A while ago I attended the Coalition for College’s online panel discussion regarding whether or not students should take standardized tests and submit their scores when applying to colleges. I shared some of the highlights on the College Prep Mom’s Twitter feed but I also want to share my notes here.
Testing Takeaways:
-Standardized tests play a different role now than in pre-pandemic times. Many colleges are still test-optional for the Class of 2023.
-Test-optional really DOES mean that tests will only be considered if they are submitted. (There are also “test blind” colleges that don’t consider applicants’ test scores at all during the admissions process.)
-Colleges are taking a more holistic approach to admissions. Academic transcripts, essays, recommendations and activities are looked at (with or without test scores) to create a bigger picture of whether or not a student is a great fit for a particular college.
-Students aren’t penalized for not submitting scores to test-optional schools so if the tests aren’t the best reflection of the student’s ability, consider not submitting them.
-Research your prospective school’s profile (which includes the median test scores of its accepted students) to help.
-Consider doing a series of tests. By starting in your JUNIOR year, you can see your strengths & areas where you need to improve before taking the test again.
-It is often recommended to take the SAT 2 – 3 times. (Scores tend to drop after the third time.)
-Give yourself time to take the tests in time to submit them with your application whether you are applying for early decision or regular decision.
-Many (not all) colleges accept superscores – taking the best individual score by section and adding them together regardless of the test date. (*We didn’t have that option back in my day – decades ago!)
-There is no disadvantage/students won’t be penalized for using superscores.
-When deciding whether to take the SAT or ACT, consider which one your high school offers test prep for.
-If you take both the SAT and ACT, you can submit both or the one with the highest overall scores. (You can google “SAT to ACT conversion chart” to compare scores.)
-For those who qualify, you can get up to 2 SAT fee waivers and 4 ACT fee waivers.
-Many test-optional colleges, still require international students to take English language proficiency tests.
These are my main standardized test takeaways. Derek Terrell of Coalition for College did a great job moderating the panel and the panelists (Grace Bradley, Holly Buttrey, Thomas Bear and Cris Perlongo) were all excellent.
You can watch the recording of the All About Testing event on the Coalition for College’s website.
Standardized Tests Registration Information
For those who do want to take the standardized tests, I am including testing information below. This information is primarily for juniors because relevant SAT and ACT* dates have already passed for seniors. However, the AP exams are relevant for both since they are administered in schools over two weeks in May.
-You can get testing dates, a FREE Test Prep Guide for the American College Test (ACT exam) and more on the ACT website.
-The College Board administers the PSAT and SAT. It is worth noting that the College Board discontinued SAT Subject Tests and optional essays in the United States back in 2021.
The College Board also administers the Advanced Placement (AP exams) that measure how well students have mastered the content and skills of specific AP courses. (Many colleges award college credits for high AP exam scores.)
*The registration deadline for the 12/10 ACT date has been extended through November 15th this year. (Late fees apply.)
Studying and Practicing for the Tests
If students decide to take standardized tests, many high schools offer free test prep programs. Khan Academy also offers free Official SAT online practice to all students.
Most importantly, be sure to check the testing policies of the colleges on your college list to be clear about their individual decisions on the testing topic.
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{Photo by Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhu on Unsplash}