Standardized tests
When it comes to college admissions, good scores can push you over the top, while bad scores can prevent you from being admitted to your first choice school. For juniors and seniors, performance on standardized tests is the most easily improved criterion in the admissions process. Basic preparation can go a long way to improving exam scores.
SAT Reasoning Test
The SAT Reasoning Test measures verbal and mathematical skills.
"SAT scores are compared with the scores of other applicants, and the accepted scores at an institution, and used as a basis for awarding merit-based financial aid."
collegeboard.com
The SAT Reasoning Test is offered 7 times per year. Although there is no limit on the number of times students can take the SAT, most students take the exam 2-3 times. All colleges and universities will use a student's best score for admission purposes.
There are many ways to prepare for the SAT. The best method of preparation is to practice. If a student chooses to prepare on his or her own, the most valuable resource is The College Board's Official SAT Study Guide, available at most local bookstores. Revolution Prep also offers 3 levels of preparation for the SAT: Group Courses, The Hybrid program and Private Tutoring. Students should choose the option that best fits their overall needs.
ACT
"The questions on the ACT are directly related to what you have learned in your high school courses in English, mathematics, reading, and science."
act.org
The ACT is neither harder nor easier than the SAT Reasoning Test. But it is different. Some students do better on the ACT while others do better on the SAT. Nearly all schools will accept either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT for admissions purposes. Most students perform at the same level on each exam. However, some students do achieve higher scores on one or the other. Students should take a practice exam to assess their performance on each exam.
Just as for the SAT, Revolution Prep offers offers 3 levels of preparation for the ACT: Group Courses, The Hybrid program and Private Tutoring. Students should choose the option that best fits their overall needs.
PSAT/NMSQT*
"It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test. It also gives you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs."
collegeboard.com
The PSAT/NMSQT is offered each year during the month of October. Although many freshman and sophomores take the exam, only Juniors can qualify for NMSC scholarships.
Students who are performing at a level that could result in possible scholarships or commendations may want to consider PSAT/NMSQT preparation. However for most students the PSAT/NMSQT is primarily an opportunity to practice for the SAT Reasoning Test*. These students should focus their preparation on the SAT Reasoning Test. Revolution Prep offers one-on-one PSAT/NMSQT tutoring for students who need extra help.
Revolution Prep also partners with area high schools to offer group PSAT/NMSQT preparation courses. College Counselors or other administrative staff at the school can contact Revolution Prep at 1-877-REV-PREP (738-7737) for more information on setting up a course for their students.
SAT Subject Tests* (Formally SAT II)
"Subject Tests (formerly SAT II: Subject Tests) are designed to measure your knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as your ability to apply that knowledge."
collegeboard.com
Most competitive schools require SAT Subject Tests exam scores for admission purposes. University of California schools, for example, require two SAT Subject Tests in any two different subject areas. Students should visit the admissions webpage of the schools they are considering to get details about specific standardized test requirements.
AP*
"Through AP Exams, you have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation's colleges and universities."
collegeboard.com
Most students take AP exams in May at the end of an AP high school course that covers the material tested on the exam. However, students are not required to take any specific course work in order to take the exam. Students should take a practice exam to assess their performance on each exam.