It was only a few weeks ago that College Board insisted that the June 6th SAT test date was set in stone. A lot has changed since then, and, unsurprisingly, the June 6th test date was tossed in the trash. ACT is also having to think on their toes, and while they still have two summer test dates scheduled, we would be surprised if they happen. Students most likely won’t be able to take either of these two crucial tests until the fall — and even that isn’t guaranteed! We’re getting a lot of questions about how to deal with SAT and ACT prep given the frequent schedule shifts and test date uncertainty, so here is our best advice:
If you already have SAT or ACT scores that you are happy with:
If you have taken the SAT, ACT, or both, already and are satisfied with your scores, but just wanted to see if you could inch them up a bit, stop stressing, and cut yourself some slack. Now is not the time to agonize over a few points. This is especially true as the number of schools that have decided to go test-optional for at least the next college application cycle increases daily. Cornell is just one of the top tier (Hello, Ivy) universities that have declared the SAT/ACT optional for 2020/2021 applications. More are going to follow suit.
If you have an excellent score you just wanted to try to push northward, use this time to expand your interests and explore new subjects, not taking practice tests.
If you have not taken the SAT/ACT or are not happy with your scores, you have two options…
Option A: Deprioritize the SAT and ACT
If you have not taken the SAT or the ACT and are stressing about preparing yourself for a fall test date, you do have the option of choosing not to take either of them…at all. As we mentioned above, schools that have never seriously considered going test-optional are going test-optional en masse. This means you can apply to Cornell, USC, and a multitude of other top tier colleges without an SAT or ACT score. Congrats! That’s awesome! But, you must recognize and be okay with the fact that you are committing to not being able to apply to many schools that will not go test-optional. And that applying to many schools without a test, even schools like Cornell who say they are test-optional, might negatively affect your chances.
Before you get too excited, though, you will still be competing for admission against other students who did send in a score, so you’re going to have to up your game in other areas of your life.
If you choose to skip taking a standardized test, you absolutely must take this time to develop a hobby that will augment your application. This is not optional. It is mandatory if you want a significant chance of being accepted without submitting scores. The good news is that we’ve got advice.
Option B: Reprioritize the SAT and ACT
If you haven’t taken the SAT or ACT and do want to submit scores, you need to use the time you have now to set yourself up for success. You also need to be developing a new passion, but on top of that, you must be preparing to take either or both tests this fall.
If you have not already been preparing for the SAT/ACT from home, the first step towards preparation is taking inventory of your resources. Luckily, the resources you have available to you now are nearly the same as they were before the pandemic.
College Board and ACT Websites: Both the College Board and ACT offer test prep resources, including practice tests, an SAT Daily Practice app, and live prep sessions, through their websites.
Videos: In addition to the video resources College Board and the ACT provide, there are many other video test prep options!
Books: Remember those things? Test prep books are tried and true methods of getting test-ready.
Practice Tests: Take them. A lot of them.
A Tutor: If you were working with a test prep tutor before the pandemic, ask them if you can take your sessions online. If you weren’t working with anyone, many tutors are ready and willing to work with you over Skype, Zoom, or another video platform.
Whatever resources you choose to take advantage of, you need to make test prep a part of your daily life. Repetition is critical to success, especially since you can’t be sure when, exactly, you’ll be taking the test.
If you are struggling to imagine your future as a college student right now, send us an email. We help students realize their highest potential, especially when things are uncertain.