Standardized testing is arguably one of the most controversial yet unavoidable aspects of high school. Test after preparation after another test, it might seem quite daunting at first. Don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it seems, and I’m here to give you a quick breakdown.
First and foremost, the main standardized tests you’ll encounter are the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), American College Test (ACT), Scholastic Aptitude Test II (SAT II), and Advanced Placement Exam (AP Exams). These tests are always referred to by their acronyms, and if you would like an in-depth breakdown of an individual test, check out some of our other articles on StarryScholar.
First and foremost, the main standardized tests you’ll encounter are the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), American College Test (ACT), Scholastic Aptitude Test II (SAT II), and Advanced Placement Exam (AP Exams). These tests are always referred to by their acronyms, and if you would like an in-depth breakdown of an individual test, check out some of our other articles on StarryScholar.
SAT:
The SAT is hands-down the most popular standardized testing pretty much everyone knows about. It’s commonly required for college applications, although some colleges have made changes regarding this policy. The SAT has two main topics: 1) Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and 2) Math. Each of these two sections then split into two tests, equating to four multiple-choice sections in total with a score out of 1600.
PSAT:
The PSAT is simply a practice SAT test for high school students (most commonly 10th and 11th grade), and also acts as a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. It’s only offered once a year in the fall, but only the score from 11th grade will count for the scholarship. The test is in a similar format to the actual SAT test, except it’s slightly easier and shorter, resulting in a score out of 1520.
ACT:
Similar to the SAT, the ACT is another popular test frequently required for college applications. Keep in mind that you only need to pick one, but can choose to take and apply with both scores. The main differences between the SAT and ACT are the components and formatting of the test. The ACT has a faster pace, covering 4 topics: 1) English, 2) Math, 3) Reading, and 4) Science. The Science section isn’t meant to test factual knowledge, but more of your reasoning, interpretation, and analysis skills.
SAT II:
Sat II tests are just subject tests that demonstrate your proficiency in a specific subject, such as Biology, US History, Spanish, and more. While these aren’t always required for college applications such as the SAT or ACT, some more selective colleges will require you to have these scores due to various reasons, such as showing that you are qualified for a certain major. I recommend you look up your prospective college’s requirements ahead of time. Furthermore, you can use these to your advantage if you feel confident and would like to highlight an area of strength.
Content-wise, although SAT II tests are all multiple-choice, they are also very heavily focused on specific facts rather than the “big picture” of a subject, so you may be surprised at the specificity of these tests in comparison to those you take in school, or the AP exams. Subject tests are always 1 hour long, and you’ll receive a score from 200-800.
AP Exams:
Lastly, AP exams are annual tests given in May for you to show your knowledge of the material and skills in an AP course. AP Exams aim to assess you on a more holistic level that is representative of a year’s worth of knowledge and capabilities, and generally allow you to have more freedom with your answers. That’s because depending on the subject, AP Exams usually contain at least both a multiple-choice and free-response section, each emphasizing different parts of the AP course. The final score ranges from 1-5, with a 3 and above considered to be passing.
AP Exams are not required for any college applications, although similar to SAT II tests, they can really help you boost your application, and in many colleges, provide you with credit and enable you to be exempt from specific classes.
Final Notes
You might be feeling a little overwhelmed after reading through this, but don’t worry, this a pretty comprehensive review and you’ll learn as you go. Although standardized testing is important, I know plenty of people who are able to show their academics strengths in a variety of different ways and still manage to become successful. Keep in mind, more and more colleges are looking at your applications holistically, and this is only one portion that is by no means a cutoff or determining factor.
*UPDATE (May 2021): As of June 2021, SAT II tests as well as SAT essays will be discontinued internationally. As of 2025, the University of California (UC) colleges will no longer be accepting SAT or ACT scores*
The SAT is hands-down the most popular standardized testing pretty much everyone knows about. It’s commonly required for college applications, although some colleges have made changes regarding this policy. The SAT has two main topics: 1) Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and 2) Math. Each of these two sections then split into two tests, equating to four multiple-choice sections in total with a score out of 1600.
- Reading
- Writing & Language
- Math-No Calculator Allowed
- Math-Calculator Allowed
- (Optional) Essay
PSAT:
The PSAT is simply a practice SAT test for high school students (most commonly 10th and 11th grade), and also acts as a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. It’s only offered once a year in the fall, but only the score from 11th grade will count for the scholarship. The test is in a similar format to the actual SAT test, except it’s slightly easier and shorter, resulting in a score out of 1520.
- Reading
- Writing & Language
- Math-No Calculator Allowed
- Math-Calculator Allowed
ACT:
Similar to the SAT, the ACT is another popular test frequently required for college applications. Keep in mind that you only need to pick one, but can choose to take and apply with both scores. The main differences between the SAT and ACT are the components and formatting of the test. The ACT has a faster pace, covering 4 topics: 1) English, 2) Math, 3) Reading, and 4) Science. The Science section isn’t meant to test factual knowledge, but more of your reasoning, interpretation, and analysis skills.
- English
- Math
- Reading
- Science
- (Optional) Essay
SAT II:
Sat II tests are just subject tests that demonstrate your proficiency in a specific subject, such as Biology, US History, Spanish, and more. While these aren’t always required for college applications such as the SAT or ACT, some more selective colleges will require you to have these scores due to various reasons, such as showing that you are qualified for a certain major. I recommend you look up your prospective college’s requirements ahead of time. Furthermore, you can use these to your advantage if you feel confident and would like to highlight an area of strength.
Content-wise, although SAT II tests are all multiple-choice, they are also very heavily focused on specific facts rather than the “big picture” of a subject, so you may be surprised at the specificity of these tests in comparison to those you take in school, or the AP exams. Subject tests are always 1 hour long, and you’ll receive a score from 200-800.
AP Exams:
Lastly, AP exams are annual tests given in May for you to show your knowledge of the material and skills in an AP course. AP Exams aim to assess you on a more holistic level that is representative of a year’s worth of knowledge and capabilities, and generally allow you to have more freedom with your answers. That’s because depending on the subject, AP Exams usually contain at least both a multiple-choice and free-response section, each emphasizing different parts of the AP course. The final score ranges from 1-5, with a 3 and above considered to be passing.
AP Exams are not required for any college applications, although similar to SAT II tests, they can really help you boost your application, and in many colleges, provide you with credit and enable you to be exempt from specific classes.
Final Notes
You might be feeling a little overwhelmed after reading through this, but don’t worry, this a pretty comprehensive review and you’ll learn as you go. Although standardized testing is important, I know plenty of people who are able to show their academics strengths in a variety of different ways and still manage to become successful. Keep in mind, more and more colleges are looking at your applications holistically, and this is only one portion that is by no means a cutoff or determining factor.
*UPDATE (May 2021): As of June 2021, SAT II tests as well as SAT essays will be discontinued internationally. As of 2025, the University of California (UC) colleges will no longer be accepting SAT or ACT scores*