2015_HSGuide

ACT (AMERICAN
COLLEGE TEST)
The ACT is a standardized college entrance exam that
measures knowledge, understanding, and skills learned in
is scored from 1 to 36. The total (composite) score is the
average of the four subject scores. The highest
possible score is a 36, with the 2014 national average
being a 21. Please note that average scores vary greatly
across states. The ACT is most often required by schools
in the South and Midwest. ACT Tests are offered six
times throughout the year, and registration costs start
at $38 per test option.
The SAT is also a standardized
college entrance exam. It is
in that it is aimed more at
measuring general reasoning
and problem-solving skills.
It places heavy emphasis on
verbal and vocabulary skills,
and consists of three parts:
critical reading, mathematical
reasoning, and writing.
OTHER TYPES OF TESTS
In addi o entrance exams, there are other tests to
consider taking when applying to college:
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a
standardized test measuring one’s ability to speak and
requirement for students applying to college from outside
the U.S.
CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) tests are
similar to AP exams in that students can earn college
area. CLEP exams
from AP exams in that they do
They allow students to demonstrate their college-level
knowledge regardless of where or how they acquired the
knowledge (i.e. homeschooled students). Scores range
from 20 to 80, with a recommended passing score of 50
(College Board). Please note that each school’s policy is
may not mean the same at another
throughout the year at test centers located at colleges and
AP COURSES
AP, or Advanced Placement, courses are college-level
courses that a student can take in high school. They are
more rigorous than high school courses and students can
receive college credit by achieving a certain score on an
are in more than 30 subjects, although not all
classes are available in all high schools. Students who
successfully pass AP exams may be granted college credit
38
SAT (SCHOLASTIC
APTITUDE TEST)
score is the sum of the scores on each section, with the
highest score being a 2400. The 2014 national average
was 1497. Please note that average scores vary greatly
across states. Colleges on the East and West Coast use
the SAT most often. Tests are offered seven times
throughout the year, and registration costs start at
$54.50.
some college scholarships and college grants
factor in your success on the AP exams. Please note
that not all colleges grant students college credit for the
courses.
AP (Advanced Placement) exams are a series of standardized
achievement tests taken in high school to test mastery of
college-level material in a variety of courses. AP exams
measure knowledge of the subject area learned in school.
AP exams are generally taken a student has completed
scored from 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest. Each college’s
or 4 to receive college credit. They are generally taken
in May and cost approximately $91 per exam.