If you’ve been following the news this week, you might be more confused than ever! Should you plan to take a standardized test for college admission? Is it necessary? Will it help you or hurt you? MIT just announced that they will once again require the SAT or ACT for students starting there in Fall of 2023 (1). This news comes only days after the California State University system permanently removed ACT/SAT scores from their admission criteria (2), following many other colleges and universities which also have decided to forgo required testing for the future(3).
You need to decide the best plan for your own situation. Research the colleges you are planning to apply to and see if they require testing. Consider how well you usually do at taking tests. Are test scores used in determining the scholarships and merit aid you are applying for? Many students benefit from taking one of these standardized tests “just in case.” Colleges don’t have access to your scores until you share them, so you can see what your score is and then decide if you want to use them as part of your application. You can also take these tests more than once to improve your score. There are many considerations, but if you are going to take an SAT or ACT exam, you’ll get the best results by making a plan to prepare for it… learn how it is set up and consider test preparation options. There are free online SAT practice tests at Khan Academy and many private test prep services like Gildersleeve Test Prep that focus on strategies to help you get the best score possible.
These are only a few of the things to consider about testing and Confident College Planning can help you evaluate your options and make the right plan of action for your circumstances. Contact me at nancy@confidentcollegeplanning.com to schedule a consultation where we’ll discuss the pros and cons, timing, preparation plan, and other inside information to optimize your college selection process!
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