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Standardized Test Information
Junior year is a busy time and often when the college search process kicks into high gear. As you consider steps to take, it’s important to know that the testing requirements and landscape have changed significantly as a result of Covid, continuing an overall shift away from testing requirements.
As a result of the pandemic, a majority of schools moved to test optional in their application requirements. While we expect many of these schools to remain test optional, it’s important to know that these requirements may change as time passes so pay attention to this as you explore schools in the spring. Overall, however, there is a shift to moving beyond testing and focusing on other aspects of a student’s application, so staying on top of grades remains the most important thing. Fairtest.org tracks the growing number of test optional schools.
Please read through, starting with the fundamental question below, and let me know if you have any questions.
Should you take the SAT/ACT? Ultimately there is no single answer to this question so you’ll need to do some reflection and some research (and read this blog post for great insight). For some students, test scores will strengthen their application and it makes sense (although you should also consider the ‘cost’ of taking the test, in terms of both money and time). For others, test scores won’t strengthen an application and it may not make sense. This also begs the question of whether you should submit your scores if you do ultimately decide to test. This advice from Akil Bello, an expert in the standardized test world and current Senior Director of Advocacy and Advancement at Fairtest, presents a balanced approach that addresses the real world nature of the question.
Does test optional really mean test optional? Will not having a test score hurt you? Hear from the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) to be assured that yes, really means test optional.
We are confident there will be many options available to students who do not take an ACT or SAT however you may decide that this is something to pursue. Some students feel that they test well and that a good score will be a positive addition to your applications. In addition, there are some rare schools that use test scores for scholarship applications. If you test, colleges have NO PREFERENCE on which test you submit so you get to decide which test is the right one for you.
Please note that fee waivers are available for eligible students so be sure to see me for details.
Which Test is Best?
The best way to determine which test is the better fit is to take a practice test of each. You’ll have direct experience and be able to compare scores to really inform your decision on which test to focus on. The PSAT and the PACT are offered through NHS in October and Community Ed typically offers a practice test in November, but if you’ve missed those opportunities and would still like to compare each test, there are still opportunities to do that.
Take a practice PSAT or SAT through Khan Academy (free)
Complete practice ACT questions to get a good sense of the test (free)
Summit Educational Group offers students the chance to take full length practice SAT and ACT tests throughout the year (free). This is a test prep service and they offer consultation and tutoring, however you are under no obligation to engage in tutoring if you sit for the practice tests. They partner with NHS to deliver our on-site practice ACT and we find them very professional.
Summit has created a document which compares the SAT and ACT to give you a general sense of how they differ. Take a look for a quick preview.
Some students opt to take both the real SAT and real ACT to feel them out.
Here’s an article that summarizes the factors to consider and steps to take as you decide
Preparing for Your Test
After you’ve done some work around choosing your test, I then recommend that you choose ONE test you want to focus on. Once you decide, just like any test, it’s important that you prepare for it. Here are some options:
Khan Academy offers free, personalized help to prepare you for the SATs
ACT offers a free ACT test guide as well as an array of other paid online options
Books - if you’re disciplined about your approach, self-study through Barron’s, Kaplan, CollegeBoard and many other books is a good option.
Needham Community Education offers a variety of different prep opportunities for the SAT. Most programs are 9-11 weeks and end just before a specific test date so be sure to plan ahead.
Private tutors/test prep centers. Ask your friends and neighbors for suggestions or search online. NHS does not endorse a particular company/person.
Taking the Test: When?
Whether you take the SAT or ACT, I typically recommend that you take the test two times; I’m happy to talk pros/cons of additional times with you individually. Be sure to have your 2nd test date long enough after your first so that you have time to analyze and work through the initial test results and then focus your attention on areas of weakness.
Most students take their first test in late spring (May or June test date) and often their second test in the early fall of senior year. Think about what schedule will work best for you and be sure to consider how busy you are at different times of year as you make your plan.
Check out Collegeboard.org and ACTstudents.org for a list of test dates and to register. NHS is a test site for the SAT in March, May & June; we are not a test site for the ACT but many nearby schools are sites.
Test Optional Schools
Colleges are increasingly recognizing that standardized tests may not be the best predictor of college success and that access to testing and resources is an issue. Covid accelerated this thinking so with that, each year more and more schools opt to become test-optional, meaning even if you take a standardized test, you are under no obligation to submit the score if it’s not helpful to your admission. Check out Fairtest.org for a list of schools that do not require test results.
If you have a 504/IEP Plan and want to request accommodations from either ACT or SAT, be sure to see your school counselor(504)/liason(IEP) at least 2 months prior to your preferred exam date. The review process through CollegeBoard/ACT can take up to seven weeks and both student and counselor need ample time to complete their respective roles.
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