Love it or hate it, standardized testing is a fundamental part of the American education landscape. While their merits may be contested, there is no avoiding the fact that all students, especially those seeking admission to elite schools, must learn to master the art of taking standardized tests. As a tutoring company, we believe that the most effective way to prepare for these tests is with individualized, one-on-one tutoring, but before that can begin, it helps to know the tests by name.
Tests For High Schools
ISEE
The Independent School Entrance Examination is used for admission into most private and independent high schools. It lasts three hours and is broken into four sections plus an essay: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning (basically Math), Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics Achievement + Essay (1 prompt). The ISEE is generally better for students with strong Math skills.
SSAT
The Secondary School Admission Test is similarly used for admission into most private and independent high schools. It also lasts three hours and is broken into four sections plus an essay: Quantitative 1 and 2 (Two Math Sections), Reading Comprehension, and Verbal + Essay (choice of 2 writing prompts, one personal essay or one short story). The SSAT is generally better for students with strong ELA skils.
SHSAT
The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test is used only for application into New York City’s eight Specialized High Schools. The SHSAT format is two sections, Math and English Language Acquisition (ELA), spread out over three hours, with no extra written essay, and no wrong answer penalty.
>> Read our full breakdown of these three tests!
Tests For US Colleges & Universities
AP Tests
Each of these 38 tests is administered in conjunction with Advanced Placement classes. Testing above a certain threshold may allow a student to gain college credit and place out of introductory college classes. Good scores also bode well on college applications. More info.
IB Tests
While not widespread, a number of private and public schools grant International Baccalaureate (IB) diplomas. The culmination of these programs is two weeks of standardized testing. Like AP tests, these can lead to advanced placement at some universities, but should not replace SAT Subject Tests. More info.
SAT Subject Tests
Formerly known as SAT II, these are subject-specific tests that will showcase particular aptitudes your student has gained during high school. While scores are often considered by colleges, there’s no need to wait until junior year to take them. Take these tests while the information is still fresh and only take tests on subjects in which you’d expect to do well. More info.
PSAT/NMSQT
This mini-alphabet of letters stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. While the PSAT isn’t required by any colleges, taking this “pre”-SAT exam does help prepare students for the real thing. Beyond serving as great practice for the SAT, it is also used as eligibility and qualification for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which can help high-achieving students earn money towards college. The test is offered once each October and most students take it during their Junior year. More info.
SAT
Although the SAT has been known by several names, including the Scholastic Aptitude Test and the Scholastic Assessment Test, it’s now known simply as the SAT and the letters don’t stand for anything. The SAT is the poster child of standardized tests for college admissions and consists of four sections: Reading, Writing and Language, Math (no calculator), and Math (with calculator). There is also an optional essay section that certain colleges require. The exam lasts half a day and can be taken an unlimited number of times, usually during junior or senior year of high school. More info.
ACT
Originally named for the company making the test, American College Testing’s College Readiness Assessment is now, like the SAT, known simply as the ACT. While it once played second fiddle to the SAT, most colleges now accept scores from either test. Featuring four sections (Reading, English, Math, Science), the content and style of the ACT are very similar to the SAT and taking practice tests is often the best way to decide between the two. See how the tests compare.
>> Here’s a concise summary of all these tests from Kaplan!
Tests For Graduate Studies
GMAT
Students applying to MBA programs must take the Graduate Management Admissions Test. The GMAT is a computerized test with four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Assessment, and Verbal. More info.
LSAT
Students applying to Law School must take the Law School Admissions Test. The exam is comprised of five multiple-choice sections and one essay. The multiple-choice sections are Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning (yes, 2x), Analytical Assessment, and a fifth experiment section that repeats one of the previous categories and does not count toward the final score. The essay section is not scored but is sent to law schools for further assessment. More info.
MCAT
Students applying to Medical School must take the Medical College Admissions Test. The exam is entirely multiple-choice and computer-based, testing in four key areas: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior; and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. More info.
GRE
Students applying to *any* Masters or Ph.D. program must take the Graduate Record Examinations. The GRE is actually two tests, the General Test and the (optional) Subjects Test. The General Test consists of four sections: Verbal, Math, Critical Thinking, and Analytical Writing. The Subject Tests are taken in order to highlight your aptitude in a specific subject, such as the one in which you majored. Note that some programs which require GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT scores may also wish to see GRE scores. More info.
>> Read USA Today’s breakdown of the graduate school exams.
English Proficiency Tests
TOEFL
The Test of English as a Foreign Language is the more widely-used of these two tests and it specifically tests American English as used in academic settings. It tests aptitude in four areas: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. More info.
IELTS
The International English Language Testing System is an exam aimed at testing English proficiency as it pertains to academic, migration, and work settings. It specifically tests British English in four areas: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. More info.
>> Still curious? Check out this overview.
— Evan Barden
