As part of the admissions process, most colleges will ask you to report your scores on a college admissions test. Standardized college admissions tests give colleges a way to compare your skills and knowledge with those of students from across the city and the country. The tests also are a great way for you to check out your own ability to do college-level work.

The two main tests are the SAT and the ACT. In addition, both of the main tests have preliminary tests that many students use to help them prep for the real deal.

Here’s what you need to know about the SAT and ACT:

SAT

What is it? A national, standardized college admissions test that assesses the critical thinking skills and knowledge you’ll need for success in college-level work. It covers the following areas:

• Critical Reading — 70-minute test includes two 25-minute sections and one 20-minute section.
• Mathematics — 70-minute test includes two 25-minute sections and one 20-minute section.
• Writing — 60-minute test includes one 35-minute multiple-choice section and one 25-minute student-written essay.
• SAT Subject Tests — one-hour, multiple-choice tests in 20 subjects in five general subject areas: English, history, mathematics, science, and languages.

When do I take it? Most students take the SAT once in their junior year and once in their senior year.

When and where is it given? Seven times between October and June (see schedule). The test is administered at several local high schools, which vary depending on date.

How do I register? See your school counselor.

How much does it cost? $45 for the SAT. For the subject tests, add a $20 registration fee plus $9 for each subject test ($20 for language plus listening tests). Other fees and surcharges for late registration or extra services may apply.

What if I can't afford it? See your school counselor or college access provider to see if you are eligible for a waiver or other financial support.

Why take the test? The SAT is widely used by colleges as part of the applications process to help them assess how well students are likely to do in college.

Can I take it more than once? Yes. Many students take the test more than once to improve their scores.

How can I find out more? Visit the College Board Web site.

The ACT^®

What is it? The other major national, standardized test used by colleges and universities in their admissions process. It includes four multiple-choice tests plus an optional writing test:

• English — 45 minutes.
• Mathematics — 60 minutes.
• Reading — 35 minutes.
• Science — 35 minutes.
• Writing — optional, 30 minutes.

When do I take it? Students take the ACT at least once in their junior or senior years.

When and where is it given? Six times a year between September and June (see schedule). Locations vary depending on the date.

How do I register? See your school counselor.

How much does it cost? $31 for the ACT without writing; $46 for ACT plus writing.

What if I can't afford it? See your school counselor or college access provider to see if you are eligible for a waiver or other financial support.

Why take the test? It measures the skills you’ll need to do well in college. Taking the test as a junior can give you an idea what to work on so you’ll do well on the test as a senior.

Can I take it more than once? Yes. Many students take the test more than once to improve their scores.

How can I find out more? Visit the ACT Web site.