Here are descriptions of several common tests you may need to take for admittance to undergraduate programs at a college or university.

PSAT

Prior to taking the SAT, consider taking the Preliminary SAT (PSAT). The test material, format and allotted time are similar to the SAT.

The PSAT is offered in October. To be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship for your first year of college, you must take this test during your junior year in high school. Some students choose to take the PSAT as early as their sophomore year for practice, but those scores won't be considered for the scholarship.

SAT

The SAT is the most widely accepted exam used by colleges and universities to determine undergraduate admission. You'll need to take the SAT I prior to applying to colleges, allowing at least six to eight weeks for processing. Most students take this exam in the spring of their junior year of high school so they will have time to retake the test if they do poorly. To try for a better score, you may take the SAT I as many times as you like. Be aware, though, that schools can see your seven most recent scores, and you must take the test at least eight weeks prior to college application due dates.

Register online via the College Board Web site or through the mail by obtaining a Registration Bulletin at your school's counseling office. The bulletin will contain registration forms and a return envelope. The fee is $26 per test.

In addition to registration information, the SAT section of the College Board Web site offers useful tips on taking the SAT I. You can prepare by doing practice questions on the Number2.com Web site. You also should consider reviewing one of the numerous books and practice tests available in your school library and local bookstore.

ACT

The ACT Assessment exam is accepted in addition to or in lieu of the SAT by college admission departments. The ACT covers the same material as the SAT but also includes a section on science. If science is one of your strengths, it may be in your best interest to take the ACT as well as the SAT. Check with your prospective colleges to see if they use the ACT in evaluating undergraduate applications. The test is offered six times per year, and students typically take it during their junior or senior year in high school.

You can register online for a $25 fee or over the phone for $35. When to take this test depends on the application deadlines for your prospective colleges. Allow at least four to seven weeks for test scores to be processed. You may take this test as many times as you like, but there are requirements for the time that must pass between each attempt. Visit the ACT Web site for additional information.

You can review test preparation information on the ACT Web site and on the Number2.com Web site. Additional materials may be found at your school library or local bookstore.