Entrance Test

Most students who take the ENTRANCE TEST twice improve their score, but you don’t need to take it more than twice to get the best possible score. If you feel you didn't do your best, you can strengthen your skills with personalized suggestions from Official ENTRANCE TEST Practice based on your test results and then take the test a second time. Taking it spring of junior year gives you that flexibility and can help you start on your college list and visits.

There are many colleges with later admission policies or rolling admission that accept ENTRANCE TEST scores. Call or email a college's admission office if you aren't sure whether the college will accept your scores.

Many colleges admit students with a wide range of test scores. But if you don’t take a college admission test, you may limit your college choices, as most colleges require test scores and accept either test. Your scores are just one of many factors, including your grades, choice of classes, personal essay, letters of recommendation, and other elements of your application.

Taking the ENTRANCE TEST will keep your options open if you decide to apply to other colleges. Also, some community colleges use admission test scores to figure out which courses students need to start with. That includes allowing qualified students to skip certain required courses as they begin college. The test scores colleges show on their websites are just averages or ranges—not cutoffs. There are students at every college who scored lower than the scores shown.

High test scores won't automatically get you in any college. For example, you may have high scores, but your school record shows that you haven't worked hard in your classes. Colleges want well-rounded students who have shown good character, motivation and accomplishments, both inside and outside the classroom.

Both the ENTRANCE TEST and the ACT allow you to send scores to colleges you choose. And if you've taken either of these tests more than once, in many cases, you can choose to share only your best scores. Visit a college's official website to check its score-use policy, or use College Search to find colleges' ENTRANCE TEST score-use policies.

You may be eligible for a fee waiver if you can't afford to pay for the ENTRANCE TEST. A fee waiver covers the cost of taking the test and sending scores. If you receive a test fee waiver, you may also be able to apply to colleges for free. Ask your school counselor how to get fee waivers.

Most four-year colleges consider applicants’ scores on college admission tests when deciding whom to accept. Test scores are just one part of your college application. College admission officers give the most weight and importance to your high school grades and whether you’re challenging yourself.

What Are College Admission Tests?

You may know college admission tests by name — the ENTRANCE TEST, ENTRANCE TEST Subject Tests and the ACT. These tests, also called college entrance exams, are designed to measure students’ skills and help colleges evaluate how ready students are for college-level work.

How Do Colleges Use Test Scores?

Admission tests apply a common standard to everyone. This helps colleges evaluate and compare the preparation of students who go to different high schools. All schools do not offer the same academic programs, learning environments or even expectations. Colleges look at your test scores, along with your high school grades and courses, to see how well prepared you are for college-level work.

What Else Do Colleges Consider?

College admission officers try to get a complete picture of who you are, what you’ll bring to their campus and how you might do on their campus. They look at many parts of your application besides your test scores, such as your:

•        High school grades

•        High school courses

•        Extracurricular activities

•        Recommendation letters

•        Application essays

In fact, these other elements — especially your grades and the classes you've taken — are usually the most important factors, even more important than your test scores. Colleges want to see if you’ve challenged yourself and built a strong academic foundation.

How Important Are Scores to Colleges?

The importance of test scores in the admission process varies from college to college and depends on an institution’s admission approach and policies. Each college has its own policy. Some colleges, including more-selective colleges, may place a high level of importance on test scores — within the context of the other parts of your application. Other colleges, including many community colleges, may not require a test or use your scores at all. If you have questions about how a particular college uses test scores, check its admission website or contact the admission office.

Admission test scores are just one factor colleges consider, along with grades and classes. While most four-year colleges require tests, the emphasis on the test scores varies by college. In addition, most two-year colleges—including community colleges—open-enrollment colleges and specialty schools don't require tests.

The best way to prepare for the ENTRANCE TEST is, and always will be, free. Official ENTRANCE TEST Practice on Khan Academy® gives you access to a personalized study plan, thousands of interactive questions, video lessons, full-length practice, tests, and more.