Where to Find College Entrance Exam Practice Tests for Free

If you're preparing for college entrance exams, we understand you don't want to spend a fortune. That's where Varsity Tutors come in! We offer free and affordable practice tests for various college exams, including the DSAT, ACT, and more. Whether you're looking to boost your score or simply familiarize yourself with the test format, we're here to help you succeed without breaking the bank.

Remember, it's never too early—or too late—to take a free practice test before your official exam. Even one test could increase your composite score, making all the difference for your future. Let's dive into how you can start with our free scholastic assessment test and prep materials!

The Two Most Common College Entrance Exams

American college tests for high school students typically include the digital Scholastic Assessment Test (DSAT) and the American College Test (ACT), the most widely accepted standardized exams for college admission.

Keep in mind that many schools switched to a test-optional policy after the COVID-19 pandemic. While these exams may not always be required, they can still help boost your application. However, some prestigious universities—like Harvard, Dartmouth, and Yale—have reinstated the digital SAT score or ACT as a requirement for incoming high school students.

You may have heard of the preliminary SAT (PSAT) , also known as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). It is essentially a shorter version of the DSAT. The PSAT can earn you scholarship money but does not fulfill testing requirements for colleges and universities.

What College Admissions Test Should You Take?

For seniors in college, you might be thinking about graduate school admissions, where exams like the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), LSAT (Law School Admission Test), and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are needed.

If you're beginning to study for an advanced degree, perhaps for a business school, Varsity Tutors has free learning resources to sway admissions decisions in your favor. Taking practice tests for any subject area allows students to integrate their practice information into real-time success on test day.

Depending on your academic path, other standardized test scores may also be necessary. If you're a high school student who has excelled in Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, consider including those scores in your undergraduate application. And if you plan on taking these exams in the future, Varsity Tutors offers valuable resources to help you prepare.

Colleges and universities may require additional entrance exam tests from college-bound students, including:

Classic Learning Test (CLT)‍

The CLT is a modern alternative to the DSAT and ACT, emphasizing classical education principles. It assesses skills in verbal reasoning, grammar and writing, and quantitative reasoning. This test is mainly accepted by liberal arts and faith-based institutions, offering a distinct path for students who want to showcase their academic strengths in these areas.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL was created for international students to evaluate their proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English. It's for non-native English speakers to demonstrate their ability to thrive in an English-speaking academic setting.

Should I Take the ACT or DSAT if it's Only Optional?

The College Board, whose aim is to expand access to higher education, breaks down how some schools are "test blind" with college entrance exams, meaning scholastic aptitude tests are not considered for admission. Other colleges and universities classify as "test flexible," where you may be able to submit your local high school AP scores for the reading test, science test, language test, and math test, for example, to meet subject test requirements.

Even if you're not applying to an Ivy League school, reviewing the entrance exam requirements for your target colleges and universities is still a good idea. Unless a school states explicitly that they do not accept these traditional tests, it's usually a good idea to take them.

As you decipher what colleges require and what universities require, don't forget that using practice tests is one of the best ways to help you perform at your best! Speak to your school counselor to better understand how most students are getting accepted into their dream schools.

Top Resources for Entrance Exam Test Prep

If you're on a budget, don't worry because there are plenty of platforms offering free practice tests for all kinds of subjects and exams:

Varsity Tutors offers over 150,000 free college entrance exam practice tests and questions across 200+ subjects, including SAT, ACT, AP, GMAT, LSAT, GRE, and more. Each practice test comes with incredibly detailed scoring results and tools to track your progress.

Khan Academy

In partnership with the College Board, Khan Academy offers free SAT practice tests. It's great for targeted practice and provides resources for other subjects and exams.

ACT.org‍

The official ACT site offers free, downloadable practice tests and study guides. It's a reliable resource for accurate ACT prep with full-length exams and sample questions.

College Board‍

As the SAT's official provider, College Board offers free practice exams and sample questions, giving you a direct look at the exam format.

Quizlet‍

Known for flashcards, Quizlet also features user-generated practice tests for SAT, ACT, and other subjects. It's a flexible, on-the-go tool for quick test prep and concept review.

How Do Colleges and Universities Use Entrance Exams?

Your college entrance exam scores play a significant role, particularly at competitive schools. However, admissions decisions are made based on factors beyond test scores, such as grades, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. Here's why:

1. Academic Benchmarking

For many schools, test scores are a benchmark for assessing academic abilities. A high score on the DSAT or ACT can show that you're ready for the educational challenges of college, demonstrating reading comprehension, reasoning, and mathematical skills.

2. Strengthening Your College Application

Strong test scores can help your application stand out if you're applying to a test-optional school. Even if a school doesn't require them, submitting your scores may show that you're well-prepared in any given subject area for college-level work and increase your chances of acceptance.

How Important Are College Admission Test Scores?

3. Scholarships and Financial Aid

Many colleges offer merit-based scholarships based on your scores and academic performance. Higher scores can open up additional scholarship opportunities, which can help reduce the overall cost of your education. Some schools also use exam scores to determine eligibility for financial aid packages, so excelling on these exams may lead to more assistance.

4. Gaining Admission to Rigorous College Programs

Specialized programs, like those in business, engineering, and other competitive fields, may have higher score requirements. In these cases, your college entrance exam scores are critical.

5. Test Scores Aren't Everything

Your test scores don't define your entire college application! Admissions offices also consider your high school GPA or undergraduate GPA scores, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. If your test scores aren't as strong, other application elements might help compensate for it, especially if they highlight your strengths.

Why You Should Take College Entrance Exam Practice Tests

One of the best ways to improve your test scores is by regularly taking practice exams. Practice tests help you:

• Familiarize yourself with the test format and question types.
• Identify areas where you need more focus, such as improving upon the four sections of the DSAT or the science section on the ACT.
• Simulate actual test conditions, reducing anxiety and helping you stay calm on test day.

The more you practice, the more confident and prepared you'll feel on test day. Remember, practice is key to improving your scores! Students who study using Varsity Tutors' free resources and free college entrance exam practice tests have a unique opportunity to improve their scores. Why would you leave the correct answer to a subject test unsolved?

Taking practice exams helps improve your overall test performance, leading to higher composite scores. By consistently integrating the knowledge gained from practice tests into your study routine, you'll build a stronger foundation for success.

Over time, this practice makes you more confident and better prepared to tackle challenging areas like math, science, or even the optional writing section that you may have been avoiding.Consider practice admissions tests as a valuable tool for data analysis. After practicing each standardized test, review the missed questions and identify the areas where you need improvement.

For example, if your reading comprehension is solid, shift your focus to strengthening your language skills or refining your math abilities. This targeted approach will help you tackle each section with greater confidence, ensuring you're well-prepared for every challenge on test day.

‍Tips on Getting the Most Out of Your Practice Tests

‍Essential strategies to help you get the most out of your practice tests:

‍Take Practice Tests Under Timed Conditions

• Simulate the real test day by setting time limits for your practice exams. Timed test conditions get you used to the pressure of the actual admission test. So, if four sections are in a full-length test, take each section within the allowed time limit.

Key Requirements and Test Formats

• If you plan on taking two or more tests, like the CLT or the TOEFL, know what your test might include, like multiple choice questions or preliminary requirements before testing.

‍Review Practice Test Mistakes Thoroughly

• After each practice test, carefully review the questions you got wrong. Understanding why you made a mistake will help you avoid it on the official exam.

Track Your Progress

• Keep a record of your scores from each practice test. Aim to improve your composite score gradually as you get closer to test day.

Build a Successful College Entrance Exam Study Plan

It's important to remember that preparing for a college entrance exam doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right resources, a structured study plan, and consistent practice, you can confidently approach college entrance exams. Whether you're aiming for a high score to get into a competitive school or simply want to meet the requirements of your desired college, practice is crucial.

The ACT and the digital SAT are usually taken during your senior year of high school, so it's important to start preparing during your junior year if possible. Take advantage of Varsity Tutors' free and affordable DSAT and SAT practice tests to get a head start.

To have a successful study plan, break your study sessions into shorter intervals over time. This method not only helps you retain information longer but also prevents burnout. If you can commit to practice each week leading up to your test, you'll find that your recall improves and your confidence soars. The goal is gradually building your skills without overwhelming yourself in the final weeks before test day.

Set realistic goals

Setting realistic goals for your test scores is essential to staying motivated. Take a practice test to gauge your starting point, and set incremental goals for improvement. For example, if you're currently scoring a 1200 on the SAT, set a goal to increase your score by 50 points over the next few weeks. Small victories along the way can build confidence and keep you focused on your ultimate goal.

Free Practice Tests and Study Resources from Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors provides an extensive library of practice tests and study resources designed to help you succeed. With a solid study plan and access to helpful materials, you'll walk into test day feeling confident, focused, and ready to perform at your best.

Every student's path is unique, but with the right preparation, you'll be well on your way to reaching your goals. Varsity Tutors provides a wealth of free resources, alongside affordable tutoring options, to help you prepare for official college entrance exams.

Not sure which test is the best fit for you? No problem! Varsity Tutors are here to guide you. Whether you need personalized test prep or advice on which test aligns with your strengths and college aspirations, we provide customized solutions to help you succeed.

‍Contact us today and take the first step toward achieving your college goals!