Shall I take the SAT or not?

Applying to College
1

Hi everyone! I’m a U.S student living abroad and I attend an international school. I currently conflicted about the SATs. I’ve taken 7 APs, and I’m a rising senior and plan on taking another 7 in my senior year. I’ve done well, gotten 4s and 5, but I’m not sure this is enough to guarantee my spot at a top school. My family is a high risk, so I’m not sure if I should take the SATs, and jeopardize their health. I currently graduated junior year with a 3.99 unweighted GPA, and hoping I’ll have a 4.0 at the end of my first semester as a senior my average would be a 3.9 unweighted.

Other than my academics, I have an amazing story and great essay ideas that I am currently working on. I’ve participated in MUNs at school and around the world, receiving best delegate awards at 3/4 events. I have Founded and run a national and almost international youth NGO, co-founded a tech startup that has received gov grants and recognition by silicon valley. I was also nominated as the first intern to the president through my NGO efforts.

I’m a member of the NHS and student council, and I’ve participated in international track and field, and basketball. I’m an active community member and I love volunteering.

I’m REALLY torn on the SATs. Since most schools, I will be applying to are test-optional and my family is a high risk, I’m thinking I shouldn’t even take them. Even if schools are saying “you won’t be put at a disadvantage” I think as a student abroad we would need the SATs to validate our transcripts etc. The country where I live has one of the highest COVID-19 per capita cases, and it does not seem to be going down, so it may even be that the testing dates get canceled.

I want to know your opinion…Is it worth taking the SAT or not?

2

This is a great question – we recently covered this topic in a College Confidential article, which you can find here:https://insights.collegeconfidential.com/still-take-satact-youre-applying-test-optional-schools

3

Based on your location in a high per capita Covid-19 country in conjunction with your family’s high at-risk status, the safest course would be to avoid taking the SAT which would expose you to many other individuals.

Your qualifications are strong without a standardized test score.

4

Fwiw, nothing is “enough to guarantee my spot at a top school.“.

If you currently have a 3.99, and you get a 4.0 first semester, your GPA will be higher than 3.9. Or was 3.99 Junior year only, implying about a 3.83 F/Soph years?

If the pandemic situation is as bad as you say, it’s not worth jeopardizing a family’s health. Unless you have a way, and the dedication, to self-quarantine for 2 weeks immediately after the test.

5

Hi, thank you for your reply.
My Average along with my senior year (hopefully 4.0) would be rounded to a 3.9 on my transcript. Do you think it would put me at a disadvantage if I don’t take the SATs?

6

Do you think my accomplishments even out the fact that I didn’t take the SATs?

7

You will get into a great school without the SAT.

8

I think your question has been answered by yourself and others, including me. Don’t take the test if you live with a high risk family. You have other excellent qualifications.

If the college says it’s test-optional, it isn’t a trick question. Think of it this way: how would you feel if you inadvertently affected a family member? Not worth it, right?

9

alright then. I guess its settled-I won’t be taking it. I really don’t want to put my family at risk and this is the only solution.