Standardized Testing: The Dread of Every College Applicant

Elizabeth Cavallari, Director of College Counseling

 

Test-optional. Test-blind. Test-preferred. Test-required.

Every college-bound student (and every parent of a college applicant) has read these words, but few can fully explain what they represent. It’s a confusing jumble of very similar phrases! Each college uses its own terminology, but it’s important to learn the differences and understand what they mean.

Test Required: Students must submit SAT or ACT scores to be considered for admission.

Test-Optional: Students can choose whether to submit test scores or not. Test-optional is the most anxiety-inducing policy. What scores are strong enough to be considered? Generally, if a student’s score is within or above the mid 50% of scores from the last incoming class for the SAT or ACT, they should include it. But, as students will hear throughout the college application process, it depends upon the school. Come check with us in the College Counseling Office regarding scores for each test-optional college or university.

Test-Preferred or Test Recommended: These are schools that do not require testing, but it is recommended. Not including scores could be detrimental to a student’s college application.

Test-Blind: Decisions are made without testing data. Even if a student submits a score, the college will not consider it.

No-Harm Testing: This is my favorite, but the least common. All students submit their test scores. If they could hurt the application, the college will ignore them. If they help, the college will consider them.

When are test scores due? It depends.

Get used to hearing “it depends” when it comes to college admissions!

Some colleges allow students to self-report scores right on the application. Others require official test scores by the application deadline. Some have a separate due date for official scores, and others do not need them until after an applicant has been admitted and paid an enrollment deposit.

Why are we talking about testing?

A few years ago, it seemed like testing might be disappearing. But lately, we’re seeing more and more schools bring back their testing requirements for college admissions.

This means that test preparation matters and should be well-planned as part of the college counseling and application process. During this process, students should be doing everything they can to open doors, and strong test scores help with that.

Test preparation doesn’t need to be expensive. The local library has SAT or ACT books to borrow. There are plenty of free online resources for the SAT and ACT. And the key is practice and consistency.

For students who are practicing but not seeing the improvement they want, it might be time to consider a prep program or tutor. The College Counseling Office can help connect students with the best resources to meet their needs.

How do we partner with families at HRA?

We understand how daunting the college application process can be, especially with the added pressures of the SAT or ACT. Every family and every student wants to do the right thing. Our goal is to help families feel well-informed.

We do this in a couple ways:

• We are hosting a testing webinar on November 5 to help students and families understand the SAT and ACT and trends.
• Students take both the PSAT and a practice ACT. From there, we look at the scores and provide information about which test may be a better fit.

While overwhelming, standardized testing doesn’t have to be a source of dread. With the right information, preparation, and support, it can become just another way for students to showcase their skills and aptitude to colleges.