What is the SAT, PSAT, MCAT and SAT 2?

Question

i don't get it. what are these tests for. are they mandatory to take? are they easy or hard?

Answer 1

The SAT (also called the SAT Reasoning Test, formerly SAT I) is a test administered by the College Board (www.collegeboard.com) that colleges use as a factor in undergraduate admissions.  Most colleges require either the SAT or the ACT (another undergraduate admissions exam) to apply, so if you're planning on going to college, you should heavily, heavily considering taking either the ACT or the SAT (or both, which I did).  

The PSAT is a test very similar to the SAT (the main difference between the two is that the PSAT is shorter than the SAT).  Some students use it for practice for the longer SAT.  The PSAT's main purpose is as a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's scholarship programs when it is taken in the fall of a student's junior year.  It is not mandatory, but it should be taken in the fall of junior year to qualify for scholarships (potentially) and earlier years if possible for practice.  

The MCAT is a test that is typically taken in a college student's junior or senior year (or both if needed) that is used for admission to medical school.  You don't need to take it if you're not going to medical school and if you're not in college.  

The SAT Subject Tests (formerly SAT II) are a collection of hour-long tests also administered by the College Board.  They are available in a variety of academic subjects.  Many colleges require that undergraduate applicants take one, two, or three of these tests to apply.  Some let you choose, some specify which ones they want.  Check colleges' websites for more information about which tests they require, or use the college search engine at www.collegeboard.com.  Some colleges do not require the SAT Subject Tests, and some of them use them for placement instead of admissions (particularly math).