“The professors at Seattle University are always willing to work with me to overcome my weaknesses and improve my studying and communication skills.”

— Kim-Thuy Truong
Seattle University

Standardized Tests

SAT | PSAT/NMSQT | ACT | ACT PLAN | International Baccalaureate | Advanced Placement

Standardized tests are commonly used by colleges and universities as an independent assessment of the critical thinking and knowledge a student has learned in high school. Test scores are among the many factors a college will look at to determine if a student is a good candidate for admission. Most colleges require at least one of the two tests as a part of the application process. These tests provide colleges and universities with an assessment of a student's knowledge. They are called “standardized” tests because all students who take the test are measured on the same scale, so they are valuable in making comparisons. GPA can be more relative since two students with the same GPA may have taken classes of varying difficulty or teachers may have graded them differently.

Standardized tests should be taken very seriously. Study the tests you are going to take. Take practice tests. Don't go into the testing center having never looked at your test before. You can buy books to help you study or you can look on the internet for SAT and ACT study resources.

The two most common tests are the SAT and the ACT. Both of these tests are widely accepted by colleges and universities and both allow you to have the scores sent directly to the colleges you are applying to, if you wish. If you want to know more about the differences between the these tests, look here.

There are ways to get college credit for some high school classes. If you've taken Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, consider taking the test that will give you credit. Not all colleges will give credit for courses taken before college, or only give you credit for a certain score.

SAT

The SAT Reasoning Test is the standardized test most commonly taken by high school students in Washington state. It is made up of three parts: critical reading, mathematics, and writing.

The tests all begin at 8:00 a.m., so arrive at least by 7:45 a.m. to get registered and settled before the test begins. Total testing time is 3 hours and 45 minutes. Each section is timed separately, so you will be there the entire time.

If you're concerned about the cost of the test, check the fee waiver description.

General information about the SAT can be found at the College Board website. More information:

• Look at this year's test schedule. If you live in Western Washington, you want to register very early to get a site near your home.
• Learn about your SAT scores and what they mean.
• SAT national average scores for 2007 seniors:

Critical reading:	502
Mathematics:	515
Writing:	494

• SAT scores of Washington colleges are on this page within this website.
• SAT frequently asked questions

PSAT/NMSQT

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test helps to prepare you to take the SAT. It is also the test used by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation to determine eligibility for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship awarded to high school seniors each year. To qualify for the National Merit Scholarship, you must take the SAT to confirm your score on the PSAT.

Your test results can also be submitted to the National Hispanic Recognition Program, the National Scholarship Service and The Telluride Association for additional scholarship opportunities. Here's more information on scholarships.

The PSAT also includes access to “My Road” an online tool help you identify potential careers, areas of strength and to connect you with online tools for career and college decision making.

Students take the PSAT in October of their junior year.

For more information visit the PSAT website.

ACT

The ACT is a test commonly used across the country. The ACT is made up of multiple parts: English, mathematics, reading, science, and an optional writing test. Students should check with the colleges to which they are applying to see if the Writing Test on the ACT is
required or not.

General information about the ACT

• If you're concerned about the cost of the test, check out the fee waiver description
• This year's test schedule
• Understanding your ACT scores
• ACT national average scores for 2006: half of the test takers score 20 or 21 in each section of the test
• ACT scores of Washington colleges
• ACT Frequently asked questions

ACT's PLAN

ACT has a 10th grade education and career planning process program called PLAN that includes a test to measure academic progress like SAT, helps students explore career and training options, and offers guidance for post-high school planning, including scholarship guidance based on the student's interests.

ACT's EXPLORE

ACT's 8th/9th grade education and career planning program helps
middle and junior high students transition to high school.
EXPLORE includes a test to measure academic progress in English,
math, reading, and science, helps students explore career and
training options, and offers guidance for post-high school
planning.

International Baccalaureate

Your high school may offer International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. These courses prepare you to take IB exams based on those courses. Students must complete a two-year curriculum to qualify to take the exams. Many colleges will give you course credit for qualifying IB test scores. For more information visit the International Baccalaureate website.

Advanced Placement

Your high school may offer Advanced Placement (AP) preparation courses. These courses prepare you to take the AP exams. Many colleges will give you course credit for qualifying AP test scores. You do not need to be enrolled in an AP course in order to take an AP test. For more information regarding the AP exams and the subject areas available, visit the College Board website.