High school tests and their importance?

Hi, I'm a little bit stressed about all the testing coming up in high school (like APs, SATs, ACTs and more). Can anyone provide guidance with regard to which of these tests are the most significant for college admission? Thanks in advance!

Reading your concern, it seems that you are wondering about the relative importance of different types of tests in the college admissions process. Let me assure you that these tests, while significant, are just one of many factors that colleges look at. But to answer your question more specifically:

AP courses and the corresponding exams are important indicators of your course rigor - in other words, how challenging your high school classes are. To colleges, this is a very important factor. The grades you earn in those classes are generally more significant than your actual AP scores in the eyes of admissions officers, as they indicate your sustained performance and understanding of the subject matter.

The SAT or ACT, is a standardized test that provides colleges with a way to compare students across different schools and regions. It's considered in context with everything else in your application, and different schools put varying degrees of emphasis on these scores. A good score can complement your GPA and other elements of your academic profile, while a lower score might be balanced by other strengths in your application.

Further, as of 2024-2025, some schools have become test-optional (Stanford University and New York University, for example), meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Some schools, such as University of California schools and most California State universities, have adopted a test-blind policy, meaning SAT/ACT scores won't be considered at all in admissions.

As for high school finals or other school-based exams, these contribute to your overall GPA, which is another significant factor in college admissions. Again, keep in mind that course rigor is key.

Remember, though, that these tests are only one part of the whole. Many schools take a holistic approach to admissions, which means they consider other factors such as your extracurricular involvement, personal essays, teacher recommendations, and demonstrated interest in addition to your academic accomplishments and test scores. So do your best on these tests, but remember to keep a balance and devote attention to other aspects of your application as well.