I am sitting in front of my computer for hours each day, tutoring online, Zooming with family and friends, and allowing my muscles to tighten. I’m in desperate need of a good stretch because now, more than ever, I need to be flexible.
Yesterday, the CollegeBoard, citing student safety, announced the cancellation of its June SAT. The next SAT is slated for August, and if public gatherings are still deemed unsafe at that time, the CollegeBoard has promised to offer an online option. The ACT has scheduled June and July test dates and has not canceled either of these tests . . . yet.
Meanwhile, colleges are increasingly turning to a test-optional status for the next admissions cycle, so students and parents are left to decide how to proceed with testing and with test prep during very uncertain times.
Is testing still important?
I firmly believe that any college, test optional or not, is more apt to admit a student with a strong record if that record has been confirmed by test scores, so I recommend prioritizing and pursuing testing and prep if economically feasible. I highly recommend this plan if the student’s test scores will likely bolster his or her record or if any of the student’s preferred colleges still require testing. A thorough review of the current testing requirements for the colleges on the student’s list, along with consultation with his or her college counselor, is advised.
Will my student’s scores likely boost his or her application? The best indicators of a student’s potential for successful testing are a combination of proven results (past scores on similar standardized tests – the PSAT, the pre-ACT, the SAT, and the ACT, most notably), the student’s work ethic, and the student’s enthusiasm. Keep in mind, however, that if a rising senior, by fall’s end, is ultimately not a “successful” test taker because he or she is unable to produce scores worthy of submission, in many circumstances, he or she will not need to submit those scores. Few colleges require students to submit all scores from all sittings. Indeed, in light of the many lost opportunities to improve scores during this testing season, I anticipate that colleges that continue to require the submission of all scores will draw rightful criticism. Accordingly, the primary deterrents from pursuing testing - the loss of time, energy, and money - are likely, at most, what any student’s family stands to lose.
Summer jobs and internships, camps, college visits, college applications, online schooling, sports, and, of course, AP exams and standardized testing are now weighty concerns for our children. Flexibility and adaptability are life skills to target for nurturing. . . good decision making, too.
I need to resume my yoga practice!