Test Optional: Does that mean I can skip taking the SAT or ACT?

Nope.  While it may be easier to apply, it is NOT easier to get in – at all.

Let’s break down this topic into some manageable chunks.

• What does a “test optional” policy mean?  It means that schools don’t require test scores for a complete application.  This is in contrast to a “test blind” application policy such as that used by the University of California system and California State University system. These schools will specifically not consider your test scores even if you send them. 

During the pandemic, most colleges announced a change in their application policies for the class of 2021 to a test optional policy because most students had no access to testing opportunities.  Many colleges extended that policy to the class of 2022. However, the University of Tennessee system, Auburn, MIT, and Georgetown have announced that future classes will need to submit scores with their applications, and many other colleges (in Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee in particular) have already returned to (or never stopped) requiring scores so be prepared for more colleges to follow suit.  You can check the policy of the colleges you’re interested in here.

• What happens when a college goes test optional?  Colleges experience at least two changes when they go test optional: average test scores rise and admission rates decrease.  Average test scores rise because students who are lower-scoring do not report their scores, so the overall average rises for the incoming class.  Admission rates fall because students (incorrectly) perceive that it is easier to be accepted and more students apply while the number admitted stays the same. 

These effects were seen again during the 2022 application cycle.  The most selective colleges in the U.S. saw enormous (sometimes even double!) increases in applications from pre-pandemic levels. 

Both of these changes benefit the college, NOT the student.  In some cases, students also benefit from these policies, although that isn’t clear overall.  While test optional does create a new avenue for students who truly struggle with standardized testing; schools clearly value test scores as a validation of grades and transcripts. 

Grade inflation is real. According to the College Board, over 60% of college applicants in the class of 2021 obtained a 4.0 or better. According to ACT, Inc., grade point averages have risen over the last several years while ACT scores have fallen slightly.

According to the GPA data on over 18,000 college freshmen taken from the “American Freshman Survey,” an annual survey done by the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA since 1966 (with 2 years missing due to the pandemic), a whopping 80.6% of entering college freshmen report an A average GPA in high school!

Bottom line: while it may be easier to apply, it is not easier to be admitted – at all.  

• Should I send my test score?  Briefly, if your scores are additive to your application, you should send them.  If you’re not sure whether your scores are additive, you should probably still send them. Because of the increase in average test scores over the last couple of years, when comparing your score to a prospective university’s range, be sure to look at their ranges pre-pandemic.

According to data from the most recent admissions cycle, students applying with test scores were admitted up to 2.7 times as frequently as students who applied test optional! That’s a clear preference for applications for scores.

While students in the (pandemic) class of 2021 had significantly fewer testing opportunities, students in the class of 2023 have normal opportunities to test.  Selective colleges will expect and receive scores from most applicants.  Like many other “optional” pieces of a college application, the most competitive students will be submitting all the optional pieces, including test scores.

• What does the future hold? I don’t have a crystal ball, but if Auburn, MIT, the University of Tennessee system, and Georgetown’s recent decisions are any indication, many test optional policies will continue to revert to test required. According to MIT, test scores help them more accurately assess a student’s readiness for their program.

MIT’s Dean of Admissions Stu Schmill said, “We are reinstating our requirement, rather than adopting a more flexible policy, to be transparent and equitable in our expectations. Our concern is that, without the compelling clarity of a requirement, some well-prepared applicants won’t take the tests, and we won’t have enough information to be confident in their academic readiness⁠ when they apply. We believe it will be more equitable⁠ if we require all applicants who take the tests to disclose their scores.”

In other words, top-tier colleges care about your test scores. They adopted test-optional policies so students who did not have the chance to take the exam due to Covid-19 could still apply. Data coming out (like from here) proves that test scores matter, and it’s possible that other schools will soon follow MIT’s lead in transparency and drop their test-optional policies. In fact, according to a survey by Ernst & Young and the Parthenon Group conducted in 2021, 20-30% of universities surveyed claimed they would likely move back to test-required policies within 3-5 years. Selective schools including Stanford have openly discussed their intent to once again require a college entrance exam score, and Yale has echoed MIT’s sentiments about the importance of test scores when making admissions decisions. 

Other schools, including University of Texas at Austin, University of North Carolina, and certain schools within the University System of Georgia announced a return to requiring college entrance exams and then shortly reversed their decisions. Remember, test-optional policies benefit the school, not often the student, and schools might be slow to relinquish their boost in ratings due to increased selectivity and average test scores. However, as universities continue to follow the path of MIT, it seems likely that more schools, especially those considered selective, will join this game of follow-the-leader.

• So what to do? Due to uneven transcripts with uneven high school experiences and very real grade inflation, most college admissions staff view test scores as a known quantity that can validate your application.  A solid strategy is to work toward getting the best score you can but don’t send your scores right away.  Once you are ready to apply, you can decide if your scores help your application if you’re applying to a test-optional school.

As always, Woodlands Test Prep is here to help you through this process. Call us at 713-205-1807 for your free consultation, and we can discuss if test prep tutoring would help your student on their college journey. Remember, we teach; you relax!

At Woodlands Test Prep, we understand that the cost of higher education can be a significant concern for students and their families. We believe that every student deserves access to the best educational opportunities, regardless of financial constraints. That’s why we’re passionate about sharing valuable information on how test scores can help unlock scholarships and pave the way to a brighter future. In this blog post, we’ll explore the impact of test scores on scholarships and provide guidance on maximizing your chances of securing financial aid.

The Power of Test Scores
When it comes to scholarships, test scores can be a game-changer. Many colleges and universities consider standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, when awarding scholarships. These scores provide valuable insight into a student’s academic abilities and potential for success in higher education. By earning impressive test scores, you not only demonstrate your knowledge and skills but also position yourself for potential scholarship opportunities.

Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic achievements, and strong test scores play a crucial role in qualifying for these prestigious awards. Admissions committees and scholarship providers recognize that exceptional scores reflect dedication, discipline, and the ability to excel academically. By investing time and effort in test preparation, you can significantly increase your chances of securing merit-based scholarships.

Here are some Texas-based colleges and scholarships that require or highly recommend test scores:

• Sam Houston University: ACT 29 or SAT 1320 required. The Sam Houston Honors Scholarship is worth $10,000 annually.
• Texas A&M: High ACT or SAT scores required. The Welch Scholarship varies in amount depending on financial need.
• Texas Christian University: ACT 30-34 or SAT 1360-1500 recommended. The Founders’/TCU/Faculty/Dean’s/Chancelor’s Scholarships are worth from $12,000 per year to full-tuition.
• Texas State University: ACT 32 or SAT 1420 recommended. The President’s Honor Scholarship is worth $12,000 per year.
  

Competitive Advantage
A high test score can give you a competitive edge over other scholarship applicants. When scholarship committees review applications, they often consider a combination of factors, including GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal achievements. However, outstanding test scores can make your application stand out from the crowd, demonstrating your commitment to academic excellence and potential for future success.

National Merit Scholarships
One of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the United States is the National Merit Scholarship Program. This program recognizes exceptional students who excel on the PSAT/NMSQT, a preliminary test taken during the junior year of high school. Students who achieve top scores on the PSAT/NMSQT may qualify as National Merit Semifinalists or Finalists, making them eligible for a range of scholarship opportunities. National Merit scholarships not only provide financial support but also carry significant prestige and recognition within the academic community. Be sure to check out this free and public resource of National Merit Scholarships offered at over 180 colleges (provided by Les Mathew from The Extra Mile College Admissions).

It’s worth noting that the typical Texas A&M National Merit Scholarship package is worth $42,000 over four years!

Maximizing Your Scholarship Potential
To maximize your scholarship potential, it’s essential to prioritize test preparation and aim for the highest scores possible. Here are a few tips to help you on your journey:

1. Start Early: Begin your test preparation well in advance to allow ample time for study and practice. This will help you build confidence and achieve your target scores.
2. Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan tailored to your strengths and weaknesses. Utilize reliable test prep resources, practice exams, and seek guidance from experienced tutors or mentors.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice: Regular practice is key to improving your test scores. Familiarize yourself with the test format, practice sample questions, and simulate test-day conditions to build your endurance and test-taking strategies.
4. Seek Professional Guidance: Consider enrolling in a test prep course or working with a qualified tutor who can provide personalized guidance, strategies, and feedback to help you reach your full potential.
5. Stay Motivated: Remember the bigger picture—your test scores can open doors to scholarships and educational opportunities that may shape your future. Stay motivated, maintain a positive mindset, and celebrate your progress along the way.

Your dreams of pursuing higher education should never be limited by financial constraints. By understanding the significance of test scores and their impact on scholarships, you can take proactive steps towards unlocking the funding you need. At Woodlands Test Prep, we’re here to support you on your journey, providing expert guidance, resources, and caring mentorship. Start preparing today, and open the door to a future filled with limitless possibilities. Together, we can make your educational dreams a reality.

When Is It Time to Make Your Test Prep Plan?

Parents and students often wonder: When should I start thinking about the SAT and ACT?  To best position yourself or your student for the college application process at the beginning of senior year, students should start creating their college admissions testing plan at the end of their sophomore year or toward the beginning of junior year, ideally.  If you’re later than that, you’re still ok!  Here are the steps to get you started:

1. Get a baseline score for both the SAT and ACT.

While many students took the PSAT as sophomores at school this year, many students did not due to the pandemic.  Also, in general, far fewer high schools give practice ACT tests so those opportunities are more limited.  Students can take an official practice SAT or ACT or both in several different ways: at home at the kitchen table for free, via our new proctor videos, or participating in one of our live proctored exams (Test Flight Club).  There’s no need to take a national test date in order to find out which test suits your student better.

2. Once you have a baseline for both SAT and ACT scores, decide which test is the better fit.  We can work together to decide which test is a better fit for your student.  

3. Decide what testing calendar best suits your student. Here are some general suggestions:

• Students who are taking Algebra II as juniors:  Plan to take either the March SAT or April ACT.  Test prep can begin after the Christmas holiday.  Student can then retake in either late spring or early fall or both.
• Students who will have completed Algebra II by the end of sophomore year:  Think about extracurricular schedule and academic load in the junior year.  Most students will benefit from starting test prep in the summer and taking their first test in the fall to get the majority of the skill building finished over the summer.  However, if students have extremely heavy extracurricular schedules in the fall (Football, Marching Band, Cheerleading, Color Guard, etc.), they make choose to push their first test to the spring and follow the above schedule.  Students who choose to test in the fall have the opportunity to retest anytime in the spring and still have time to retest again early in their senior year if desired.
• Students who scored particularly well on the PSAT in 10th grade:  Plan to prep for the PSAT over the summer.  The PSAT in junior year serves as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Competition.  Even if the ACT looks like the better fit from a college admissions testing perspective, students who scored particularly well on the PSAT in 10th grade should consider making a real effort to maximize their score on their junior year PSAT.  They can then take either the October or November SAT to lock in their qualifying score should they become National Merit Semifinalists.

4. Plan on allocating at least two months to test prep.

    Test prep is really much more about practice than it is about content. You do need to decide what tactics work best for you, how to best allocate your time, and how to recognize the many patterns on the test, but really making a difference in your score comes down to putting in the practice.  We offer Test Flight Club twice a month where students have the opportunity to take a full length proctored practice test, receive immediate results, and have a two hour Q&A-style group tutoring session with one of our most expert tutors.  We have seen amazing results with students who have put in the practice!

    Remember also that almost every student will take either the SAT or ACT twice, and most students will take it three times. So keep in mind that the process is more of a marathon than a sprint and be patient with yourself.

We know that there are a lot of moving pieces when deciding how and when to work on test prep. Let us know how we can help! We love helping people with their questions!