Standardized tests (e.g., SAT, ACT)

Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are designed to assess a student's knowledge and skills in areas such as reading, math, and writing through uniform exams taken under consistent conditions. These tests provide a common measure to compare students from different schools and regions, helping colleges evaluate applicants' readiness for higher education. They include multiple-choice questions, essays, and problem-solving tasks, with scores that universities consider alongside other factors like grades and extracurricular activities. While useful for comparison, they are one part of a broader assessment of a student's potential.