What assessment tool is commonly used for college and career readiness?

The ACT or SAT standardized tests are commonly used as assessment tools for college and career readiness due to their widespread acceptance by colleges and universities across the United States. These tests measure a student's readiness for higher education by evaluating their skills in critical areas such as reading, writing, mathematics, and, in the case of the ACT, science reasoning.

Both the ACT and SAT are designed to provide colleges with a standardized measure of student performance, making it easier for institutions to compare applicants from different schools and backgrounds. Additionally, these tests often include components that help assess a student's potential for future success in both academic and career pursuits, aligning with the goals of college and career readiness initiatives.

Other assessments mentioned may serve specific purposes, such as the GRE and MCAT, which are designed for graduate school admissions, and the PSAT, which primarily serves as a practice test for the SAT and as a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. While all these assessments are important within their contexts, the ACT and SAT are specifically aimed at measuring college and career readiness for high school students planning to transition into post-secondary education.