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Summer Plans

The earlier your child starts looking for summer opportunities the better. Jobs, internships, and volunteering can help your child explore careers and gain valuable skills.

Expert Advice

"We're looking for a commitment to and a passion for an activity outside of the academic setting -- we're looking for depth rather than breadth."
Read about Extracurriculars.
Nanci Tessier, Admission Director

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?

The SAT

The SAT is the admissions test most widely used by the nation's colleges and universities. It is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. The SAT tests students' basic knowledge of subjects they have learned in the classroom—including reading, mathematics, and writing. In addition, it tests how students think, solve problems, and communicate.

The SAT tells students how well they use the skills and knowledge they have attained in and out of the classroom.

SAT Subject Tests™

Students can take SAT Subject Tests to show colleges their mastery of specific subjects, like English, history and social studies, math, science, and languages. The SAT Subject Tests give students an additional opportunity to distinguish themselves and showcase their skills in a particular subject area.

Colleges can use SAT 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.