Students and their families are adjusting to these exams being required once more by leading institutions like Yale, Brown, and Dartmouth. This development, particularly significant for Ivy League colleges, has sparked widespread discussion about its implications for college applicants, especially in the context of the disruptions caused by COVID-19.
In this blog post, we'll explore the reasons behind the resurgence of these testing requirements, how they influence your college application strategy, and provide simple guidance to help students adapt to these changes. To watch our video where we walk through this and our specific guidance, head to https://youtu.be/4Wm_PMBG_cQ
Why Might Colleges Be Doing This?
The decision to reinstate SAT and ACT requirements may stem from multiple factors, including concerns that test-optional policies might disadvantage students from lower-income families. Furthermore, the pandemic-induced influx of applications has significantly affected college admissions dynamics.
The initial push towards test-optional admissions led to a dramatic increase in applications, as students who previously might not have applied due to standardized test scores entered the fray. This application surge has contributed to a highly competitive environment, with colleges becoming increasingly selective and admissions decisions more subjective.
This move to subjectivity in college admissions shows how critical both numbers and detailed evaluations are. Schools are putting up hurdles, like needing SAT/ACT scores and complex essay questions, to control how many applications they receive to keep their selection process and decisions less subjective. These updates make it clear that students aiming for top-tier colleges should really focus on doing well on standardized tests, but not at the expense of their grades.
How To Deal With The Reinstated Requirements
Given these developments, students' approach to college applications must be strategic and informed. Here's how:
As a Junior
If you're aiming for schools that now require or prefer SAT/ACT scores and you haven't taken these exams, it's important to plan. Dedicate 60-90 hours of study time, focusing on areas of weakness identified through practice tests. Balancing this preparation with maintaining strong academic performance is essential, emphasizing the importance of not compromising grades for test prep.
As a Sophomore
Take the practice SAT and ACT tests cold and determine which test is better for you. The ACT and SAT are incredibly different tests. After assessing your performance, commit to a rigorous study schedule to prepare for the official tests in your junior year. This preparation is key to avoiding last-minute stress and ensuring that your senior year can focus on applications rather than testing.
As a Freshman
While the immediate changes may not affect you, staying informed and preparing early can only benefit your college application process. Familiarizing yourself with the expectations and starting early test prep can provide a significant advantage.
The Takeaway
As the process of college admissions keeps changing, the importance of being well-prepared and informed cannot be overstated. The reintroduction of SAT and ACT requirements represents a return to more traditional evaluation metrics, making standardized test preparation a critical component of college readiness.
Whether you're a freshman just starting to think about college or a junior navigating these new requirements, remember that resources and support are available to guide you through this process.
We understand the challenges that come with these changes and are here to assist every step of the way. From determining the right schools to targeting to mastering the SAT or ACT, we're committed to helping students achieve their college aspirations. Book a consultation with us now!
About Advantage College Planning:
Advantage College Planning East Bay fosters academic excellence and personal growth, guiding students to success in high school, college, and beyond.
Our industry-crafted curriculum and data-informed strategies not only enhance college admissions prospects but also challenge students to truly understand themselves and their ambitions. Our consultants are local and are experts in their markets.
By focusing on both academic achievement and self-discovery, we ensure students are well-prepared, confident, and poised for lasting success.