Taking and submitting SAT/ACT scores was once a given in the college admission process. Since Covid however, the landscape has changed dramatically and caused much confusion about whether or not to submit scores. The landscape remains fluid as many schools are determining on a year to year basis whether or not to require scores.
Test Required – students must submit either SAT or ACT scores to be admitted to the university or to certain departments of the university. Ex. The University of Texas now requires students to submit test scores.
Test Blind – The school will not consider the test score even if submitted therefore, scores should not be submitted to these schools. Ex. University of California system schools
Test Optional – Students do not have to submit their test scores and the school will only use the test score if it is deemed helpful to the student. This is often where the confusion lies… What is deemed helpful to the student?
Take a look at each school’s Common Data Set website (ex. Google “Baylor University Common Data Set”) and scroll down to the part that shows the prior year’s admitted student’s SAT/ACT submissions. If your score is at least in the middle 50% (above the 25%) mark, it may be helpful to submit your scores. If your score is in the lower 25% range, it may be best to not submit.
If your score complements your GPA, send it. If your score is lower than your GPA reflects that it should be, don’t send it.
Do not let the published SAT/ACT ranges for a school dissuade you from applying to test-optional schools you feel you are a good fit for. Test score ranges are inflated because they only reflect the students that submitted scores (often a low percentage of admitted students), not the class as a whole. Trust the holistic process and work to put your best self forward on all aspects of the application.
Do colleges prefer one test over the other? No, you may submit either the SAT or the ACT. One may be more common in certain areas of the country due to marketing, but colleges view them the same. Students should take a practice test for each to determine which style suits them best and move forward with that test. Each test has changed recently to an online version with fewer questions and less reading. The ACT has an optional science portion.
Many students chalk low test scores up to test taking anxiety. This is a legitimate issue that can hinder quality test taking. As with most things in life, preparation is key and the more you can prepare for the test(s), the lower your anxiety will be as familiarity breeds contentment. Practice may not produce perfection, but the quality and quantity of your practice will determine your readiness. When you feel like you are ready, you will not be as anxious.
The timeline below can be used with a test-prep program or independent prep with a study guide.
SAT/ACT Test Prep Timeline
Adapted from Jay Rosner’s (w/ The Princeton Review) interview with Mark Stucker @ YourCollegeBoundKid – episode #475 (starts at the 34 min. mark)
5-6 weeks of test prep
Visual – test prep books are 1.5+ in. thick – takes time to prepare, not like a regular test
Adjust time if you are already scoring really high in one area
1.5 hours per day (give or take 30 min.)
You need to allow enough time to get deep in the material to learn
This is a physical & emotional test – you have to prepare adequately to have the stamina to perform well on the test date.
This test is a performance – practice, practice, practice is key.
Speed is important – getting the most correct answers in a limited amount of time. Unlike school tests where you may have additional time to finish a test.
5-6 days per week
But, don’t skip two days in a row
Must have regular exposure to the material, much like an athlete in training
Use time effectively
Quantity & Quality are both required!
No distractions – no phone, no snacks, quiet space, just like on test day
Step 1: Take a practice test
Take prior to 6 weeks prep time frame
Much of math will come from 9th & 10th grade math – a practice test will show you where you need to focus your math review (could be a two week add-on before 5-6 week prep begins)
Even most high level students will be a little rusty on Algebra 1 & Geometry concepts
Step 2: 6-3 weeks before test