• The two major college admissions tests are the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) developed for the College Board by Educational Testing Service, and the American College Testing Program Assessment (ACT). Students may want to take both examinations in order to increase their flexibility in applying to college. Some colleges will accept the score from either test; other colleges will require one or the other.
• Students should take the SAT or ACT test at least once in the junior year. Ask the school or the Education Specialist in your Urban League affiliate for information on fee waivers.
• The PSAT, or Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test, is often called the practice SAT. It is taken in the 10th & 11th grades. The PSAT gives an idea of how students are likely to perform on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). There is a PACT+ or a Preliminary American College Testing Program Assessment, as well.
• The PSAT serves two important functions in its own right. First, PSAT scores and grades are used to identify students who will receive National Negro Merit Scholarship and scholarships from the National Hispanic Scholars Awards Program. Second, they are used, along with other criteria, to qualify students who wish to be considered for appointment to military academies.
• Results of standardized tests such as the SAT can be obtained from the test developer. The answer sheets and booklets are available. Reviewing them will help determine your child's strengths and weakness.

SAT or ACT?

Perhaps you've heard the ACT is easier ... the SAT is harder ... the ACT isn't as important .... The generalizations are endless. So how can you help your children decide which test to take?

Stan Zatkowski, an admissions counselor at Boston College, offers this advice: "Many schools do not have a preference. The SAT assesses a student's potential to learn by testing math and verbal skills, and the ACT shows what a student has already learned in a variety of subjects. Schools take a student's day-to-day performance into account as well as his or her exam scores. Since most schools have no preference between the two tests, I'd suggest that the student take whatever test he or she is comfortable with. Take a couple practice tests and decide which one is right for you."

Top Ten Test-Day Tips

1. Be Equipped
On the night before the test you should gather everything you'll need: the admission ticket, a valid form of photo identification, several #2 pencils, a calculator with fresh batteries (for the SAT only), a watch, and a high-energy snack.

2. Don't Cram
You've worked hard. The best thing to do the evening before the test is to get a good night's sleep. You've covered the content and you've perfected the skills. Now it's time to get in test mode -- calm, rested, confident, and ready.

3. Dress in Layers
The climate in test centers can vary from sauna-like to frigid. Be prepared for both extremes and everything in-between. You need to be comfortable to do your best.

4. Arrive Early
You may want to scope out your test location before test day to ensure that you know where you're going. Getting to the test should be the least of your concerns.

5. Don't Spend too Much Time on One Question
Each question is worth the same number of points. If a question is confusing or too time-consuming, don't lose your cool. Instead, move on to greener pastures. You can come back to hard questions if you have time at the end of a section.

6. Don't Look for Unscored Questions/Sections
The experimental section on the SAT is well-camouflaged. Sometimes the ACT contains experimental questions that are scattered throughout the sections. Do your best on every question--that way, you're covered.

7. Keep Track of Where You Are in a Section
On the SAT, obvious answer choices early in a set may be correct. Obvious choices near the end of a set are often booby traps.

8. Guess Aggressively
If you don't know an answer, don't leave the question blank or guess randomly. Eliminate the choices you know are wrong, then make an educated guess from the remaining options. Remember, if you can eliminate even one answer choice then it pays to guess on the SAT.

9. Be Careful Filling in the Answer Grid
Make sure you're filling in answers next to the right numbers.