To get into college these days, you will need to take some formal standardized test just so you can be “equated” against your peers.  For most people, this will require taking either the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) or the ACT test (originally American College Testing).  As college admissions become more elaborate, students more frequently take other tests including the PSAT (Preliminary SAT), PLAN (“pre-ACT”), and SAT subject tests.

Although not directly used as an admissions factor, Advanced Placement courses and their corresponding exams are decent indicators of university-level success. The Advanced Placement program allows students in high school to study a subject comprehensively at an accelerated pace. The corresponding AP exam can grant a student college credits or advanced standing at the university they will attend.

SAT vs. ACT

Part One	Which test is best for my college of choice? Will taking either the SAT or ACT make a difference to the colleges I apply to? In most cases, the answer is no.
Part Two	Which test is easier? The ACT and the SAT are both easy :).
Part Three	Show me the money. The SAT and ACT may open different scholarship doors.