Hello, Princeton Reviewers!
Welcome to the new Princeton Review PH blog!
For our first entry, here's some important news and advice straight from Princeton Review HQ:
Media outlets have been abuzz with news about the increasing number of schools going test-optional—from the University of California and University of Texas systems to all 8 Ivies. Below are some talking points that I hope you’ll find useful as you field inquiries about test-optional college admissions.
SAT/ACT scores can still help students earn admission, merit-based financial aid, and academic placements. Many schools went test-optional temporarily and out of necessity—but will still consider applicants’ scores if those are submitted.
Students should take the SAT/ACT if they can. Without risking their health or traveling a great distance, students should plan to sit for the SAT/ACT if possible. There are fewer data points overall for admission teams to evaluate (fewer test scores, pass/fail grades, limited extracurriculars), so scores may provide an important distinguishing factor for admissions and merit-based aid decisions.
If students do take the SAT/ACT, they should plan to do their absolute best. They will likely be able to take the exam just once (and shouldn’t count on having multiple opportunities).
Students can feel confident knowing that they have a safety net. If they don’t do as well as they’d hoped and their prospective schools are test-optional, they can opt not to send their scores; if they achieve their score goals, then they can opt to send their scores. (Note that for both exams, there is a fee to send scores after viewing them, though this fee is waived for students eligible for a fee waiver.)
Students should focus on the factors they can control. Beyond doing well on standardized tests, students can proactively take steps to increase their chances of earning admission and merit-based financial aid. Because schools will be evaluating applicants based on fewer data points than usual, college fit—and students’ ability to demonstrate fit—will be especially crucial. In addition, students should do their level best to write game-changing essays, get glow-in-the-dark recommendation letters, and, as noted above, do well on the SAT/ACT if possible. In an admissions cycle that looks to be more unpredictable than most, students’ attention to fit and these other factors can make all the difference.
One more note, my friends: ACT has added 3 additional fall test dates: September 19, October 10, October 17. The College Board is planning to offer the SAT every month through the end of 2020, beginning August 29; but CB has not yet administered the SAT on a large scale in a Covid-19 environment. If a student is on the fence between those two exams, the ACT’s experience is a factor worth considering.
Thank you for reading, Princeton Reviewers.
Keep reviewing, keep learning, keep reaching!
-- TPR PH