Hi, we thought that we had a perfect plan, which was to take the high-school mandated SAT in March and then focus on music preparation and the rest of the high school courses. Due to Covid-19, we now left with no SAT score. The June test was canceled. It looks like the next possible test would be in August. However, we consider September and October tests troublesome because it gets in the way of prescreening preparation. This situation has drastically reduced the possible schools for application. Anyone else is on the same boat? I am curious to know what you think about this situation. Should we wait for schools to come to the conclusion that they ought to go on the test optional route or actively contact admissions to voice our concern?
Take the ACT! It is just as good for admissions as the SAT, and my daughter had no problem getting into the Tufts/NEC program thanks to her high score and her audition. There are ACT dates scheduled for June and July in most states; they are staggering the testing days to allow for more space in classrooms.
The other tremendous advantage with ACT is that your kid can take only one or two sections overs again in September, which means if he or she does very well on most of the test, but wants to take math again, then he or she can take ONLY the math portion again in September for a higher super score. Just check the policies of the schools you plan to apply to- many are changing their testing policies so they should accept superstores or even be test optional. I still recommend taking a test though, even for test optional schools.
Just wanted to mention that several programs of interest for obtaining double degrees are test optional including Bard, Boston University School of Music (can add on second degree program after the first year), and University of Rochester/Eastman
It is true that many programs are test optional, but submitting a strong test score will increase the chance of merit money and getting a strong offer. My daughter chose to submit her score to all programs and it served her well.
Those schools are definitely on the list.
Thanks for the info on ACT. I didn’t know that once could subsequently take only section(s) of it. I will keep my eyes open for the upcoming dates. Did your daughter attend the Tufts/NEC program. We looked at the maps. The two campuses are so far away (over 40 min by public transportation). Is it difficult to attend classes on both campuses? Thanks!
The Tufts/NEC program has a shuttle. There is a fair amount of traffic on Mass. Ave. on most days but the shuttle helps.
Here is a list of test-optional schools, which includes so many top and excellent schools. https://www.fairtest.org/university/optional
I believe that standardized testing is going to be optional at more schools due to COVID so google or ask directly at schools your kid is interested in.
It is true that merit money often means submitting scores, but for financial aid it doesn’t matter.
@hopeqing she will begin the program in August. The shuttle runs many times a day and the students also get a few hundred dollars in Lyft credit to spend. D will utilize the time on the shuttle for homework and listening to her lessons et cetera…
Current dual degree students gave her a lot of wise advice.
Congratulations to your daughter! Good luck! What’s her instrument?
Thank you! She is a vocalist 