Testing 1, 2, 3, Testing...

Here's a summary of standardized testing needed for high school students applying to college in the US, whose native language is English.

Most colleges require the SAT or ACT with writing.  The SAT is scored on a scale of 200 to 800 in three sections (critical reading, math, writing), so the range of scores is 600 to 2400.  The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36 in four areas (English, math, reading and science) plus an optional writing section is scored on a scale of 2  to 12.  The ACT sub-scores are figured into a composite score, ranging from 1 to 36.

The SAT is scaled so that the national average or mean score is around 500 in each area; the national average for the ACT is usually around a 21.

Colleges that require test scores will take either set of scores.  One is not better than the other though students will sometimes test higher on one that the other.  People who are experts about tests tend to describe the SAT as an aptitude test, one that predicts academic success at the undergraduate level, while those same people would describe the ACT as an achievement test, one that measures what a student has already learned.  If a school requires one or the other, and your child chooses the ACT, be sure he or she also signs up for the optional writing test; otherwise, the college may not accept the ACT score.

The SAT and ACT are offered on Saturday mornings, and they do not conflict with each other on the calendar.  It is important to register for the tests online early.  You can find exact dates on www.collegeboard.com and ww.act.org.  Usually extended-time testing takes place on the same dates at the same locations, but occasionally Sunday testing can be arranged.  If a test date falls on a holiday where you have a religious conflict, both test companies can arrange alternate test dates.  If a student misses a registration deadline, stand-by testing options often exist as well; details can be found on the testing websites.

Some colleges also require SAT Subject Tests, but the number of schools that requires them is getting smaller and smaller each year. Those schools are often among the list of highly competitive schools, and they use the data as another way to help them choose among already strong and qualified candidates.  The Subject Tests are one-hour long, multiple-choice tests on specific subjects such as chemistry, literature, or US history.  A student may take up to three tests in one day, but a student may not take both SAT and Subject Tests on the same day.  Most colleges only require two subject tests; Harvard and Georgetown require three--however, check a college's website for admissions requirements to be absolutely sure which tests and how many are expected.

A growing number of schools has moved away from requiring any tests at all, and you'll hear of colleges that describe themselves as "test optional."  That means that a student may choose to submit test scores or she may choose not to.  If she chooses not to, then usually extra weight is given to other indicators of academic success such as the student's GPA, individual summer research projects, or academic recommendations.  Sometimes a test score can help quite a bit; other times it just doesn't make a difference.  See your counselor for specific info about your own child's situation.

Most kids begin their standardized testing in the middle of their junior year and finish at the beginning of their senior  year.  Again, you own testing plan will depend on your child's needs and goals and schedule of outside events.  My general rule of thumb is to have a plan laid out by December of your child's 11th grade school year.  You can always change the plan, but it's easier to do when you've made some preliminary decisions already.

Best of luck!