College Admission Tests: ACT, SAT & GRE

​Getting into college is often difficult. This is why scoring well on a college admission test is helpful. It can increase your chances of getting into your school of choice. They can lead to scholarships. Colleges can also use the information for course placement. Some well-known college admission tests are the ACT, SAT, and the GRE.

The ACT

Colleges widely use the ACT exam as a standard for admissions. People of all ages can take it. This includes students in grades 6-12 to high school graduates.

The ACT has four sections:

• English.
• Mathematics.
• Reading.
• Science.

If you are taking the Plus Writing version of the ACT, you will have to complete a 30-minute writing section as well.

The ACT website has resources for preparing for the ACT, test dates and deadlines, online registration, and more.

The SAT

This test is also widely used by colleges. High school juniors and seniors usually take the SAT. It measures skills and knowledge that students have gained in and out of the classroom. This includes how they:

• Think.
• Solve problems.
• Communicate.

Like the ACT, it is divided into sections, but it only has three:

• Math.
• Critical Reading.
• Writing.

Scores on each section range from 200-800, and are always multiples of 10. The SAT essay is scored 1-6, with 6 being the best.

The SAT also offers Subject Tests so that you can show colleges what you know and what you know you can do in a variety of subjects.

The SAT website has resources for preparing for the exam, test dates and deadlines, online registration, and more.

The GRE

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is a screening tool for graduate students. Most ​U.S. graduate and business schools require it for admission. The exam is offered via computer or paper. It is divided into three sections:

• Verbal.
• Quantitative (math).
• Analytical (logic).

Also, the GRE measures these skills:

• Verbal reasoning.
• Quantitative reasoning.
• Critical thinking.
• Analytical writing.

The GRE website has resources for preparing for the exam, test dates and deadlines, online registration, and more.​

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