The ACT is a standardized test accepted by all universities and colleges that require an admissions test as part of their application process. The ACT consists of 4 multiple choice sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science as well as an optional writing section. The test is administered 7 times per year in February, April, June, July (except in CA and NY), September, October, and December.

The SAT is a standardized test used by most colleges and universities to assess students’ preparedness for college. The SAT consists of 4 sections: Reading, Writing, Math Non-Calculator, and Math Calculator as well as an optional essay. The Reading and Writing sections are multiple choice, while both math sections have multiple choice and grid-in questions. The test is administered 7 times per year in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December.

The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination) is an entrance exam utilized by many independent schools to assess a student’s academic qualifications. The test consists of a verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, mathematics achievement, and essay sections and is administered at 4 different levels based on student’s current grade.

The PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The PSAT is administered in mid-October of Junior year and is designed to help students prepare for the SAT while also serving to determine students’ eligibility for the National Merit program. The PSAT is an abbreviated SAT with 4 sections- Reading, Writing, Math Non-Calculator, and Math Calculator.

The SAT Subject Tests (SAT IIs) are 1 hour exams testing students’ knowledge of a specific academic area. There are 20 different SAT Subject Tests offered covering various topics across literature, math, science, and language. The SAT Subject Tests are not required by all universities and colleges, but some very selective universities or specific degree programs recommend or require applicants to take these tests for admission.

Advanced Placement (AP) classes are college-level classes offered at many high schools. College Board administers AP tests in May every year to test students’ comprehension and mastery of the course and students who score well on their AP exams receive college credit and can potentially pass out of introductory level courses depending on the university. AP classes strengthen students’ applications by showing admissions officers they are prepared for the rigors of college level courses.