High school students and those interested in attending a higher education university take standardized tests called college admissions tests. Universities use test results to determine a student’s basic knowledge and predict their academic success in the future. The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the American College Testing (ACT) are the two most common types of college admissions tests in the United States. In other parts of the world, high school students take national exams, and many universities also have their own admissions exams.
A high school student will take either the ACT or the SAT, depending on the admission requirements for the university they wish to attend. The SAT is divided into ten timed sections that assess math, reading comprehension, and writing skills. Except for a section of the writing exam, which requires the student to complete an essay arguing a position in 25 minutes, each section consists of multiple-choice questions. This test is offered seven times a year and takes nearly four hours to complete. A score of 2400 is the highest possible.
The ACT exam is another type of college admissions test. The ACT includes sections on English, math, reading, and science, as well as an optional essay. An ACT exam lasts less than four hours and requires pre-registration for one of the six times it is given throughout the year. The ACT, unlike the SAT, does not factor incorrect answers into the overall score. An ACT score of 36 is the highest possible, and students can retake the test up to 12 times, sending only the highest score to the university or higher education institute of their choice.
In some parts of Asia, entrance exams differ depending on the country and, in some cases, the region. Before applying to higher education institutions in China, high school students will take the National College Entrance Examination, also known as Gao Kao. The National Center Test for University Admissions is taken by students in Japan. For acceptance to a university in South Korea, students must take the extremely competitive and difficult College Scholastic Ability test. In India, colleges and specific program admissions have their own set of standards and test results, and each province may have its own test for admission to state colleges.
National admissions tests are required for university admission in many European countries. University entrance exams are usually administered by universities in the United Kingdom, but some only require students to have completed their Advanced level (A-level) or Advanced Subsidiary (AS) qualifications. The Baccalaureat is required in France to obtain a diploma certifying that a student has completed their secondary education studies. In Germany, Estonia, and Finland, the Abitur is a final exam that grants students a certificate allowing them to enroll in higher education or apply for trade apprenticeships.