This week, our university system announced that colleges and universities can move to a test optional application process. When the news went public, I was flooded with parent questions about this new change and what it would mean for their students. Sounding like a broken record, I would answer each email or phone call with the same comment, "Let me do some research and get back to you." Immediately, I began my search about test optional policies and how the policies would impact my students' college application. From my own investigation, I thought I would share this information with other high school counselors as they begin working with seniors and their parents who may have these same questions and concerns. Having a good knowledge base about the test optional application process will help ease a lot of anxiety that parents and students are facing as they decide whether or not to sit for the ACT or SAT this year.
Why Are Colleges Going Test Optional?
Due to Covid-19, many testing centers offering the SAT or ACT in the Spring closed and pushed their testing dates to the Fall. Unfortunately, with the Coronavirus still a threat to health and safety, many of those centers have decided not to open. With less available testing sites, students are now scrambling to find centers that are geographically close and may have to travel great distances to find an available site (one of my students had to go three hours away and stay in a hotel). Due to the outcry from many parents, students, and college admissions representatives, university systems around the country moved to a test optional application process.
What is Test Optional?
According to the College Board, test optional means a college or university will allow students to decide if they wish to submit their ACT and/or SAT scores as part of their application. If a student decides not to submit his or her score, they will not be penalized and it will not be considered in the application review. Instead, colleges will look more closely at other parts of the application including GPA, rigor of course, extracurricular activities, admission interviews, and college essays. Also, test optional does not mean test blind. Test blind is the policy of not looking at the ACT or SAT as a factor for admissions.
Should Your Students Take the ACT or SAT if they have an opportunity?
If possible, they should consider taking one or both tests. There are several advantages of taking either the ACT or SAT.
1. These policies are temporary and could change. Even though many testing centers may be closed, there are new sites constantly being opened and new testing dates added. In fact, on a webinar with College Board this week, College Board announced partnerships with organizations that are willing to host a test like businesses, convention centers, and hotels. To see what dates are added, refer your students to College Board or ACT.
2. Since colleges still consider test scores, it may benefit a student in the college admissions review to test, especially if they score well. Even if the score is not high enough for the college, if the score is high for the school or community, the student can stand out among his or her peers in the college application process.
3. Taking the ACT or SAT is more than just about college admissions, but there are other benefits associated with taking these test. One benefit is college scholarships as many scholarships require an ACT and/or SAT score to qualify. Also, in my home state, our lottery funded Zell Miller Scholarship still requires the ACT or SAT to qualify for 100% tuition.
4. Scoring well on the ACT or SAT can offset a low GPA. Colleges definitely see a high ACT or SAT as a strength for college success.
5. Applerouth advocates taking the test at least three times to see gains in your school. Of course, this comes with diligent preparation. Here is an example of a normal testing plan by Applerouth:
1. Choose a test. Either the SAT or ACT
Test Score Comparison Between the ACT and SAT
2. Practice, practice, practice!
3. Take a timed practice test.
4. Plan on three official tests.
Tips for School Counselors
So in short, if your parents and students ask the question, "Should I take the ACT or SAT?" Here are some quick tips.
1. The responsibility lies with the student and the parent. Don't allow parents to put the responsibility on you...this is a student led process. Give your students information about how they can contact their college admissions representative and/or suggest they attend a virtual college fair to speak to a college representative.
2. Put the onus on the student to contact their college admissions office for guidance. The student should ask if the college is test optional, test blind or test flexible. Test blind means that the school will not look at the score and test flexible means the student will need to take something else in place of the ACT or SAT, like the Accuplacer.
3. If the student is really struggling with this decision, ask him or her to write down the pros and cons of taking versus not taking the test. Chances are that the student will quickly be able to make an informed choice without your input.
4. If parents and students continue to ask you questions about taking the ACT or SAT and you still feel uncomfortable, educate yourself. One suggestion is to attend a webinar on the 2020 college application process.
5. Check out additional resources and provide them to your students and parents. The more you educate them, the more confidence they will have in making their own decision.
Resources: Test Optional College
Admission Testing Policy Updates
Test Optional Schools in the US
I hope this explanation of the test optional policy has helped you think about how to share this information with your families. Always reach out if you have comments, questions, or insight.
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