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Know your tests

All about college entrance exams

They might not be your idea of fun, but college entrance exams are a fact of life. Here's the lowdown:

Most students take the PSAT or the ACT PLAN in their sophomore or junior year of high school. These tests are not used for admission to college, but may qualify students for scholarships. They also help prepare you for the ACT and SAT, which you'll take as a junior or senior.

The ACT is a 3-1/2-hour test divided into four sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so guess if you're stumped. A few states, including Illinois, require all high school students to take the ACT. So count on taking this one!

The SAT I is a three-hour test made up of two sections. The verbal section tests reading skills. The math section tests your ability to apply mathematical concepts and interpret data.

In addition to the SAT I, some colleges also require students to take subject tests called the SAT II. You can choose from 22 subjects, including writing, math, biology, physics, and several foreign languages. Each test lasts one hour, and you can take your SAT II subject tests the same day you take the SAT I.

Most colleges accept either SAT I or ACT, but check with each of your college choices to see if they have a preference.