NEWSLETTER CONTENTS:
SAT vs. ACT
Last Testing Date for Seniors '22
How & Where To Submit Scores
Testing Anxiety & Accommodations
Understanding Test Optional policies?
How are scores submitted?
How to handle your high score and your "less than wonderful" scores in the Common Application/College Admissions 2021-22 season?
- AP CURRICULUM
- Should high students enroll in AP classes? Why? Which AP courses should students complete?
- What's the role of AP classes in undergraduate academic success?
- Are AP scores required on college applications?
- Are AP scores considered by admissions officers in reviewing your college application?
- When/where do I submit my AP scores ?
- Understanding how AP exams are scored & their role in earning College Credit?
- How to Prepare for your AP exams DURING The Year
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS and ALL THINGS "TESTING" ??
Greetings Students and Families!
It's hard to accept- but Labor Day is within sight- that means the end of summer break and the excitement of a new school year! Some students are already back at school. What goals have you set for yourself this year? How will your courses and extracurricular experiences provide opportunity to explore your interests and remain balanced and joyful?
For our Seniors '22-- the College Application clock is ticking more loudly. If you haven't yet started your college applications and essays or finalized your balanced college list-- -- all of these tasks should become a priority. Stress free and Strategic College Admissions Planning:
As you already know, standardized testing has been a part of the college admissions process for decades. But the past year there's been many changes to the "TESTING" horizon.
You may have already heard about "Test Optional" universities- that concept isn't new either- but the confusion surrounding the interpretation of that policy at the individual college level- and whether you need to test, send scores or how to organize that information on your college application may be unclear. I'll be discussing "Test Optional" policies and provide you with the necessary clarity about what tests are currently required and optional in college admissions.
Test optional means the student has the choice as to whether to include test scores for evaluation of their college application. This policy has been around for a while.
BUT FIRST....For Our Seniors '22
I want to begin with an answer to two pressing questions about the SAT/ACT I know are on the minds of many seniors and even juniors (thinking about this year as their year of "testing")
"What is the last scheduled fall SAT/ACT seniors can take to meet deadlines for submitting required scores as part of their CommonApp college applications?"
and
"Do I need to wait to submit my Common Application until after I take or submit my fall SAT/ACT exam scores?"
The answer to the first question depends on whether you're an Early Action/Early Decision or Regular Decision applicant. For regular decision applicants, you can comfortably sit for the December exams at most but not all colleges likely on your radar.
For EA/ED (Understanding ED/EA application policies is discussed fully in my September Newsletter), and many public universities, the October date is typically the last acceptable test date. That said, please check each college's website to review acceptable score report submissions.
Please read on and let me help you navigate and interpret specific university policies. The reality- if a college is "Test Optional" (close to 800 selective universities are on the Test Optional list- hang on -and read on....), you may be able to skip testing entirely.
For example, if you're applying to the University of Florida or Princeton, you can find information on the last accepted test dates for the 2021-22 Common Application cycle in highlighted links. If you're not into predicting score report arrival dates- Emory has a very informative chart to ease even the most college-admissions angst filled readers today.
*** Students can and should submit completed college applications even if you anticipate taking late fall exams.
Your college application is submitted separately from required external documents including your test scores, high school transcripts and teacher recommendations.
Your application isn't evaluated until all required components are received. That said, please submit your application as soon as your portions are complete regardless of whether you have taken all your exams and sent scores.
There's an actual bias against "later" applications. No prizes for submitting in August with the exception of "rolling admissions' -in which case you will hear rather quickly if you are one of the first applicants to submit. The prize is always feeling less pressured- the sooner you submit one college, things are set into motion- momentum momentum momentum.
UNDERSTANDING TEST OPTIONAL
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS POLICY
Test Optional policies have dramatically changed the college admissions horizon AND this impact has rippled through the role of AP exam scores in college admissions.
Test optional means the student has the choice as to whether to include test scores for evaluation of their college application.
The pandemic has shifted many policies and impacted many students' timeline for testing. So please, don't panic nor run out to hire a tutor to raise your scores just yet-as it's highly likely you don't need a score this admissions cycle for most universities you might be considering. The notable exception- the University of Florida public system has NEVER adopted a test optional approach and continues to emphasize test scores in admissions decisions.
SAT/ACT TEST OPTIONAL POLICIES !!!
THE BOTTOM LINE Don't Worry About Scores!
We can all agree that the College Admissions process is complex and your application will most certainly be evaluated on several comprehensive criteria. This was true pre-pandemic but the pandemic hastened the extension of test optional admissions from the 21 cycle to the '22 cycle.
During the first phase of the pandemic - most locations were on lock-down much of the spring leaving students -- especially then Rising Seniors '21--without any viable testing centers or dates. This resulted in hundreds of colleges DE-EMPHASIZING ACT/SAT Scores.
THE FAIRTEST List is a starting point- let's discuss how to understand actual TEST OPTIONAL POLICIES you'll find on a university website.
Typically, anything labelled as "optional" (including essays) isn't really an option- the omission of the score or an essay can potentially suggest "disinterest". That has all changed for the 2020-21 application cycle and now as we enter the 2021-22 cycle- we see even more change.
Let's look at three different variations of "test optional"
The University of Chicago has been Test Optional for years. You can find a link to their very wordy policy for 2021-22 here:
I'll highlight a few core words at UChicago:
We encourage students to take standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, and to share your scores with us if you think that they are reflective of your ability and potential. Given that many of our peers do require testing, we anticipate that the vast majority of students will continue to take tests and may still submit their test scores to UChicago.
Let's look at Columbia University- one of the last Ivy League schools to announce going Test Optional last year. Read here:
A few core words from Columbia:
If students have completed testing and can submit SAT or ACT results, we encourage them to do so as we believe this information can be a valuable addition in our review process.
In contrast-- and I hope you see the striking contrast-- comparing Cornell, Carnegie Mellon and Drexel's stated policy on Test Optional Reporting
We can't pre-define in absolute, comprehensive terms what economic or personal disruptions will look like. We don't plan to require any students to justify their reasons for not submitting test results.
Students who have taken a test, or even more than one test, but would still prefer not to submit those results, can make that choice.
????
So What Exactly Should A Senior DO
Do you report your scores???
Bottom line- you must evaluate your balanced college list and your overall holistic accomplishments both within and outside the classroom.
If all of the universities on your list are "Test Optional" yet the language is suggestive of score reporting- you should consider reporting your scores if these are sufficiently within the range of reported scores of previously admitted students for a specific university. Anything that could have been included in your application that is missing could be an unfavorable tipping factor. That said, if your score is too low- you are better off excluding the score especially if other key factors like your GPA/courses and extracurriculars are STELLAR. Before making a decision -- please have the conversation with someone with experience to help you evaluation your overall college application.
How do I report my scores?
Scores are reported in one of several ways:
Unofficially: Self-reports on the Common App
and/or these may appear on your high school transcript
Officially: Ordered at the College Board or ACT website directly by the student. Fees apply.
If you have a great score- submit it officially, list it on your Common App and retain that score on your high school transcript.
If your score is BELOW the reported 25th percentile of typically accepted applicants for the college of interest- don't report- you're better served without that score on your application and high school transcript.
Before I jump into the details (and there are many) on all other things testing - let's focus on some changes:
HIGHLIGHTS OF OTHER MAJOR TESTING CHANGES:
I remind everyone of ACT's postponement of their new ACT policy allowing students to sit once for a full exam and in subsequent exams retake only specifics section. The differences between the ACT and SAT are discussed in detail below . Again, this policy change rollout has been postponed.
The optional writing test of the SAT was eliminated in March 2021.
The SAT II Subject Tests were eliminated from the College Board options. While colleges will no longer list this as a required test-- seniors who took such exams earlier in their high school career should list these scores on their Common App if above 675.
I'm thrilled that Test Optional policies we experienced last application season are extended to Seniors '22 and truly hope this becomes the new normal in college admissions. I am happy to see those exams disappear- but I will miss the SATII Subject Tests because they gave students a sense of control - 1 hour - multiple choice and specific content. I'm sad to see it eliminated as an option.
Understanding
Testing & College Admissions Planning
Should I list my scores on the Common App?
Each situation is unique-- please speak with your GC or give me a call to discuss whether doing so will be a useful college application strategy or not. Our current seniors are facing an interesting opportunity as several hundred colleges are once again "test optional" this year -- whether that impacts current juniors and sophomores down the road- is anyone's guess.
Your Common Application has a section where you will list all test dates completed or to be taken. It is totally acceptable to leave that section blank -especially if you plan to sit for a later exam - November or December. This way, if your test scores exceed your expectations- the official score report can be sent to colleges. While if the score is sub-par no harm- no need to have listed this on your Common App. Also, many but not all high schools automatically include your scores on your official transcript.
*** Seniors - please don't forget to send required mid-year transcripts in January to all colleges.
While all scores can be reported- as a rule- you have to determine how these will help or harm your application before blindly reporting. SCORE CHOICE and SUPERSCORE are two important concepts I discuss separately below.
Similarly, just like test scores-- teacher recommendations and transcripts can and do arrive before or after your application and you don't need to worry about whether these supporting documents find their way into your application- if you are ready to submit your college application go for it! (I'll say more about the process for managing your application later in the fall).
SAT vs. ACT - Which is Preferred?
*** If a university requires an exam score as part of the college application process- either format is an acceptable one. The differences however are significant and student preferences should prevail.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT TESTING??
All families have many questions about testing
- What's the difference between the SAT and ACT?
- What's required for college applications?
- What does "Test Optional" mean exactly?
- When should a student prepare and test? How many times can you take the SAT/ACT?
- When and how to send scores? What's Score Choice and Super Score testing all about?
- What Scholarships are related to my test scores? Is there a minimum score for state plans such as the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship?
- Under what circumstances should we focus on subject tests and AP/IB/AICE exams over SAT/ACT scores in our college application?
- How does early college planning increase chances of college acceptance by integrating the high school curriculum with the timing and required admissions exams such as SAT subject tests?
- What the last acceptable test dates?
- Are AP Exams and Scores required on college applications?
I'll answer all these questions and we'll explore how testing is an essential part of forming your balanced list of colleges. Early academic planning can be invaluable to positioning each student to realize educational goals that are affordable.
SAT vs ACT:
Highlights of the Differences
If you're engaged in exam preparation with a tutor, it's really important that your coach understand and customize your review to focus on the content that you need the most help mastering. Broad based /off the rack testing is a waste of time and money. An assessment BEFORE jumping into your 4 to 8 weeks of review sessions will help define how that review with your tutor is best spent. If you are great at math - don't waste valuable time and money on this review- focus on your weaker test taking strategies- and vice versa.
If you're approved for testing accommodations (more on those at end of this comprehensive note), your tutor should be incorporating these into the review process. If you need recommendations for review books, online programs or local tutors, please give me a shout out to discuss your learning style, your budget and your test score goals to coordinate how and when you'll review for your SAT and ACT exams. One size tutoring does not fit everyone!
TYPES OF EXAMS:
1) Potentially, the SAT / ACT is a required element of your college applications. This VARIES across colleges. Either one is acceptable. I'll discuss format differences below. I like to tell students to think of these as broccoli and cauliflower. They are really the same and we all tend to favor one over the other - pick the one you like better or the one you dislike the least.
2) SAT II and AP exams
SAT II Subject Tests required at more selective colleges were discontinued . In lieu of the SAT/ACT exam scores at Test Flexible colleges these were an awesome options. Nearly all selective STEM programs required MathIIC plus a science. With the elimination of these exams-- many colleges welcome and encourage sharing of your AP / IB / AICE scores. These exams are NOT YET required- but are encouraged - if you have great scores share on the self report section of the Common App. Please don't worry-- if you are STEM student who bombed APUSH-- the sky won't close in on your MIT app - likewise if you're a Psychology major with a 2 on AP CHEM - no concerns either as long as there are some 4s and 5s to share in more directly related AP Exams.
What I liked about subject tests was the empowerment students felt to demonstrate their academic abilities in content based 1 hour multiple choice exams. Well-these exams were just eliminated. Colleges such as NYU and University of Chicago are just two selective universities that were "test flexible" - meaning students had their choice of which exams to submit in their Common Application. Many students who felt angst over the SAT and ACT seemed thrilled by the control in taking shorter 1-hour subject tests.
The College Board didn't make this choice in a vacuum- undoubtedly college admissions representatives looked at the predictive data and will adjust. I sincerely hope colleges and the Common App weren't blindsided. Several selective STEM universities required subject tests in MathIIC and a science -- a practice that goes back many years. My fear is that the AP exams will dominate - and that is not a welcome scenario where students are already overextending themselves.
I'm wary that eliminating the Subject tests will be to further push students to take an ever increasing number of AP exams and this will become the new standard for selective universities and college admission.
3) AP/AICE/IB exam scores are NOT required in college applications -- not yet at least- but they are welcomed, particularly by test flexible colleges. . These scores may be substituted for SAT/ACT exam scores at Test Flexible colleges. An example is NYU. These scores are self-reported on the Common App - there is NO need to send any official AP scores to every college you've applied to. The only time you pay to send AP scores is when you graduate high school -- sending the scores to the one college you'll be joining as they review credit and course placement.
The AP/AICE/IB scores are content specific and truly cause a ton less angst for students because students feel more prepared given the coursework they complete in their HS curriculum.
SAT VS ACT – WHAT EXAMS ARE REQUIRED FOR MY COLLEGE APPLICATION?
There is no blanket one-size-fit-all-colleges answer! That said, it's probable that most of your colleges will require at least one of the categories noted..
To determine which exams are required at a particular college, you’ll have to navigate into the “Application Requirements” link which is sometimes a challenge to find somewhere within the admissions tab of a college’s website.
An easy way to locate this information is to Google: “<Name of University> standardized testing requirements undergraduate admissions”/
*** Creatives: (Film, Photography, Art, Musician + ) Standardized tests are often NOT a required element of your college application or overlooked. In contrast- your portfolio of work is an essential element that takes on a significant weight in evaluating your application. I like to inform my creatives not to worry about earning a "500" or "25" on math- it just has little impact. (You do need to have a strong language arts score)
Your GC or private college counselor should work closely with your SAT/ACT tutor to coordinate your exam dates creating a testing schedule that leaves you ready and prepared for all your required exams. TIMING IS EVERYTHING!
Which format: ACT OR SAT?
All colleges will accept either test format. Students are encouraged to explore both exams and take a practice test at home under test conditions. If you’re working with a test preparation service/tutor, you should expect an assessment of testing formats with customized test preparation based on YOUR STUDENT’s needs.
At the end of this newsletter , you'll find a detailed description of what is included on both the SAT and ACT format.
TIP: READ READ READ READ Essential to doing well on either the SAT or ACT
Read for fun and to increase your depth as an individual. If your reading level as a senior is at the same level as it was when you began high school- you let yourself down and missed an opportunity.
As a college advisor with thirty years of experience as a Professor, I continue to encourage students throughout middle and high school to read read and read—beyond assigned work. Exploring the logical flow, sentence structure, and choice of vocabulary across a wide range of published fiction and non-fiction work, even including popular periodicals –can develop the ease of language that is being tested in this section of the exam.
Reading is also part of the process of discovery and allows young adults to engage more effectively and thing outside-the-box with confidence in a variety of professional, academic and personal settings.
The SAT’s Writing section aims to measure student’s abilities in:
1) English conventions,
2) analysis in history and science,
3) expression of ideas,
4) words in context, and
5) command of evidence.
These are the fundamental concepts essential to preparing written pieces that convey a clear point effectively.
JUNIORS – CLASS OF 2023 – PSAT
As I predicted in many of my spring and summer newsletters and blogs- the pandemic shifted the opportunities for juniors last year for the traditional October Junior year PSAT-- there were two dates October or January. Who knows how the Delta variant will impact students as we return to in-person learning - this is a huge unknown in August.
You cannot retake the PSAT - it's one time only.
Don't worry- because the PSAT isn’t something to be terribly concerned about because this exam serves very little purpose beyond qualifying an exceedingly small number of high performing students as National Merit Finalists. Please don’t fret about this exam.
Did you know that the ACT has a "junior" version of their exam called the PLAN and the PLAN is an acceptable qualifying exam for the NMQ scholarship. Sadly, and oddly- many high schools don't offer the PLAN.
The PSAT score isn’t reported in your college applications. However, if you are an 8th to 11th grade student, the PSAT is often and acceptable standardized test to submit for any competitive collegiate summer programs.
Those applications are due November to February. If you need guidance for recommendations that will help you discover or deepen an academic interest, or increase your chances of college admissions acceptance, please reach out for a conversation. I typically send out a detailed note in January about the role of these programs in the college admissions process. I customize my recommendations for students based on interests and opportunities and family budget.
