College Application Series - Part 11: STANDARDIZED TESTING
(and what the heck does “test optional” actually mean?)
By Karen Treon
Many rising seniors have started exploring SAT and ACT testing, and might even have a test or two under their belts. If your student hasn’t started yet - don’t worry! It’s not too late. We suggest taking it one step at a time to keep this as low stress and efficient as possible. Some tips follow:
Start by reviewing our blog post on standardized testing for juniors – this will help your student get up to speed and start mapping out a strategy.
For students who are just starting this process, the first step is to take a practice ACT and a practice SAT to determine which test best suits them. Students can arrange to take practice tests through ACT, the College Board, or Khan Academy, to name a few. We are particularly fond of the expertise and resources over at Revolution Prep for this process. (Note: if your student took the PSAT and the in-school ACT their junior year, they probably already have the data they need to compare tests.)
Students should sign up in the summer for a test date in late summer or early fall if they plan to submit their test scores . . . .
And speaking of submitting test scores . . . let’s talk about how to figure that out. The majority of colleges in the US are “test optional” – which means that it is up to the applicant to decide whether or not to submit test scores. These schools do not require test scores. Other schools are “test free” (sometimes called “test blind”), or “test required,” or “test preferred.” It is possible to figure out what this all means, and a few tips follow below:
This is a rapidly evolving area - many schools make updates and changes to their test policies on a yearly basis. Students and families should be relying on current information only – the experience of an older sibling or friend a few years ago is likely irrelevant.
Most colleges are pretty clear about their test score policies on their admissions webpages, and most admissions officers are happy to talk about it in more detail with students if students have questions. Admissions officers are the best sources for college-specific guidance.
If students are applying to six colleges, they will need to make six different decisions regarding test score submission. Every school is different.
For up to date information on test score policies, visit College Transitions. They do a good job keeping up to date on this issue and their website gives good step by step guidance on how to make these decisions.
Testing can be stressful. A realistic, strategic, and efficient testing plan combined with an understanding of test optional policies can significantly reduce this stress for seniors.
P.S. on Testing Accommodations: If your student has a 504, IEPs or other accommodations through their high school that allow for testing modifications, they are likely to qualify for accommodations through the College Board (for the SAT) or the ACT. The school accommodations will NOT be applied automatically. To discuss accommodations (such as extra time or a small testing group), parents should contact their student’s high school counselor or administrator in charge of testing to initiate the application process. The processes for the SAT and ACT are separate. We suggest starting this several months before testing occurs.
