The Great Test Score Comeback: Many Colleges Are Reinstating Standardized Testing

The Great Test Score Comeback: Many Colleges Are Reinstating Standardized Testing

From the Author News Tests Uncategorized

Updated January 19, 2025

After a brief hiatus during the pandemic, many colleges are reinstating standardized test requirements for admissions, and the reason lies in a surprising twist: equity.

Colleges are discovering and reporting that standardized tests actually help level the playing field among students. Research suggests that test scores are a more reliable predictor of college success than high school grades, which have been subject to inflation and vary widely in rigor. By reinstating test requirements, colleges aim to identify talented students from all backgrounds who might otherwise be overlooked.

For instance, UT Austin and MIT both recently reported that they have found that standardized tests help them better predict student success and ensure that students are placed in majors that fit their strengths. Similarly, Harvard and Dartmouth have cited research showing that test scores can highlight the potential of students from under-resourced schools, providing a clearer picture of their academic abilities.

While some institutions never wavered in their requirement for standardized testing, notably University of Florida, a slew of colleges and universities have rejoined the test-required ranks in the past two years:

  • University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)
  • Harvard University
  • Stanford University
  • California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
  • Brown University
  • Yale University
  • Dartmouth College
  • Purdue University
  • Georgetown University
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  • Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
  • Johns Hopkins University (announced 8/20/24)
  • Carnegie Mellon University (announced 8/29/24)
  • University of Miami (announced 1/17/25)

Test optional will remain the policy at some colleges and universities, but as you or your student approach your sophomore and junior years in high school, it makes sense to consider how you want to prepare for either the SAT or ACT.  If you’d like help thinking through a plan that makes the most of your strengths and is suited to your college admissions’ goals and schedule, Woodlands Test Prep would be delighted to help!

Empowering Educators: Insights and Innovations from the NTPA Winter Workshop

Empowering Educators: Insights and Innovations from the NTPA Winter Workshop

From the Author News SAT vs. ACT Tests

Susan Powers, founder and CEO of Woodlands Test Prep, recently participated in the National Test Prep Association (NTPA) Winter Workshop held in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 16 and 17, 2024. As a member of NTPA’s Board of Directors, Susan plays a pivotal role in the organization by leading and contributing to the test prep community.

Attendees at the 2024 NTPA Winter Workshop in Nashville, Tennessee

The NTPA is a professional association dedicated to supporting test prep professionals, upholding the highest ethical standards, and promoting best practices in the test prep industry. Its mission focuses on fostering collaboration among test prep providers and sharing best practices to enhance the quality and effectiveness of test preparation services.

At the Winter Workshop, Susan led a panel titled “Goal 1600: Strategies for High-Scoring SAT Students,” where she shared her extensive experience in guiding students to achieve top SAT scores. Other panel members were Brooke Hanson of Supertutor TV, Kate Fisher of Kate Fisher Tutoring, and Leia LeMaster Horton of Horton Test Prep. The panel delved into advanced techniques and personalized approaches tailored for students aiming for a perfect score, providing valuable insights and resources for educators.

In addition to leading the “Goal 1600” panel, Susan served as a panelist in the “Efficiency Hacks” session. This discussion focused on optimizing study methods, time management, and resource utilization to enhance both teaching efficacy and business performance. Susan’s contributions highlighted practical strategies to streamline back office processes, benefiting educators seeking to have more time to hone their instructional methods.

Susan’s involvement in these panels underscores her commitment to advancing the field of test preparation and her dedication to supporting students in achieving their academic goals. Her leadership within the NTPA and her active participation in events like the Winter Workshop reflect her passion for education and her drive to promote excellence in standardized test preparation.

For more information about Susan Powers and Woodlands Test Prep, visit woodlandstestprep.com. To learn more about the National Test Prep Association and its mission, visit nationaltestprep.org.

Preview where you’ll be accepted in Texas!

Preview where you’ll be accepted in Texas!

From the Author News

Simplify College Applications with My Texas Future’s Direct Admissions

Texas students can now see which of the state’s public universities would accept them before submitting college applications. Wow!

My Texas Future’s Direct Admissions program is opening doors to higher education for Texas students. This innovative program offers eligible middle and high school students direct college admission based on their academic performance, and, while no test scores are required to participate, students with solid SAT or ACT scores can enhance their applications and expand their options at participating colleges.

This program is ideal for students seeking a stress-free, straightforward pathway to college. First-generation college students and those from underserved communities especially benefit, as it removes traditional barriers like application complexity.

Whether you’re a high-achieving student or simply exploring your options, this streamlined process helps you get a step closer to your college goals.

Visit the My Texas Future website to learn how to leverage this program for your college journey!

You want details about the ACT changes?                 We got you!

You want details about the ACT changes? We got you!

From the Author News SAT vs. ACT Tests

We’ve been busy making sure we have all the up-to-date information about the big changes coming to the ACT. We have another blog post if you want the highlights or recommendations for each grade of high schoolers. If you, however – intrepid soul – want all the nitty gritty, we can hook you up! Read on about the “Enhanced ACT.”

Format

  • Fewer questions, shorter passages, more time per question, less time per section will characterize the new English/Math/Reading (Core EMR) sections.
Current Section TimeEnhanced ACT Section TimeCurrent Section QuestionsEnhanced ACT QuestionsCurrent Time per QuestionEnhanced ACT Time per QuestionIncrease in Time per Question
English45 min35 min75 Q50 Q
(10 Exp.)
36 sec42 sec+ 17%
Math60 min50 min60 Q45 Q
(4 Exp.)
60 sec67 sec+ 11%
Reading35 min40 min40 Q36 Q
(9 Exp.)
53 sec67 sec+ 27%
Science35 min40 min40 Q40 Q
(6 Exp.)
53 sec60 sec+ 15%
5th Section (Experi-mental Ques-tions)20 minNA12 – 28 QNANANA
Writing40 min40 min1 Q1 Q
Totals195 min

235 min w/ Writing




125 min

165 min w/ Science

205 min w/ Science & Writing
227 Q –
243 Q
(excluding Writing)




131 Q

171 Q w/ Science

(all excluding Writing)
  • Science will be optional and will NOT be included in the composite calculation beginning as soon as a student takes a test in the “Core EMR/Enhanced ACT” format (see timing below).  
    • PREVIOUS composites WILL NOT be recalculated.  
    • Superscores AFTER an Enhanced ACT/Core EMR test attempted only include EMR data.
  • One passage in English (10 questions), one passage in Reading (9 questions), one passage in Science (6 questions), and 4 questions in Math will be experimental. The former 5th section will no longer exist. (And the crowd goes wild!)
  • Paper will continue to be offered for the foreseeable future. No guarantees forever though.
  • The Enhanced ACT will continue to be linear; it will NOT be adaptive in any way.  Both digital and paper will be the same test, just different formats.
  • English will have question stems for ALL questions, leveling the playing field for many accommodation types.
  • English will now have an argumentative essay rather than the current all non-fiction feast.
  • Math will only have 4 answers choices instead of the current 5 answer choices.
  • Math will have proportionally fewer higher level questions and lower the overall word count in questions.
  • Reading will have a more diverse set of passages.
  • Science will now always include one passage addressing engineering and design topics.

Timing and Cost

  • April 2025 – First offering of the Enhanced ACT for national test dates DIGITAL format only.
  • September 2025 – All national test dates, PAPER & DIGITAL, will be in the Enhanced ACT format.
  • Spring 2026 – State, District, and School Day testing will finally be in the Enhanced ACT format.  If schools require both Science and Writing, they will be able to opt for 2-day testing for everyone.  NOTE: Composites for all testing will start to be calculated based only on EMR starting in September 2025 even though the test’s format won’t change until Spring 2026.
  • Expected pricing for Enhanced ACT will be less than current four section ACT.

What do colleges think?

  • ACT has been working with colleges (including test blind colleges) to understand how they use composites in their processes.
  • ACT’s research shows that the EMR-only composites closely track overall composites, supporting their move to make Science optional.

Practice material updates?

  • ACT’s first plan is to issue an addendum to the “Preparing for the ACT Guide” to highlight differences between the current and Enhanced ACT; however, the is timeline unclear.
  • Keep checking back – we’ll let you know as soon as we know!

If you’d like to see how these changes might or might not mean anything for you, please let us know. We love helping families develop a testing plan.  Always at no charge.

The Digital SAT: A Brave, New Frontier

The Digital SAT: A Brave, New Frontier

From the Author News Tests

Revised February 1, 2023

Visit our new Digital Adaptive SAT Page with ALL the scoop you need.

The College Board announced that the SAT will be going digital in March 2024, and the PSAT will be going digital in October 2023.  As if *that* isn’t big enough news, they are also changing the format substantively to be more student-friendly.

Update: The first widely available practice tests are available! Click here to download the app and check out the new format!

So What’s Changing?

Structure:

  • Same scoring format, still on 1600 scale
  • Shorter overall test time – approximately 2 hours instead of 3.25 hours
  • Adaptive scoring – performance on the first section of topic affects the difficulty of the second section
  • Much more time per question
  • No more long reading passages
  • Built in Desmos graphing calculator for ALL math questions

Logistics:

  • Moving to an all-digital format – bring your own device or use one of the College Board’s
  • Students will still test at a testing center
  • Students will install the testing app prior to testing day
  • Digital PSAT will be much the same as the Digital SAT in structure
  • Much faster score receipt – in days rather than weeks
  • Accommodations will be handled in the digital environment
  • National test dates will remain unchanged; many more choices for School Day dates

Overall, the changes are good for students!


When Is All This Happening?

First up, the PSAT will be Digital Adaptive in 2023 – this coming fall! Then, the regular SAT will switch completely to the Digital Adaptive format in March 2024. The Class of 2025 – this year’s sophomores – have several choices to make.


What Does That Mean For My High School Student?

If you are a junior this year (Class of 2024), you won’t see any changes. Just keep on doing your thing!

If you are a sophomore this year (Class of 2025), this change affects you significantly. See the table below for options, and contact us to schedule a free consultation to help you navigate these changes.

Note: If you are aiming for National Merit in 2023, prepping will be more complicated due to the switch. We are ready to help you navigate the new format with confidence!

If you are a freshman this year (Class of 2026) or younger, this will all be old news by the time you get there. You’ll be able to choose between paper ACT and Digital Adaptive SAT.


As always, Woodlands Test Prep is on top of the change to the Digital Adaptive PSAT and SAT. We look forward to helping with all your questions!

Woodlands Test Prep celebrates 10 years of helping students achieve their test best

Woodlands Test Prep celebrates 10 years of helping students achieve their test best

News

Woodlands Test Prep is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2022!  Growing from a solo tutoring practice to a full-service educational services company, Woodlands Test Prep has carefully put together a full set of tutoring services, including test prep for the SAT, PSAT, and ACT and academic and AP tutoring for math, science, history, language arts, and foreign language subjects.  

We sat down with Susan to talk about her ten years in business: how her company was created and how it has impacted The Woodlands community.  What originally began as a small side hustle has ended up becoming one of the most influential tutoring services in The Woodlands.  

Meet the Founder

Susan started tutoring in 1995 as a hobby. When asked what drew her to tutoring, she said: 

“I’ve always loved standardized tests. I just think they’re fun. Even as a kid, I thought they were fun. So I’ve obviously always been a little bit weird ha ha!”

Indeed! This “weird” love for tests made Susan an engaging tutor, which she found was exactly what students needed to succeed. After taking a break from teaching SAT and GMAT classes in order to raise children, she was ready for a side hustle and realized that what had been her fun hobby could become her business. Susan said:

I asked myself, what do I like doing? And I thought, okay, I like tests.  Then I started Woodlands Test Prep, and it honestly grew far beyond any expectations I ever had. Pretty soon I had a number of tutors working for me and was doing practice tests for the library and for schools here in the area. It’s been a joy from the beginning.”

It’s obvious that she and her team of tutors not only have fun teaching students how to succeed on their college entrance exams but are experts in the field of test prep as well. Over the past several years, Susan’s average scores have been a 1580 on the SAT and a 35 on the ACT, and she only hires tutors who show a similar affinity for these tests. With a love for tests and tutoring and Susan’s honed curriculum, she and her team of expert tutors are ready to help any student succeed. 

To stay up-to-date, Susan is an active member of the NTPA (National Test Prep Association), where she collaborates with other test prep professionals.  She also was featured on the podcast Tests and the Rest on episode 231. All this professional development is passed on to her tutors and also shared via her blog on Woodlands Test Prep’s website. You can read expert information along with Susan’s professional thoughts and opinions on everything from the new digital SAT to what test optional really means for your student.

About Woodlands Test Prep and Its Services

Woodlands Test Prep is experienced in helping every student meet their greatest potential.  Taking the SAT, ACT, or PSAT is a skill that can be learned and polished. Whether your student needs help with math, science, language arts, or social studies, they can help.  No matter where your student is starting, focused test preparation and academic tutoring helps not only improve a student’s score or grades, but also their confidence.  Susan commented: 

“Our team of tutors is really without peer.  I feel so lucky to have each and every person on the team.  Only tutors with both heart and serious academic chops make the cut to join our team.  Each tutor is genuinely an expert in the topic or skills he or she is teaching, besides just being a ton of fun to be around.”

They provide customized test preparation several ways: one-on-one in-home tutoring, small class format, and proctored practice tests. Working this way allows them to uniquely target your student’s needs.  They provide proven, successful strategies and skills. Plus, they identify and polish any test content areas that need attention.

For high-achieving students, they offer a “Goal 1600 Class” each summer designed to push them even further. In the last five years, 25 of their students went on to become National Merit Semi-Finalists!

Test prep tutoring is an investment in your student’s future, but it is also a financial investment that can have a significant return. Not only can it help students get the score they need to get into college, but it can open doors for grants and scholarships that might have been previously closed. Here’s what one mom had to say about it:

My daughter took one-on-one tutoring this summer to raise her ACT score to get accepted to A&M. She met with an amazing tutor once a week who coached her, and then she also took the practice tests available through your organization before taking the ACT a second time. Thanks to her score, as well as other aspects of her application, she is now going to be Texas A&M Class of 2026! 

The return on investment was outstanding, as her backup school was offering her $3,000/year renewable for four years due to her ACT score and her class rank. For anyone wondering if your service is worth the cost, please let them know it was for us.

If your student needs support for academic success or if college is a part of your student’s future, Woodlands Test Prep is just what your student needs to succeed. Call them today to learn how they fit into your child’s journey to college and beyond.

Click here to learn more about Woodlands Test Prep or call (713) 205-1807 to set up a session today!