SAT
Now digital and adaptive
A college admissions test with two sections, Reading and Writing, and Math. Scored out of 1600.
Who and when: Usually taken in grade 11 and again in grade 12. Runs about two hours on a computer.
US tests and exams
The tests US children take, explained for parents
From state tests in elementary school to the SAT and ACT for college, the acronyms can be baffling. Here is what each one is, who takes it and when, so you know what actually matters for your child.
Which tests matter depends on your state, your child's grade and the schools or colleges you are aiming for. Always check with your school and your state department of education for the current details and dates.
College admissions tests
The tests colleges look at when your child applies.
ACT
An alternative to the SAT
Covers English, Math, Reading and Science, with an optional Writing section. Colleges accept either the ACT or the SAT.
Who and when: Taken in grade 11 to 12. Choose whichever suits your child; many take a practice version of both first.
PSAT/NMSQT
The practice SAT
A shorter, lower-stakes version of the SAT that also qualifies high scorers for National Merit Scholarships.
Who and when: Taken in grade 10 or 11, usually at school in October.
Advanced coursework
College-level study while still in high school.
AP exams
Advanced Placement
College-level courses in a subject, with an exam scored 1 to 5 each May. A strong score can earn college credit.
Who and when: Grades 9 to 12, one exam per AP subject taken. Colleges like to see them on a transcript.
IB
International Baccalaureate
A rigorous international program and diploma offered by some US high schools, assessed across subjects plus core requirements.
Who and when: The full diploma is a two-year program in grades 11 to 12, where offered.
State assessments
Annual tests your state requires to check grade-level standards. These vary by state.
STAAR, Smarter Balanced, FAST and others
State standardized tests
Each state runs its own annual test of reading, math and sometimes science against its standards. The name depends on where you live.
Who and when: Most grades, usually in spring. They measure progress rather than affecting your child’s grades.
MAP Growth and i-Ready
District progress checks
Computer-adaptive tests many districts use two or three times a year to track growth and guide teaching.
Who and when: Elementary through middle school, at the district’s discretion.
Gifted, talented and magnet entry
Reasoning tests used to identify gifted students or select for magnet and selective programs.
CogAT
Cognitive Abilities Test
Measures verbal, quantitative and nonverbal reasoning to help identify students for gifted programs.
Who and when: Elementary and middle school, often arranged by the school or district.
NNAT and OLSAT
Naglieri and Otis-Lennon
Reasoning tests, the NNAT largely picture-based, used for gifted identification and some selective school entry.
Who and when: Kindergarten through middle school, depending on the program.
Private school entrance tests
Admissions tests for independent and parochial schools.
ISEE and SSAT
Independent school entrance
Admissions tests covering verbal and quantitative reasoning, reading and an essay, used by many private schools.
Who and when: From late elementary through high school entry, in the year before your child would start.
HSPT
High School Placement Test
A placement test used mainly by Catholic high schools, covering verbal, quantitative, reading, math and language.
Who and when: Grade 8, for entry into grade 9.
Preparing at home, without the stress
Build a bespoke practice session for any of these tests, matched to your child's grade and the exact test they are sitting. And when they need a tutor, we help you find a trusted one.