The ACT and SAT are standardized college admission tests that are used by colleges and universities to determine potential students’ abilities, college readiness, and knowledge base. These tests predict how well a student will do academically in college or university-level courses. The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) prepares students for the SAT and qualifies them for National Merit Scholarship competition. The Secondary School Admission Test is used by private secondary schools to determine potential students’ abilities, skills, strengths, and weaknesses. While most are familiar with the ACT and SAT, many are unaware of the other undergraduate tests that college and college-bound students may take.
Both the Accuplacer and the COMPASS tests help colleges and universities place a potential student in the correct level for that student’s abilities. Mostly community colleges and technical schools use the ASSET test to determine students’ strengths and the best programs for them to study. The Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP) is administered to college students to assess the knowledge they have gained in college. Colleges also use it to determine the effectiveness of their courses.
The College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) is a Florida test to determine eligibility for a two-year, associate’s degree. Success on the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests can help high school students earn college credit if their colleges accept the CLEP test scores. The CLEP assesses if students have college-level understanding of certain subjects. The Career Programs Assessment Test (CPAt) measures knowledge and skills for potential trade school students. The City University of New York (CUNY) school system has developed its own test, the CUNY Skills Assessment Program, which tests students’ academic potential and college readiness. Students can prepare for undergraduate tests by becoming familiar with the test’s content and format, which will help them perform well on test day and beyond.
Undergraduate Exam Directory