Testing
Breaking Down College Admissions Tests
Standardized testing may play a large part in your acceptance to college, but there's more than one way to make sure you get the best possible score!
What is college admissions testing?
Most four-year colleges consider applicants’ scores on college admissions tests when deciding whom to accept. Test scores are just one part of your college application.
How important are test scores to colleges?
The importance of test scores in the admission process varies from college to college and depends on an institution’s admissions approach and policies. Each college has its own policy. Some colleges, including more selective colleges, may place a high level of importance on test scores — within the context of the other parts of your application. Other colleges, including many community colleges, may not require a test or use your scores at all. If you have questions about how a particular college uses test scores, check its admissions website or contact the admissions office.
Types of Tests
An entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The SAT is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test created and administered by the College Board.
An entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc.
The TSI Assessment (TSI) is part of the Texas Success Initiative program designed to help your college or university determine if you are ready for college-level course work in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics.
SAT vs ACT
The SAT and ACT generally cover the same topics and are both used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Most colleges don't prefer one test over the other, but students tend to do better on one test over the other. Make sure to do your research to know which one fits you best.
Download the SAT vs ACT comparison poster here
