College Entrance Exams

 

As you prepare for college, you will encounter several types of college entrance exams.  

The type of test you are required to take will depend on the school you attend. Most colleges and universities require the ACT or SAT, while military schools require the ASVAB.  If you have additional questions, contact your high school guidance counselor, or we at Harvesting Scholars are happy to help.  

 

What is test optional? Does test optional hurt your chances?

If a school is test-optional, that means you get to decide if you want to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you submit them, they'll be reviewed as part of your application, but if you don't, you won't be at any disadvantage compared to applicants who did submit test scores. Schools can't "unsee" a score.  In many instances, the score is used to determine scholarship merit awards.

 

What is the ASVAB?

The ASVAB is an aptitude test that helps to determine what jobs you will qualify for if you decide to join the military. It scores in four critical areas -- Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension and Mathematics Knowledge (see below) -- count towards your Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT) score. The AFQT score determines whether you're qualified to enlist in the U.S. military. Your scores in the other areas of the ASVAB will determine how qualified you are for certain military occupational specialties and Enlistment Bonuses. A high score will improve your chances of getting the specialty/job and signing bonus you want.

 

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