Jump to page content

College Board Tests

More Tools

Up Your Loan IQ

Visit the Loan Center for expert advice on education loan options, loan terms, repayment strategies, and more.

Expert Advice

"I usually look at each student as an individual in terms of academic standing, career aspirations, and qualifications. From there, we look at certain colleges together."
Read about the College Search
William Gould, Counselor, Nashua School Department

What Do the Tests Really Measure?

College Admission & Placement Tests

Your child has probably taken a standardized test or two already, and you've probably heard of SAT®, PSAT/NMSQT®, AP®, and CLEP®  Exams. But what do they really do for your child?

SAT Reasoning Test™

The SAT is a widely-used admission test. Many colleges accept either the SAT or ACT, but some require one or the other.

The SAT measures students' verbal reasoning, critical reading, and math problem-solving skills. It tells colleges how well students use the skills and knowledge they've learned so far, both in and out of school.

SAT Subject Tests™

Students can take Subject Tests to show colleges their mastery of specific subjects, like English, history and social studies, math, science, and language. Colleges can use Subject Test scores to:

  • Make admission decisions.
  • Help determine how well prepared students are for college programs.
  • Place students in freshman or higher level course work.
  • Advise students on course selection.

PSAT/NMSQT®

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is co-sponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). It offers your child:

  • Low-stakes practice for the SAT
  • An evaluation of your child's skills and comparison with other college-bound students
  • An opportunity to enter scholarship competitions
  • A chance to learn about colleges interested in students with a profile similar to your child

Advanced Placement Program® (AP®)

The AP Program gives students an opportunity to take college-level courses and exams while they're still in high school. With AP, your child may earn credit, advanced placement, or both, for college.

College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP®)

CLEP is the most widely accepted credit-by-examination program in the U.S. today. CLEP helps students of all ages earn college degrees faster by getting credit for what they already know. With a satisfactory score, your child can earn from 3 to 12 college credits toward a college degree for each CLEP exam, depending on the exam subject.