In college, students hear a lot of terminology they’re unfamiliar with, particularly test acronyms. It’s tough to keep track of what all of them stand for! We’ve compiled a list of test acronyms you should know:

ACT

The American College Test (ACT) is a college entrance exam. It is usually taken during the junior or early senior year of high school. Most colleges take ACT or SAT scores into consideration when making admissions’ decisions.

AP

This acronym stands for Advanced Placement (AP) test. The exam is taken by high school students in an attempt to receive college credit while still in high school. AP Test takers usually take advanced placement classes in high school. Those that score well in one or more of the subject options (there are over thirty), are exempt from taking that class in college.

GMAT

The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is used to decide a student’s admittance status for business school.  Many students take the test during their senior year of college, but there are many others who wait several years after they graduate in order to get some work experience in the business field.

GRE

This is the acronym for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which is a less specific entrance exam for graduate school. The test is composed of three sections, the Quantitative Reasoning, the Verbal Reasoning, and the Analytical Writing.

LSAT

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a test taken by students applying to law school. It may be retaken, but unlike the GRE, it is only offered a few times per year. It is more so a measurement of the taker’s reasoning skills than his or her acquired knowledge.

MCAT

The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is a lengthy test that evaluates a student’s preparation for medical school. It focuses on both the thought process and acquired scientific knowledge.

SAT

This famous acronym stands for the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is a college entrance exam for high school students. Most students take this test during their junior or senior year. Most colleges require that students submit either an SAT or ACT score with their applications.

Test acronyms can get confusing! Keep track of what they all stand for and which ones you have to worry about remembering. We suggest printing and thumbtacking this list to your bulletin board to keep all test acronym definitions handy!

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