In theory, test-optional policies help ease the burden on students applying to college – especially as testing sites have cancelled test dates. Now that we have almost finished a cycle of admissions with these new policies, there are a few Myths we want to share. 

MYTH: Students are going to skip taking the ACT and SAT

Clearly, that is not the case, as testing sites across the country fill up on the first available day of registration. While many students are going to skip taking the ACT and SAT, many are not. Test scores can and will be a key differentiator between candidates in competitive applicant pools. Optional or not, strong test performances can and will still open the door to opportunities like scholarships and honors programs. Elite students will do what it takes to fight for their spots. 

It’s important to remember that admissions officers carefully consider each applicant. A student from New York, or California, where test sites were completely shut down for months, will have good reason to apply without a test score. Students who were given many opportunities to take the test, but chose not to submit a score, may not be given the same grace. I encourage high school students in our area to prepare early and diligently for standardized tests, given the fact that a strong test score may very well be the best way to set oneself apart from other applicants. 

MYTH: Testing companies are adding test dates, so there will be plenty of opportunities to register for tests

This is where things get tricky. As tests get cancelled last minute, many students are registering for every test date “just in case.” With capacity limits remaining an issue, and test sites being closed at the last minute, registering for a test is not going to be easy. Many students will be lucky to nab a single test day seat. Getting the chance to take a test is going to be difficult enough – let alone getting multiple chances to retake to try for score improvement.

To make the most out of your Test Day opportunities, there are several strategies to consider:

• Register for multiple dates and consider both the ACT and SAT. Each test is slightly different, and students often see a real score difference between the two. Go ahead and try both if you can, and watch for opportunities to register for later dates.
• Use real practice tests effectively – Since students may not be able to register to take multiple tests, authentic practice tests are even more important. CAP offers real practice tests under real conditions, giving students the opportunity to obtain in-depth score analysis to guide their practice and growth. This is actually more helpful than taking the test too soon – an analyzed practice test will give you valuable information and guide your preparation.
• Be sure to stay on top of test and registration dates – Landing a seat at a testing center can be a challenge. Keep up with the ACT and College Board websites so you can register as soon as dates open. And check your registration often – both companies have been known to cancel sites and move students with no notice.

MYTH: “Test-Optional” schools don’t care about test scores

Colleges are test-optional, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care about test scores (if that were true, they would be test-blind). “Test-Optional” schools still have every intention of reviewing student scores that are submitted as part of an application package. Generally speaking, students with strong test scores will have a leg up on those who do not submit any.

Apart from the extra data point a test score can provide to an admissions counselor, test scores are key markers used by colleges and universities to tout their own prestige. Look at any brochure or college ranking publication and you are almost certain to find the average test scores of the latest freshman class. Higher averages imply a more selective, and higher caliber institution. A student with a high ACT or SAT score is valuable to a college. 

Also, many colleges in our area are still granting automatic merit scholarships based on GPA and test scores. Sure, there are other ways to qualify for these scholarships, but the easiest way is definitely to have both data points. A small investment in test prep can translate to thousands of dollars in additional scholarship money.

MYTH: Test prep will become obsolete

In fact, test prep has become even more important. Unless colleges go test-blind, elite students will be focused on obtaining the highest scores possible in order to stand out. In this “Test-Optional” era, strong test scores are a key way for students to set themselves apart in a crowded field of applicants. A differentiated, student-centered test prep experience can unlock that opportunity, giving students the skills, strategies, and confidence to make the most out of their test day. 

Crazy times, and a crazy summer!  Is it looking a little different for you than expected? No school, no summer job, no summer camp, no hanging out at the community pool or movie theater or coffee shop? You may find yourself with some extra time these days.  

The college admission process is also looking different than expected for fall, and there are still many uncertainties. Many colleges have announced they will be test optional for the first time, and the ones we haven’t heard from, well, it’s probably just a matter of time. This means that admission officers are faced with the task of distinguishing between highly qualified students without relying on test scores. How will they differentiate between thousands of applicants who have excellent grades and challenging classes on their transcripts? Your essay is one part of the application that can help you stand out.  

Use some free time this summer to work on your essays. The Common App essay prompts are the same as last year. If you haven’t already started on your Common App essay, now is the time. In addition, Common App has added a special “Additional Information” optional essay about how COVID-19 has impacted you. Should you write this extra essay? The short answer is probably yes, but it needs to be unique. You should also check to find out if any of the schools on your list require supplemental essays or short answer questions. If you are applying to colleges that do not use the Common App, check the college websites to get their essay topics. 

Take Action – Write something! Get a first draft of your college essays started now. This will give you plenty of time to get feedback from multiple people (parents, counselor, teachers, even friends). It will also give you a chance to put it aside for now and come back to it later. 

I’ve been thinking about our Juniors, and how the cancellation and postponement of ACT and SAT testing dates will affect them. Obviously, fewer opportunities to test means fewer opportunities to increase their scores. That’s the bad news.

The good news is that, with motivation, this is a great opportunity for students to separate themselves from the pack. While the majority of students will rejoice and relax during this downtime, a motivated student could study, take practice tests, and make improvements during this time.

I’m encouraging my juniors to use Method Test Prep online, which Hoover provides to them for free. They should take the Evaluation Tests, which only take 15-30 minutes each, and then use their results to focus their lessons on their weaknesses. I’ve shown my students how to do that, and I’d be happy to help any of you with that process. 

Juniors also need to be taking practice tests. Method has two practice tests online, and although an online test doesn’t simulate the actual testing environment, it’s still good practice. Once a month, students should also sit down to take a full-length official practice test. I offer those in my office, and I provide feedback on scores and areas of weakness.

Bottom line, if you have your sights set on scholarships, or colleges with low acceptance rates, social distancing is a great opportunity for you. Find your motivation, take advantage of your extra time and the resources available to you, and pursue your dreams!