Your child will be taking many tests in high school as part of the standard program of studies. Along with grades and an application for admission, four-year colleges and universities generally require students to submit scores for one of two college entrance exams: the SAT® or ACT®. These tests measure how your child compares to other students around the country. They can also help your child to be eligible for a university scholarship and help to pay for his education.

Here are the important tests you and your child should know about:

• SAT
  Consists of a math assessment test, a critical reading assessment, and a writing section. The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, measures reading, math problem-solving, and writing skills, and gives your child practice for taking the SAT exam.

• ACT, the American College Testing Program
  Consists of four multiple-choice tests in English, math, reading, and science, with an optional writing essay. The PLAN, or Pre-ACT exam, measures academic progress in high school and gives practice for taking the ACT exam.

Your child must sign up online to take these exams at an outside testing location.

Some colleges specify which exam students must take, but many will accept scores from either exam. To practice for the SAT or ACT exams, your child can take the PSAT or PLAN in the sophomore year or beginning of the junior year. It is also a good idea to begin studying with a SAT® or ACT® preparation guide at least a month before the exam date. The exams can be taken more than once, so encourage your child to take them early in the junior year.

Parent Action Item:

Because these tests can be very stressful, your child will need your support and patience as she prepares for them.

• Try to meet with your child's high school counselor in the sophomore year to learn which exams are required by the colleges you want to apply to, and where and when they are given. If your child is enrolled in the fee/reduced-price lunch program, she qualifies to receive waivers that allow her to take some of these exams for free.

Learn more about college entrance exams at www.collegeboard.com.