Do the SAT and ACT Still Matter?

Standardized tests and their relevance have been debated heavily over the past two years, since the pandemic began. Colleges were forced to make admissions decisions without them in 2021 and 2022. If you have a junior, you’re probably wondering, “should they take the SAT or ACT?” For many students, the answer is yes – you should at least consider taking the tests. Whether or not the scores should be or will be submitted depends on various factors.

Test-optional policies allow you, your child, and your college counselor to decide if and how a standardized test can best support your child’s application. Scores can be withheld if they will not help. However, by not taking the test, students may preemptively eliminate an essential asset in their application. Test scores have the potential to show colleges that students are academically prepared and competitive at a more selective school. They can also help to earn a merit scholarship.

In today's video, we're going to discuss how relevant the SAT and ACT are the college admissions process. Click on the image below to watch. 

 
Let’s discuss:

Test-optional policies are not new. Many colleges were test-optional before COVID. Please go to fairtest.org to learn more.

What does test-optional really mean?
With test-optional policies on the rise, informed college applicants need to understand what test-optional is and isn’t. A test-optional policy does not mean that ACT and SAT scores are not considered as part of the admissions decision, only that they are not required to apply. In other words: test-optional does not mean test-blind. Test-blind schools do not accept or consider standardized test scores at all.

How will test-optional colleges look at my application if I do (or don’t) submit scores?
Hundreds of colleges and universities took a pledge through the National Association for College Admissions Counseling, stating that they would not penalize students who did not submit scores. I trust that, and so should you.

When should they start taking the tests?
Increasingly, I am recommending that students take a diagnostic ACT and SAT at the end of sophomore year (June) or at the beginning of the junior year (August).

What score should my kid aim for?
Your child needs to do the best they can. They need to prepare with a tutor. Yes, elite schools have score expectations, but please do not put pressure on your kid to get a certain score. With over 3,000 colleges and universities in the country, we will help them to find the right places to consider regardless of their score.

What should my 11th Grader do now?
I still want 11th graders to stay the course in regard to standardized testing prep. If your child still needs to register for a test, please do so soon and get a diagnostic evaluation from a test-prep company to decide if the ACT or SAT is best. If you have more questions as you start to plan, their tutors are exceptional and can help you to schedule a practice test and provide individualized guidance.

We have tremendous success working with students who choose not to submit or even take tests. Just know that it may affect their college list. Last October, during the Early Decision season, we had three students not submit test scores to their respective ED choices, and they got into NYU, Duke, and Tulane: great schools, great kids, and a win-win for both.

There are more than enough “top” colleges out there that do not need test scores. To help you and your child with this, we have two programs: College List Builder, where we build a college list for your child given a collection of responses we get from you and them, and we have our 60-minute Strategy Session when we can discuss your child’s GPA, activities and scores and give you advice on next steps.

If you’re looking for direction or clarity, contact our Strategic Admissions Advisor to learn more about our services, click here to schedule a free Discovery Call.