Do standardized tests in fact test anything? The jury is still out in many educators’ minds. However, the growing practices of grade inflation and grade-weighting* undermine the credibility of the high school GPA, so that often college admissions officials feel that standardized tests at least allow them to compare students’ academic potential on a level playing field.  Until we find a better way to certify academic achievement, it pays to understand the tests’ aims and uses, so that you can use them to your advantage.

PSAT

Widely thought to be a practice for the SAT, the PSAT actually focuses on a completely different set of skills.  Given in the fall of the Junior year, this test is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship.  Although the National Merit Scholarship itself is a small monetary value, it recognizes the top percentage of the top 1% of American students.  Colleges often try to attract this top-tier of students by plus-ing the scholarship with a full ride plus extras. So if academics are your strength this test is definitely worth taking.

SAT

This reasoning test is the most widely accepted exam for college entrance.  Generally it is taken in the fall of the Senior year, however, taking it for practice is recommended.

ACT

This is a another well-respected test for college entrance.  ACT focuses more on subject areas.  Since it tests achievement from a different vector, it is worth taking both SAT and ACT, to give the student maximum opportunity to demonstrate excellence.

SAT Subject Tests

Tests high school level achievement in specific subject areas.  These are offered only in a two-week window every May.  Each school determines which SAT subject exams it will offer.  It can be challenging to find a school that will be giving the test your student wants to take.  Research test centers well in advance.  Don’t wait until the Senior year to take these; take them the year your student completes the course.  Ivy League schools often ask homeschoolers to validate their transcripts by taking SAT subject exams.

AP (Advanced Placement)

These tests are designed to verify college-level achievement in high school.  They are subject specific, and are also only offered in a short window during the spring.  However, getting a terrific grade on an AP exam is no guarantee that college credit will be awarded. Each college has its own scale for awarding college credit or advanced standing based on AP exams. A good score on an AP exam may boost your chances for attracting scholarships.

CLEP

CLEP tests were developed to evaluate returning military personnel in order to award college credit for experience during active duty.  CLEP tests are subject specific. Colleges are required to award college credit to military personnel, but not to everyone.  Originally, CLEP tests were scored on a pass/fail basis, so that the only thing they could certify was that a student wouldn’t fail a given college course. Because of this scoring method, the exams didn’t command much respect.  Recently, CLEP has instituted a grading scale that allows colleges to correlate CLEP scores with A to F grades in a college course.  CLEP tests are available throughout the year.

*Grade-weighting is the practice of awarding more than 4 points for an A in an honors, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate class, so that it is possible for a student to have a GPA higher than 4.0.