Testing

The role of standardized tests, like the SAT and ACT, have had many changes since the pandemic. There have been many issues with access, dates being cancelled, as well as the ability to safely test. As a response, 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. Additionally, most other schools have also announced that the test will not be a requirement, and a current list that continues to update can be found at fairtest.org. 

What does this mean for students? The perspective of AWHS Counselors & the College & Career Specialist is that it is a wonderful change, truly empowering the student to choose to submit a score or not submit. 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. This might include your GPA, coursework, extracurriculars, volunteer and paid work, essays, sports, clubs, portfolios, among many other things, and this may more accurately paint a picture of what a student from Archie Williams can add to a college campus.

If a student decides to take an official ACT or SAT, it is their responsibility to register for the exam. With so few local sites offering these exams, families need to plan early and research test dates, locations, and registration deadlines. It is our hope that students do not travel too far or incur a large expense in order to take an exam outside the Bay Area.  

Starting in March of 2024, the SAT is now digital. Here is more information about the SAT Device Requirements: satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/device-requirements 

While the shifting test policy landscape now gives students greater discretion over important testing decisions, some questions may persist regarding the value of scores and who may benefit most from taking these exams. With that in mind, we were pleased to once again host our Annual College Admission Testing Night on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. Here is a link to the recording from that presentation: www.compassprep.com/schools/tamalpais-union-district/ 

We also work with Compass Education Group to offer mock ACT and mock SAT exams. From the College & Career Center home page, click on the Events link to find the mock test dates and registration deadlines.

Each year Compass puts out a Guide to College Admission Testing. Here is the 2023-34 edition.