The SAT® Reasoning Test is a globally recognized college admissions test that allows students to show colleges what they know and how well they can apply that knowledge. It tests students' knowledge of reading, writing and math - subjects that are taught every day in high school classrooms. Most students take the SAT® during their junior or senior year of high school, and almost all colleges and universities use the SAT® to make admissions decisions. DoDEA administers the SAT®, but parents pay for their students.

The ACT® test assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay. DoDEA administers the ACT®, but parents pay for their students.

The Preliminary SAT®/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) is a program cosponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). It is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT®. It also gives students a chance to enter NMSC scholarship programs and gain access to college and career planning tools. DoDEA purchases and administers PSAT/NMSQT® to all 10th and 11th grade students and to all 8th and 9th grade AVID students.

The PSAT/NMSQT® measures:

• Critical reading skills
• Math problem-solving skills
• Writing skills