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What is the role of standardized testing?
A college application reflects student interests and achievements given opportunities available in a particular school and community.
Standardized testing provide a ‘standard’ measure of student ability or achievement regardless of the particular school and community opportunities available to each student.
Testing is just one part of a college application. When testing is optional, all the other parts of your application can shine more brightly.
Are standardized tests required? Or are they truly optional?
In college admissions, the term "standardized test" refers to either the ACT or SAT. Colleges that accept standardized tests do not prefer one over the other - they accept both equally.
For the vast majority of colleges, standardized tests are not a required part of their application. This is a long-standing practice that simply expanded during the pandemic. Schools that do not require tests have different terms for how tests may or may not be used in the application process:
Test Free - these schools do not consider test scores at all when evaluating applications (i.e., University of California system).
Test-Optional - these schools allow students to choose whether or not to submit test scores. Many schools that went test-optional on a temporary basis when the pandemic began have made their policies permanent (Columbia University, University of Chicago, Pomona College, Amherst College, Colby College, Rice University, Colorado College, University of Michigan, Skidmore College, Macalester College, Bryn Mawr College, etc.).
There are schools that do require test scores as part of their application - some schools required scores throughout the pandemic and some have returned to their pre-pandemic test requirement policies. For these schools, it is important to pay attention to how each school wants students to provide these scores. See the "How do I send my test scores to colleges?" dropdown below for more details.
To determine which schools require, or do not require, standardized tests, please visit individual college websites to understand their policies. A list of test optional schools can also be found at Compass Prep - College Testing Policies.
Understand the ACT versus SAT
Learn about the 11 Key Differences Between ACT and SAT to help you pick the right test.
Compare ACT and SAT Scores with official concordance tables.
Additional expert advice from Compass Prep
When do I take tests?
Most college admission processes remain "test optional," reflecting pandemic conditions that limited access to test centers -- as well as a rapidly changing culture and practice in US college admissions around the use of the ACT and SAT. When testing is optional, the student has a choice about whether to include it with applications. To explore that option, most students will opt to practice the test formats in sophomore spring, then try at least one officially in junior year.
Sophomores have practice test options in spring semester; Juniors take the PSAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in October.
Practice tests may help a student identify one test on which to focus, however, many juniors take both the ACT and SAT one time, then determine a test to retake in late spring of junior year or senior fall.
Students choose the official ACT/SAT test dates that work best for their schedule. Students also choose a test center location, which may be at SPA or another school (perhaps closer to home).
We host the following official test dates:
Juniors - December SAT
Juniors - April ACT
Seniors - August SAT
Seniors - September ACT
How to register for the ACT or SAT
The first time a student registers for the ACT or SAT, it will take about 30-40 minutes. Students should answer all the background questions asked during the first registration. We do not recommend taking the optional Writing Section; very few colleges require it. To register, students will need:
A digital photo to upload - you can copy your student ID photo from Veracross
A credit card to pay the registration fee
SPA's School Code - 242315 (identifies the school you attend).
Students should consult test company websites for test dates and registration deadlines (5-6 weeks ahead of the scheduled test date). Here are full step-by-step instructions for online test registration.
When and how should I prepare?
Students who spend time preparing for college admission testing head into the test with greater confidence and earning stronger scores. The goal is to become familiar with the format and basic strategy for the test, rather than trying to learn new content.
Should I try both ACT and SAT?
See links to Understand ACT versus SAT
Practice test results may help students decide to focus on either the ACT or the SAT.
Many will try both tests during junior year and then choose the one they prefer.
All colleges that will consider testing accept ACT or SAT, with no preference.
Practice tests help students assess their starting point on standardized tests.
Sophomores may take the Pre-ACT and/or Practice PSAT to try each format, without prep.
Juniors may take the National PSAT in mid-October (school day) which is also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
There is no one-size-fits-all method for test prep. Many students start with self-study with a book or website; others prefer the structure of a formal course. Individual tutoring can target specific topics or test sections especially between a first test and retaking a test.
Timing is important: preparation is most effective when completed during the 6-8 weeks leading up to the test date, not months in advance. Let your practice tests inform your testing plan, making decisions step-by-step.
Self Study
Use the printed test prep books published by: ACT (also section specific books) or ACT Academy
Khan Academy for PSAT/SAT or resources provided by College Board for the SAT
Digital P/SAT practice resources may be found HERE (from College Board)
Test Innovators - online test prep platform for self-directed study. Starts with free/one practice test access, then several levels of access for more practice. Students may take the practice tests online or on paper (e.g. digital for an SAT or printed out/paper for the ACT test since the ACT is still given on paper)
$149 gives access to 4 full-length practice tests, 600 practice questions, Online platform with interactive diagnostics, Tutoring consultation, 12-month access.
Classes (most companies offer tutoring as well)
SPA offers two in-person prep classes to create an option that fits within the school schedule. The P/SAT class meet Wednesday mornings, 7:30-8:30 am in Schilling classroom. Classes start PROMPTLY at 7:30 am – class will not pause or review material already covered for late arrivals. Questions? Call/text Erin: 651-357-8059 or satisfactiontutoringmn@gmail.com. The schedule for the ACT class is TBD.
DATES
P/SAT class: September 10 to October 8. The PSAT test option is October 15.
ACT class: February 25 to April 8, with no classes over Spring Break. The ACT test option is April 11.
COST: Each class costs $350.
Families in the financial aid program may qualify for assistance. Please contact Anne Marso in Enrollment to inquire.
Payments for classes will be processed through SPA student accounts.
REGISTER: A Google Form will be sent out in the fall to register for the PSAT class. Class will close at 20 students.
Flying Colors Test Prep (local) - Centers in St. Paul, Edina and other suburbs, Flying Colors offers in-person and online prep for college admission testing plus academic tutoring. Offers many different times, locations, and generally flexible options for prep classes or tutoring.
ACT prep course for $645-695 for 12 hours of instruction
Revolution Prep - features online prep for college admission tests and extensive academic tutoring.
ACT prep course for 12 hours of instruction/$499, or 24 hours/$799, or 36-hour s/$1099
Kaplan Test Prep - one of the original prep companies, still offering wide ranging online options and some in person options. Search their website.
ACT prep course $549 for 16 hours of live instruction
Compass Prep - online prep for college admission tests, academic subject tutoring and AP exam prep. Compass partners with many independent schools to provide practice tests (e.g. SPAs sophomore practice PSAT).
ACT prep course $895 for 20 hours of live instruction over 8 or 5 weeks ( once or twice a week)
Local Tutors
Erin Block satisfactiontutoringmn@gmail.com
Aleida Connel a.lennoc@yahoo.com
Sheila Kitzman sheilakitzman@yahoo.com
How do I send my test scores to colleges?
If you choose to include test scores in an application, many colleges allow you to self-report those scores on your application. This saves you the step of ordering an official score report, however, at the end of the school year you must send an official score report to the college that you are enrolled if you self-reported scores on that application.
If the college requires test scores, this document will tell you all about OFFICIAL score reports (versus self-reporting on your application).
Understanding AP Exams; Register; Prepare
AP exams are an option for students in upper level courses who have a keen interest, ability and enthusiasm for the subject with consistent strong achievement and test-taking skills in the related SPA course. Students must also be willing to pursue independent study to understand the scope/structure of the exam in advance, and to study concepts or materials specific to the exam other than what is taught in the SPA course. Please review the following documents:
View THESE TEN SLIDES for overall advice
College policies about earning credit or advanced placement for an exam score vary widely. Search by college HERE.
Accommodations for Standardized Testing
Students with Learning Plan accommodations for testing should contact Steve Van Driest at svandriest@spa.edu to begin the accommodations request process for AP, SAT or ACT testing.
Learning Plan documentation at SPA does not guarantee accommodations approval for standardized testing conducted by outside agencies. Additional documentation may be required for approval.
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