the PreACT is targeted to sophomores instead of juniors, it is somewhat easier than the ACT. Students receive a PreACT score (out of 35) as well as a predicted composite score range and predicted section score ranges for the ACT (out of 36). The PreACT has four sections: English: 45 questions, 30 min (40 seconds per question); Math: 36 questions, 40 min (67 seconds per question); Reading: 25 questions, 30 min (72 seconds per question); Science: 30 questions, 30 min (60 seconds per question). Unlike the ACT, the PreACT has no essay section.
The PreACT provides an important introduction to the format and demands of the ACT. The detailed score report helps students identify general strengths and weaknesses that the student can then work on before taking the ACT. The included predicted range of ACT scores provides a rough guideline, but does not always predict accurately ACT success.
SAT
Most colleges and universities require, as one part of their admissions application, reported scores from one of two standardized tests: the ACT or the SAT. Almost all colleges and universities accept either one and do not require both. For information about the differences between the ACT and the SAT, please refer to my FAQ response on this topic.
The SAT is created and administered by a College Board, a not-for-profit organization. The SAT is used to assess a student’s college readiness and provides colleges a nationwide standard by which to measure all applicants, regardless of school coursework or geography. Students may take the test as many times as they wish, and they may choose which test date scores to submit to colleges and universities. Students must register for the test online.
The SAT consists of four (4) sections: Reading: 52 questions, 65 minutes (1min15sec/question); Writing and Language: 44 questions, 35 minutes (48sec/question); Math Test—No Calculator: 20 questions, 25 minutes (1min/15sec/question); Math Test—Calculator Active: 38 questions, 55 minutes (1min27sec/question). Some colleges and universities accept a “superscore” or “Score Choice.” Each core section is scored on a scale of 1-800 points, and all four core section totals are average to determine the final composite score. Schools that superscore combine combine the highest score from each section across multiple test sessions to create the highest combination score. Check the official admissions website of the college to determine whether or not the school superscores the SAT.
PSAT
There are a few versions of the PSAT that students will take at various points during middle school and high school. Eighth and ninth graders take the PSAT 8/9. A variety of talent search programs, including Duke Talent Identification Program (https://tip.duke.edu), use these scores to evaluate student eligibility. Tenth graders take the PSAT 10. Note that while some scholarship programs use this score in their searches, the National Merit Scholarship Program does not. Tenth and eleventh graders take the PSAT/NMSQT. The National Merit Scholarship Program uses this version of the PSAT to evaluate student eligibility.
The PSAT/ NMSQT has four sections: Reading: 47 questions, 60 minutes (1min16sec/question); Writing and Language: 44 questions, 35 minutes (48 sec/question); Math Test – No Calculator: 17 questions, 25 minutes (1min28sec/question); Math Test – Calculator active: 31 questions, 45 minutes (1min27sec/question).
The PSAT/NMSQT is scored on a scale of 1520 total points. This total score breaks down into two subsections, Math and Verbal, each scored on a scale of 760. For comparison, the SAT is scored on a scale of 1600 total points, broken down into two subsections, Math and Verbal, each scored on a scale of 800.
The PSAT’s slightly lower score range accounts for the lower difficulty level and shortened nature of this test. While the Writing and Language sections are identical in question number and length, the other three sections are extended on the SAT. The Calculator Inactive math section changes the most from PSAT to SAT as the SAT eliminates almost fifteen seconds per question. This particular section poses unique obstacles to students who rely on a calculator for basic math computation.
Although the scales of the two tests are not identical, a student’s PSAT score directly equates to his/her predicted SAT score. For example, if a student scores a 1250 on the PSAT, s/he should score a 1250 on the SAT as well. Additionally, the PSAT allows students to identify strengths and weaknesses within each subject that can help in SAT preparation.
ISEE/SSAT
Students applying to a private elementary, middle, or high school typically need to take either the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) or the SSAT (Secondary School Admissions Exam) as part of the application process. These tests are not simply mini SATs or ACTs: they are unique tests with some question formats that are not featured on college admission tests. Students benefit greatly both from choosing the best-fit test (if they are allowed a choice) and from thoughtful prep.
The ISEE is produced and administered by the Educational Records Bureau, and the SSAT is produced and administered by the Enrollment Management Association, both not-for-profit organizations. For more information on these tests, please see this Blog post.
AP Tests
College board also creates and administers AP (Advanced Placement) tests. These tests are administered in high school as the culmination of the corresponding course. The tests are given during the school day and while some schools pay for the registration cost, some do not, so check with your student’s school. If the student has mastered the content and scores well on the exam, many colleges will accept the AP test score in lieu of the college class, so the student will receive college credit. AP tests are scored on scale from 1-5.
College Board offers 38 AP tests in all, but the courses and tests offered will vary by high school. In some very rare instances, you can take an AP test without taking the accompanying course. Your school will still need to administer this exam and you will need to arrange this either with your school or a nearby school/testing center. For a full list of College Board AP tests, visit their website: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/course-index-page. To determine which exams and courses your child’s school offers, check the school course manual or ask a counselor.
Students should consult college admissions websites to determine which AP tests each institution accepts and what students must score on each subject test in order to receive college credit. While many schools award college course credit for a score of “3” or above, some institutions require higher scores.
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