1. What standardized examinations are required for admission to U.S. colleges and universities?
The SAT-I or ACT is almost always required (although there are exceptions). The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required of students whose native language is not English, particularly if they have not studied very long using English as their school language.

2. Are these examinations available at ACS?
Students take the PSAT in October of Grades 10 and 11 in order to prepare for the SAT-I. For the PSAT, some preparation and mock sessions are given during homeroom. ACS handles the registration and pays the fees for the PSAT's.

Students in Grade 11 are encouraged to register for the SAT-I for the May session. They must complete an individual form, available through their homeroom adviser, but the school collects these forms and pays the fees. If they re-take the SAT-I, they are responsible for registration and payment.

The SAT-II is offered on the same dates as the SAT-I, but they both cannot be taken on the same day. Students need to find out whether any of their universities require the SAT-II and, if so, arrange their own registration and payment. The ACT is not offered at ACS, but students can get help in locating the nearest test center.

If students in Grade 10 are not continuing a certain subject the following year, they may wish to consider taking the relevant SAT-2 at the end of tenth grade.
The TOEFL is offered only off-campus and on computer, and students can book a place for the center of their choice at any time available.

3. How important are the SAT's?
Colleges and universities place great emphasis on a demanding academic program, grades, the teacher and school recommendations as well as extra-curricular qualities such as leadership and service. Conditions vary greatly from school to school and therefore SAT's are the only element which all applicants have in common. Therefore some campuses use them more than others.

Students should try to do the best they can, obviously, and some may wish to seek additional tutoring, practice or courses in order to try to improve their scores. Those with English as a second language should be sure to take the TOEFL, as that will be considered in combination with the Verbal score on the SAT-I.

U.S. colleges and universities report the range of SAT-I scores obtained by accepted students. They usually publish the range of the mid 50% of the scores (omitting the top 25% as well as the bottom 25%) This information can be very useful in compiling a list of campuses to consider.

Finally, students are urged not to worry or to become stressed if their scores don't meet their expectations, as other considerations are very important in the college admissions process and there are many, many fine institutions from which to choose.