Resources & Events

standardized testing

SAT REGISTRATION - COLLEGE BOARD

SAT/ACT: The vast majority of colleges and universities have waived standardized testing as a requirement, and have now adopted either a test optional or test blind admissions process. Our UC and CSU schools have committed to dropping these tests for any piece of the admissions process. The landscape for test-optional is shifting. We will keep families informed.

TIMELINE:

PSAT suggested the earliest Fall or Spring Sophomore year, but students can also take this in 11th grade

ACT/SAT suggested 11th grade spring/summer Fall 12th grade

RESOURCES for test preparation:

San Francisco Public Libraries offer free ACT/SAT test prep through Study Smart Tutors, Khan Academy is also FREE

A current list of colleges that continue to be test optional can be found here: fairtest.org

to test or not to test

What does test optional mean for students?

When a score is a strengthening representation of academic ability, it may be worthwhile to include. When this testing does not feel representative or beneficial, a student can choose to not submit a score, or not test at all.
Please know that when you do not submit a score, the implication is not that anything is missing, rather the college will do a qualitative analysis of the other application pieces, and weigh those a bit heavier. Every college has their own policy. READ the policy.
Should I submit my score? Some college websites will say that they have a "no harm" policy, meaning that if you submit a score that does not help your application, they will not use it in their application evaluation. There are times when a score can negatively impact the evaluation. Please talk with our counselors.

Colleges do look at GPA, coursework, extracurricular, volunteers and paid work, essays, sports, clubs, portfolios, among many other things, and this may more accurately paint a picture of what a student from RASOTA can add to a college campus.

finding the right fit

Begin your exploration of all these post-secondary options with a compassionate look at yourself: try to suspend societal pressure of 'best' college or career. Find a 'matching' resource that is easy to use and helps you identify colleges that align with your skillset, values, curiosity, and academic achievement.