Many colleges are dropping the requirements to take the SAT or ACT for people applying next fall to start in fall 2021.
The University of California has stated publicly that they do not want to harm anyone’s chances if they don’t submit scores: “Campuses will adjust their internal processes accordingly to ensure that no student is harmed in admissions selection should they not submit a test score.” (source: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/response-covid-19.html)
To me, this means that the SAT score cannot be used as a tie-breaker between two applicants. It also means that the SAT can’t help in the admissions decision. (Of course, the score may be used for other situations or programs, just not in the actual admissions decision by the UC.)
So should juniors be prepping for the SAT and ACT like they’ve done in previous years? Should they be signing up for a summer course? Oh, what if the program goes out of business?
Elite Prep is saying that "even though the SAT or ACT is optional for current high school juniors (high school class of 2021), like a good score on an AP test, a good score on the SAT or ACT can only enhance your application. " (Note the wording. They aren’t saying it will help, they are saying it won’t hurt. Big difference.) Source: https://www.eliteprep.com/blog/uc-suspends-sat-requirement (Retrieved today, Apr 10, 2020).
I believe that when it comes down to it, many of the large public universities will end up not considering the SAT/ACT scores. Yes, they will “accept” them, but accepting them isn’t the same thing as using them to decide whether to admit.
Test optional does not mean the test scores aren’t considered for those who submit them. It’s generally an advantage to submit a score at, or above, the median admitted score. Some people will say an advantage above the 25% mark. Depends somewhat whether or not the applicant is hooked.
Without a test score, other components of the application become relatively more important.
For some students that’s not a problem…they have a strong app without a test score…a strong GPA, high rigor, strong essays, ECs, and LoRs. Other students have a stronger app with a good test score.
Test scores will still be part of the admission decision process at TO schools, and not every school will become TO. There are TO schools which still require a test score for merit aid as well. All DI/II recruited athletes also need a test score.
Yep, I get what you’re saying–applying to enough programs, the chances that your high SAT score will help you are higher.
However, I do believe that in certain cases, even at top colleges, the SAT will end up being ignored.
It appears that it will become very likely that an applicant’s ability to pay full tuition will be more important now that it has ever been.
I have been listening to a bunch of webinars about test optional. It seems like the only people that it helps are the ones that would have been the top of the applicant pool but had lousy scores. If you fall in the middle or lower end the applicant pool and don’t submit scores, it does not help your chances for admission.
I would have your student do a few practice tests to see how they do on the SAT and/or ACT. If they are good test takers, I would be inclined to have the student study for and take the test in August/September. If you don’t get a good score, don’t send them. If you have a solid score, then you can send. Better to be safe than sorry.
Most colleges, especially holistic ones, will review what is submitted to them in the application so I think that having a “good” test score can help confirm you have the intellect to do well at that college. You can bet that many juniors will have taken the SAT/ACT prior to March 2020 and will be submitting their high scores even if colleges are test optional.
Take one or the other or both. If you have concerns about test prep classes being cancelled, then plan to prep at home. There are plenty of good guides and practice tests out there. All of my kids prepped on their own but not everyone has the discipline. Due to COVID, plan on being disciplined and start practicing at home!
Between an applicant who submits and one who does not- sure. But between two applicants who both submit, of course it can.
While I think many public schools might not consider them but the more competitive private universities will.
Not saying that it is, but it is supposed to be way to measure academic ability beyond GPA. With so much competition, it could be another way to boost your application. Not the deciding factor , for sure, but still helpful