Resources
Preparing for standardized tests and completing applications can be an extremely overwhelming experience. So we have scoured the web for resources that can make your life easier.
Below are some helpful links that can provide you with the information you need about testing, financial aid, and admissions. Of course if you still have questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
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Standardized Tests:
Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE)
The ISEE consists of carefully constructed and standardized verbal and quantitative reasoning tests that measure a student’s capability for learning, and reading comprehension and mathematics achievement tests that provide specific information about an individual’s strengths and weaknesses in those areas. All levels include a timed essay written in response to an assigned topic. The essay is not scored, but a copy is forwarded to the recipient schools along with the Individual Student Report, which shows scaled scores, percentiles, and stanines.
Secondary School Admissions Test
The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is given nationally several times a year or students may make individual arrangements to take it on other dates. The test consists of two parts: a brief essay, and a multiple-choice aptitude test which measures your ability to solve mathematics problems, to use language, and to comprehend what you read. Scores depend only on the answers to the multiple choice questions, the results of the essay are sent to prospective schools to evaluate themselves.
The Preliminary SAT®/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
The Preliminary SAT®/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a co-sponsored program by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). It is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning TestTM. It also gives you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs. The PSAT/NMSQT measures critical reading skills, math problem solving, skills, and writing skills.
National Merit Scholarship Program
Established in 1955, National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. NMSC conducts the National Merit® Scholarship Program and the National Achievement® Scholarship Program-annual competitions for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships. NMSC’s goals have remained constant since its inception: to identify and honor academically talented U.S. high school students; to stimulate increased support for their education; and to provide efficient and effective scholarship program management for organizations that wish to sponsor college undergraduate scholarships.
The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program (AP) test allows high school students to take college-level courses and exams and earn college credit or advanced placement. Many colleges and universities in the United States and other countries have an AP policy granting incoming students credit, advanced placement, or both, on the basis of their AP Exam grades. Many of these institutions grant up to a full year of college credit (sophomore standing) to students who earn a sufficient number of qualifying AP grades.
The TOEFL® test measures your ability to communicate in English in colleges and universities. Accepted by 6,000+ institutions in more than 130 countries, it is the most widely accepted English-language test in the world.
The SAT Reasoning Test is the nation’s most widely used admissions test among colleges and universities. It tests students’ knowledge of subjects that are necessary for college success: reading, writing, and mathematics. The SAT assesses the critical thinking skills students need for academic success in college-skills that students learned in high school. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. It tells students how well they use the skills and knowledge they have attained in and outside of the classroom-including how they think, solve problems, and communicate. The SAT is an important resource for colleges. It’s also one of the best predictors of how well students will do in college.
Subject Tests (formerly SAT II: Subject Tests) measure your knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, and your ability to apply that knowledge. The SAT Subject Tests are the only national admissions tests that give you the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of content in specific subjects, such as English, history, mathematics, science, and various foreign languages. Many colleges use the Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection.
The ACT is a national college admissions examination that is designed to assess 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.
Graduate School Testing:
The GRE® is one of the primary exams for graduate school admissions in the US. The GRE® General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills that are not related to any specific field of study. The GRE® Subject Tests gauge undergraduate achievement in eight specific fields of study and can help forecast a candidate’s potential for success in graduate school.
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a half-day, standardized test administered four times each year at designated testing centers throughout the world. All American Bar Association-approved law schools, most Canadian law schools, and many other law schools require applicants to take the LSAT as part of their admission process. The LSAT is designed to measure skills that are considered essential for success in law school: the reading and comprehension of complex texts with accuracy and insight; the organization and management of information and the ability to draw reasonable inferences from it; the ability to think critically; and the analysis and evaluation of the reasoning and arguments of others. This site provides information on the test, test dates and locations, and preparation materials.
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess the examinee’s problem solving, critical thinking, writing skills, and knowledge of science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine. Scores are reported in Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, Writing Sample, and Biological Sciences. Medical colleges consider MCAT exam scores as part of their admission process. This site provides information on the test, test dates and locations, and preparation materials.
The Graduate Management Admissions test is used by business schools to evaluate applications for admissions to MBA Programs. It measures basic verbal, quantitative, and writing skills. This site provides information on the test, test dates and locations, and preparation materials.
Resources for Higher Education:
Educational Testing Service Network (ETS)
A non-profit company, ETS conducts assessment and policy research and develops assessments and related services to advance quality and equity in learning worldwide. Their work falls into five broad areas of expertise: research, assessment development, test administration, test scoring, and instructional products and services. The ETS website helps students and parents understand what is involved in standardized test taking.
The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the association is composed of more than 5,400 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves seven million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,500 colleges through major programs and services in college admissions, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its best-known programs are the SAT®, the PSAT/NMSQT®, and the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®).
Since 1918, ACE has provided leadership and a unified voice on key higher education issues. Through advocacy, research and innovative programs, ACE represents the interests of more than 1,800 campus executives, as well as the leaders of higher education – related associations and organizations. Together, ACE member institutions serve 80% of today’s college students. ACE speaks as higher education’s voice in matters of public policy in Washington, DC, and throughout the nation, and provides vital programs, information and a forum for dialogue on key issues.
Students.gov is a cooperative effort between federal agencies, students, and other parts of the education community, under the leadership of the U.S. Department of Education. It is an official U.S. government web site designed for college students and their families. Their mission is to provide easy access to information and resources from the U.S. government – all the info you need, in one place, from all parts of the government.
college.gov is being built by the U.S. Department of Education in collaboration with students. This site is intended to be the go-to source for information and resources about planning, preparing and paying for postsecondary education (such as 2- or 4-year colleges and universities, as well as vocational or career schools). Most importantly, college.gov is intended to provide inspiration and hope to all students, and encourage them to consider and pursue a postsecondary education.
The Common Application is a not-for-profit membership organization that, since its founding over 30 years ago, has been committed to providing reliable services that promote equity, access, and integrity in the college application process. We serve students, member institutions, and secondary schools by providing applications – online and in print – that students and school officials may submit to any of our nearly 350 members.
Financial Aid:
Federal:
Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, is the official student gateway to federal financial aid, including eligibility, application, repayment, and more self-service tools to prepare, choose, and apply for college
State:
New York Higher Education Service Corporation
Higher Education Services Corp, New York’s student loan guaranty agency, assists college students and families with scholarships, financial aid, Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grants, College Savings, Pell Grants, and federal student loans.
New York’s College Savings Program
New York’s College Savings Program can help you save for a college education and save on taxes. Take a look at their online calculators to see whether you are on track to cover future college expenses.
New Jersey Higher Education Financial Assistance
The New Jersey Higher Education Financial Assistance Authority provides students and their families with the financial and informational resources to help New Jersey students to pursue higher education.
Connecticut Financial Aid (Dept. of Higher Education)
Connecticut Financial Aid provides students and families information about the State and federal financial aid programs available to students in Connecticut, including grants, scholarships, and loans.
Athletics:
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a voluntary organization through which the nation’s colleges and universities govern their athletics programs. It is comprised of institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals committed to the best interests, education and athletics participation of student-athletes.