The SAT May Be Optional… But You Should Take It, Anyway!

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Along with everything else, the SAT/ACT world has been turned on its head.
At this moment, it is no longer absolutely mandatory for a college-hopeful to take one of these standardized tests. Even before COVID, a few schools had already started moving in this direction, but with the sustained pandemic, some have changed their policy for the next couple of years.
Many have now instituted a “Test Optional” policy, either for the next year, some for three years, others permanently––the California University system is a case study for working towards doing away with them entirely.
Of course, many students are throwing parties over this.
But maybe they should hit the pause button on the celebrations.
For clarity, “Test Optional” means that a school will let you decide if you want to submit your test scores. If you do submit SAT or ACT scores, the school will take them into consideration but may focus on other parts of the application more.
And this is an important point––during this COVID time, schools that are “Test Optional” are saying, for the most part, that you will not be penalized by not submitting scores.
But really, can we truly accept that as a guarantee? In other words, if competing applicants are submitting scores, might that possibly reflect on an applicant who doesn’t submit scores, at least in some way? Impossible to say, and perhaps that’s the point…
Why take a chance?
The wise move is for them to take the SAT or ACT, regardless of whether their preferred college choices are requiring them. Want some talking points to sell your kids on it? Here are some good ones:
  • Scores could still help an applicant. If you’re a student who will probably do well––or even just all right––on the SAT or ACT, you should take it. Most likely, it will only help you. And furthermore…
  • If you don’t like your scores, you don’t have to send the scores to schools. And on top of that, you can also take the exam again to try to get better scores.
  • It gives you more options for possible schools. Many schools are still requiring SAT or ACT scores! Taking one of the tests gives you a lot more options!
  • If you don’t submit scores, they’re going to scrutinize the rest of your application a lot more. They’re going to look for more difficult high school courses taken, insights from teachers, extra-curriculars, and generally, evidence of commitment to challenging learning and life experiences. Very important to think about when considering your application as a whole.
  • You can try a practice test online for free. If you have reservations, try taking a full practice SAT on Khan Academy khanacademy.org/sat or the College Board website collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/practice/full-length-practice-tests. You can also find practice ACT questions online.
  • You may need scores for merit scholarships. If applying for scholarships could be in your future, you definitely want to have scores to show. Some may require it.
In the words of Hamilton…
“Don’t throw away your shot”… to take the SAT!

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