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Admission Testing: Making a Fair Comparison
Using standardized tests, such as the SAT® and SAT Subject Tests™, helps college admission officers fairly compare students who come from different regions, experiences and types of schools. That’s why test scores are often required as part of college applications.
The Admission Process
Standardized tests are just one way to measure a student’s academic preparedness for college, and they’re just one of the many tools colleges use in their admission process. Test scores supplement, but do not replace, other important information.
Your child's high school transcript is the most important part of your child’s college application. Most college admission officers consider your child's grades in rigorous courses the best predictors of academic success at the college level.
Standardized tests do not measure motivation, creativity or special talents, even though these qualities contribute to your child's success in college and throughout life. These factors are reflected in other materials your child submits as part of a college application.
Additional Uses of Admission Tests
Your child can also learn from results on admission tests. The SAT is the only admission test that offers Skills Insight™. This free tool helps students and their teachers understand what the exam tests and the skills that need improvement — so the student can move up to the next level.
Depending on the test, admission test scores can help students to:
- Compare themselves with the students at the colleges they're considering.
- Show what they have achieved and learned in their academic life.
- Assess strengths and weaknesses, to see what they should focus on.
