To test, or not to test, That is the question

Until recently, it was relatively easy for applicants to take the SAT or ACT multiple times until reaching a desired score (or superscore). Admission officers know that many applicants this fall won’t be afforded the same opportunities and may have to take the SAT or ACT online under less than ideal conditions. For these reasons among others, another 130 US colleges have adopted test optional policies this spring with the entire University of California system and even an Ivy, Cornell University, jumping on board.

How should you proceed?

1. Research the test policies of all the colleges on your target list. There’s a good chance that a few colleges on your target list have gone test optional but make sure you understand their test policy. While test optional is permanent for some colleges, others are only going test optional for this fall and some are taking the middle ground by adopting a two- or three-year test optional pilot. If one of your target colleges has not waived its test requirements, then the decision has been made for you. But continue to follow their test policies this summer as they may make revisions based on the ability of the College Board and ACT to offer tests.

2. Do you think your high school transcript is a strong representation of your academic potential? Have you taken a rigorous course load with stellar results? Or, are you worried about a weakness on your transcript? A strong standardized test score can strengthen your application and help alleviate concerns about your academic performance.

3. Consider your school’s track record with colleges. Is your high school successful in its ability to send students to the colleges you want to attend? Or do you feel that your target colleges are less familiar with your high school? Again, a standardized test score can be very helpful as another data point for the Admissions Officer to assess your academic ability.

4. Are you a strong test taker? If so, we recommend that you try. If you do well, it’s another compelling data point for the admissions officer. And if you don’t do well, just don’t submit it to any of your test optional schools. Even before the pandemic, University of Chicago was one of the most notable colleges to adopt a test optional policy. Despite going test optional, 85-90% of applicants still submitted their test scores. While we expect this number to drop this year, students who took their tests early and have strong scores will continue to submit them.

Let’s assume you decide to take the SAT or ACT. What happens if you don’t get the score you want? Please don’t despair. For the past few weeks, we’ve been in meetings with top US college admissions officers and they have told us REPEATEDLY that they are empathetic to today’s applicants and will read applications (including scores) with context. Some are even open to delayed submission of test scores even after application deadlines.

My Elite Prep is here for you in your admissions journey from test prep for SAT, ACT, TOEFL, and IELTS to customized school targeting, activities development, essay development coaching, interview prep, and waitlist strategy.