The following advice comes from Kim Haven of Club Z! Tutoring of Northborough
With many colleges and universities going test-optional either temporarily or permanently, parents are wondering if their student should still plan to take the SAT or ACT The short answer? Yes.
Why take the SAT/ACT even if it’s not required
There is no question that this pandemic is presenting new challenges for college admissions. Opportunities for students to participate in extra-curricular or volunteer activities are significantly reduced. GPAs will carry different weight as schools and teachers are taking varied approaches to measurement during remote learning. And opportunities for face-to-face meetings are extremely limited. In this type of environment, a decent or above average test score may be just the boost a student needs for acceptance or financial assistance at their dream school. Not only will the scores demonstrate that a student is capable of performing at an appropriate level, but it will also show that they did not take the easy way out.
Also, remember that these days, sending scores on to college or universities is completely optional. This means that students can take a look at the published test scores for their institutions of choice, and only send their scores if they fall within the right range.
Which test is right
Today, the SAT and ACT carry the same weight in the eyes of all higher ed institutions across the country. This means that each student has the opportunity to choose which test is right for them. While the general focus of the two tests are largely the same, there are some differences in content, approach and pacing. If you have a student who is willing, we strongly recommend that they try both tests at least once. This can mean an at-home practice test in an environment that simulates testing—or it can mean taking actual, official tests. By trying both options, the student will be able to compare percentiles, and to see which style of test they feel suits them better.
We do not recommend spending copious amounts of time or money studying or preparing for BOTH tests. This will run a student ragged. Instead, students should allow the first try to be a baseline. Then, once they have determined which test feels like a better fit, they can focus their efforts—whether it be independent practice, an online class, or private tutoring—on improving their scores for that test.
When to take the test
Students should plan to do the bulk of their testing in their Junior year. For those students who have completed Algebra 2, it is not a bad idea to get a test under their belt in the first half of the year—especially given the uncertainty of scheduling in 2020-21.
For students who are taking Algebra 2 as a Junior, it may be better to wait until the spring to test, when they have had most of the relevant subject matter instruction. Here is a recommended testing schedule:
Student who has completed Algebra 2 prior to junior year:
- 1st attempt – SAT: October, November, December; ACT: October, December
- 2nd attempt – SAT: March; ACT: February, April
- 3rd attempt (if needed) – SAT: May, June, August; ACT: June, July
Student who is taking Algebra 2 junior year:
- 1st attempt – SAT: March; ACT: February, April
- 2nd attempt – SAT: May, June; ACT: June, July
- 3rd attempt (if needed) – SAT: August, October; ACT: September, October
Some final advice
Some final advice for parents: Know your student. If the stress of two test options is too much for them to manage, that’s ok. If taking a test more than once is too much, then plan on just one and see how things play out. If your student’s test scores don’t match up with their dream college, then don’t submit them. And finally, if you need advice or help with test prep, don’t hesitate to reach out to Club Z Tutoring of Northborough.