Admissions Tests - Undergraduate

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If you apply to a four-year college or university, you will probably need to take the ACT or SAT. You'll then have to provide the school with your scores. If you apply to a school with open enrollment, you may not need ACT scores. Make sure you know test dates, times and locations. Talk to your guidance counselor about how to sign up for the test.

Link to undergraduate-level admissions tests described below:

ACT
PSAT/NMSQT—PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
SAT
TOEFL—Test of English as a Foreign Language

ACT

Formerly known as the American College Test, this test is one of the two major standardized college entrance tests taken in the United States today (the SAT is the other). It is more subject-oriented than the SAT .

Purpose	Serves as a common yardstick for college admissions Predicts first-year college academic performance
Length and Type	3 hour and 30 minute multiple-choice exam. Tests English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science skills. 30 minute optional Writing Test . Measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.
Samples	ACT Assessment Sample Test Questions
For More Information	The ACT Assessment

PSAT/NMSQT—PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

This standardized test is administered to sophomores and juniors in high school. Talk to your high school counselor about how to sign up for the test. Online registration is not available.

Purpose	To practice for the SAT Reasoning Test To enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (grade 11)
Measures	Critical reading skills Math problem-solving skills Writing skills
Samples	Preparing and Practice Questions
For More Information	About PSAT/NMSQT

SAT

Formerly known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, there are two SAT tests: the SAT Reasoning Test (formerly SAT I) and the SAT Subject Test (formerly SAT II).

The SAT is one of the two major standardized college entrance tests taken in the United States today (the ACT is the other one).

Note: Students that have a documented disability may be eligible for accommodations. Visit Services for Students with Disabilities for more information on eligibility requirements, guidelines for documentation, and test sites.

Purpose	The SAT Reasoning Test measures skills that students have developed over time and skills they need to be successful academically. SAT Subject Tests are designed to measure students' knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as their ability to apply that knowledge.
Length and Type	SAT Reasoning Test measures critical reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning skills. 3 hour and 45 minute test. Students will have 60 minutes for the new writing section, 70 minutes each for critical reading and math, and a 25-minute variable section. SAT Subject Tests measures mastery of specific subjects: english, history, mathematics, science, and language. All Subject Tests are one-hour, multiple-choice tests. However, some of these tests have unique formats.
Samples	Practice Questions
For More Information	About the SAT Reasoning Test

TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to use and understand English as it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings. The TOEFL test is offered in different formats depending on a test taker's location. Most people take the TOEFL test as a prerequisite for admission into colleges and universities where English is used or required. In addition, many government, licensing, and certification agencies and exchange and scholarship programs use TOEFL scores to evaluate the English proficiency of people for whom English is not their native language.

Samples	Practice Questions
For More Information	Go to Frequently Asked Questions

Source: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the University of Minnesota.
Page last updated in July 2008.