College Counseling & Career Development

Standardized Testing for the Class of 2021

by | Jun 3, 2020 | ACT, College Applications, SAT, Standardized Testing, Test Blind, Test Flexible, Test Optional

Hello Everyone,

There are lots of announcements happening on a daily basis regarding standardized testing. I am working with each of my students individually to determine the best testing schedule. Please find important information regarding standardized testing below.

 

Test-Optional
As many schools are going test-optional for the upcoming admissions cycle, It’s important to understand the difference between test-optional, test-flexible, and test-blind.
  • Test Optional: A test-optional policy leaves the decision up to you as to whether or not you want to send SAT scores to a school. In other words, SAT-optional colleges do not require you to send your scores. Instead, you must decide whether or not your test results are an accurate representation of your academic ability and potential. This means that if test scores are submitted, they will be considered. Students who do not submit scores are not supposed to be penalized. See the current list of test-optional schools.
  • Test Flexible:  While a test-flexible policy requires you to send test scores, it might allow for different options in place of the SAT. For example, some schools might waive their test requirements if you meet a minimum GPA or are applying to a specific program, while others might let you send AP scores or SAT Subject Test scores in lieu of general SAT scores. For an example, see NYU’s policy.
  • Test Blind: Test-blind means that colleges won’t look at scores even if a student submits them. However, there are several variations of this admissions policy. Some colleges may exempt applicants who have scored above a certain grade point average, while others may leave it up to the student to decide whether or not they want to submit their scores. For an example, Hampshire College is truly test-blind, meaning they will not consider SAT/ACT scores regardless of the score. See Hampshire College’s policy.
What This Means for You
You should still try to take the SAT and/or ACT, as having good scores is always a plus (and few schools are truly test-blind). We will make the decision about whether or not to submit scores on a case-by-case basis, depending upon how strong your test scores are for each school on your list. Please note that for colleges that have a test optional admissions policy, your high school academic record is the most important assessment criteria. Next in importance are your personal essay, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and the personal interview (if offered). Of course, if you are unable to register and/or take the SAT or ACT, do not worry – you are not alone and the colleges I have heard from are well aware of the problem and will not penalize you.
Recent Testing Requirements Announcements
SAT

The College Board will not be offering an online version of the SAT. Priority registration for the August, September, and October administrations is open now for students in the class of 2020 or 2021 who don’t have an SAT score. Students who registered for the June SAT or Subject Tests, and didn’t cancel, can transfer their registration now. Later this week, registration for the August, September and October test dates will be open for all students. If you are unable to find a seat in a test center near you, please check other dates. Colleges are rightfully being flexible with their testing requirements. Check college websites to get the most accurate information on their policies and deadlines. Please note that SAT Subject Tests will NOT be offered on the new SAT testing date (September 26, 2020).

ACT
As you are probably already aware, ACT will notify students and announce test center closings and cancellations for the June 13 test date through email. As ACT and other agencies navigate ongoing developments, testing at any test center is subject to change at any time between now and June 13, 2020.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
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