Every student knows the SAT and ACT. Two standardized exams, both several hours long, offered periodically throughout the year that test its taker on math and English (the latter also tests your science skills) and usually submitted to prospective colleges as a demonstration of a students’ academic prowess. They’re stressful, to say the least, and if you’re reading this, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ve already taken (or plan to take) at least one of them.
But because COVID-19 forcibly closed all the test centers which meant students could no longer take the exams, the majority of post-secondary institutions went test-optional. And it’s been that way for a while.
Until now.
Some elite schools have recently begun to reinstate standardized testing requirements. Brown, MIT, Yale, and Dartmouth are key examples.
Here are their reasons why:
High SAT/ACT scores indicate a student’s ability to perform well in a competitive academic setting
Its standardization allows for easier and more objective student-to-student comparison, whereas course grades can vary heavily depending on the school and teacher
On the other hand, why are standardized tests criticized?
They're inaccurate indicators of student success because they only “determine which students are good at taking tests” and indicate their achievement on one specific day rather than throughout an entire school year like a GPA does
Students don't receive any feedback or learn how to improve their learning
Teachers might feel pressured to teach math, English, and science subjects to “teach the test” over other important curricula such as history or art
Notably, the prioritization of “legacy” students (students with family who are alumni of the school they apply for) has not been affected. So what does this mean in the grand admissions scheme?
Importantly, SAT and ACT scores will be considered holistically alongside the rest of your application if you submit them. So even if your score is mediocre, that can be made up for with impressive grades, extracurriculars, reference letters, or more. Many schools still remain test-optional or test-blind, so if you’re applying to one of those, you’re probably fine.
But if upon reading this article you have been embedded with an urgent sense of panic and doom, stress no more! Click here to register for the SAT and here for the ACT. Most students prepare for them months in advance and will retake several times until they are satisfied with their score, but to each their own. I would recommend making sure your score is above the median range for the school you’re applying to to maximize your chances of acceptance. Otherwise, good luck! Standardized Tests Are Back: What Does This Mean for High School Students?
Every student knows the SAT and ACT. Two standardized exams, both several hours long, offered periodically throughout the year that test its taker on math and English (the latter also tests your science skills) and usually submitted to prospective colleges as a demonstration of a students’ academic prowess. They’re stressful, to say the least, and if you’re reading this, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ve already taken (or plan to take) at least one of them.
But because COVID-19 forcibly closed all the test centers which meant students could no longer take the exams, the majority of post-secondary institutions went test-optional. And it’s been that way for a while.
Until now.
Some elite schools have recently begun to reinstate standardized testing requirements. Brown, MIT, Yale, and Dartmouth are key examples.
Here are their reasons why:
High SAT/ACT scores indicate a student’s ability to perform well in a competitive academic setting
Its standardization allows for easier and more objective student-to-student comparison, whereas course grades can vary heavily depending on the school and teacher
On the other hand, why are standardized tests criticized?
They're inaccurate indicators of student success because they only “determine which students are good at taking tests” and indicate their achievement on one specific day rather than throughout an entire school year like a GPA does
Students don't receive any feedback or learn how to improve their learning
Teachers might feel pressured to teach math, English, and science subjects to “teach the test” over other important curricula such as history or art
Notably, the prioritization of “legacy” students (students with family who are alumni of the school they apply for) has not been affected. So what does this mean in the grand admissions scheme?
Importantly, SAT and ACT scores will be considered holistically alongside the rest of your application if you submit them. So even if your score is mediocre, that can be made up for with impressive grades, extracurriculars, reference letters, or more. Many schools still remain test-optional or test-blind, so if you’re applying to one of those, you’re probably fine.
But if upon reading this article you have been embedded with an urgent sense of panic and doom, stress no more! Click here to register for the SAT and here for the ACT. Most students prepare for them months in advance and will retake several times until they are satisfied with their score, but to each their own. I would recommend making sure your score is above the median range for the school you’re applying to to maximize your chances of acceptance. Otherwise, good luck!
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