College Applications
Undergraduate Admissions: Important Standardised Tests
Shalu Gupta & Sonali Mohan, Head Mentor & Head Editor, Collegify · · 4 min read
PSAT
The PSAT is the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test which is a standardized test to give an experience of the SAT. Students take this test (typically, in 9th grade) as it gives feedback on their knowledge and ability to score in the SAT. It has a Verbal (Reading + Writing) and a Math Section, scored between 320 and 1520 points and is administered online. The students get to know their strengths and weaknesses, and accordingly prepare for the SAT.
SAT
The SAT 1 (Scholastic Aptitude Test) can be considered as the entry level exam for pursuing studies at an undergrad level in the US. The purpose of the SAT is to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. It has a Verbal (Reading + Writing) and a Math Section, along with an optional essay section. The Sections are scored between 200-800 points each, with the total score being between 400-1600 points. The Essay is graded on a 24-point scale. Some schools recommend taking the SAT with Essay, while others do not. It is highly recommended that international students opt for the SAT with Essay even if the college doesnt require it. The scores achieved in the SAT would determine the choice of colleges to a large extent.
The SAT is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test created and administered by the College Board.
The SAT can be taken more than once—but twice is a reasonable number of attempts and seen as a focused attempt to improve the scores.The SAT 1 happens only 5 or 6 times a year, and therefore it is important to plan ahead and synchronise school schedules with the SAT exams.
ACT
The American College Testing (ACT) is an online standardized exam mandatory for US college admissions and is an alternative to the SAT. The ACT exam comprises four different sections, English, Math, Reading and Science (Each section along with the final composite score is reported on a 36-point scale) and an optional writing section (Reported on a 12-point scale). Some schools recommend taking this optional writing section, while others do not. It is highly recommended that international students opt for the ACT with Writing even if the college doesnt require it. The ACT is held in India 7 times a year and this also can be taken more than once.
SAT 2 or the SAT Subject Tests
The subject tests are designed to test the proficiency of the child in certain subjects. These are 1.5 hour multiple choice tests in five general subject areas of English, History, Mathematics, Science, and Languages. Each Subject Test is scored on a 200-800 point scale.
Not all schools require subject tests, but it is recommended (read required) by most top schools and they specify the number of subject tests i.e. 2 or 3.
Advanced Placement Exams (APs)
The Advanced Placement International Diploma Exam is an optional exam taken by students applying abroad for higher studies. The AP credentials establish a student’s academic excellence and demonstrates his interest and ability in particular areas of interest. The AP exam covers 34 courses in 6 subject areas.The AP exams should be considered only when the SAT/ACT and SAT subject tests are completed. Each AP score is reported on a 5-point scale.
The AP exams take place only once a year, usually in the month of May.
TOEFL
The TOEFL: Test of the English as a Foreign Language is a compulsory exam and a mandatory requirement for issuing of visa to all students going abroad for higher studies. These exams should be completed well in advance of the application submission. This exam is conducted in designated centres and tests a student’s proficiency in understanding and comprehending spoken English.
The TOEFL iBT has 4 sections: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking, each reported at 30 points each, adding to a total score of 120 points
IELTS
The IELTS : International English LanguageTesting System and is jointly administered by the British Council, the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations and IDP Education Australia . An alternative to the TOEFL, this too tests the student’s comfort with the English language combining your proficiency in listening, reading, writing and speaking skills. Each section is graded on a 9-point scale, with a final 9-point composite score.
Excerpt from ‘The Updated Comprehensive Step by Step Guide to US Undergraduate Admissions’-Shalu Gupta and Sonali Mohan
Available at Crossword, Crossword online and Amazon
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