To test or not to test? That is the question.
We expect that the class of 2023 will have a clear path ahead when it comes to College Admission Testing, but what about the class of 2022?
There is a clear answer from the two public university systems in California, with the bottom line that UCs and CSUs will not require SAT or ACT exams for admission consideration for the class of 2022.
What about the rest of the schools in the United States? Even for the class of 2021, the answer is that “it depends”. While over 2/3 of the country's colleges/universities have gone test-optional, there are currently several who retain the SAT or ACT requirement; Florida public schools as an example.
And, even though Babson and Stanford were test optional for the Class of 2021, like hundreds of other schools across the nation, as of today, they have not yet reported their testing policy for the Class of 2022.
But then you have Rutgers who just announced that “Due to the uncertainty of future test dates and availability of standardized tests, Rutgers will make submission of SAT and ACT test scores optional for students applying for fall 2022. For those students who are required to submit an English Proficiency Examination, we will continue accepting additional tests, including the Duolingo English Test and the TOEFL IBT Home Edition.”
Harvey Mudd already made their stance clear…“In February of last year we announced that we would no longer be considering SAT subject tests in our process, and in June we announced that we would be SAT and ACT optional for the next two years (for students graduating in 2021 and 2022).”
So, everyone seems to be doing their own thing. Which leads us back to the question…To test or not to test? How are students supposed to know the right course of action when NOW is the time they are normally prepping for and signing up to take the SAT and ACT exams?
Here are some tips to help you get through these ambiguous times:
- If safe and available, sign up for an exam to cover your bases. The exams are offered through December of 12th grade. So you don’t have to frantically find a way to take a test right now.
- Try not to let this cause you stress. Take comfort in the fact that thousands of schools are already test-optional and most are likely to remain that way for at least the class of 2022.
- If you have a dream school in mind, monitor their website for updates on admission requirements. Or, for an accurate, up-to-date list of test-optional or test-blind schools, visit: http://fairtest.org/university/optional.
- Focus on academics and extra-curricular activities. These elements of the college application are becoming increasingly valuable in light of the test-optional trend.
- Engage in test prep and mock exams at home while you wait for colleges to update their policies. However, never engage in test prep over academics!
- Ask your school counselor for advice and insights on the testing plans at your school.
If you would like additional support with the college research and planning process, contact us today for a FREE consultation. We are here to help.
References:
From the University of California system:
“UC will no longer collect SAT Essay or ACT Writing test scores even if you choose to submit general test scores as part of your admissions application.
SAT Subject Tests aren’t required, but they’re recommended for certain selective majors.”
Taken from: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/admission-requirements/freshman-requirements/exam-requirement/ on January 4, 2021.
“UC Office of the President Thursday, May 21, 2020
Nov. 24, 2020 update to May 21, 2020 release: Subsequent events have changed how the University of California will evaluate applications for Fall 2021 admissions. UC will not consider SAT or ACT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding Regents and Chancellor’s scholarships. For students who choose to submit standardized test scores as part of their applications, the University may use them to determine eligibility for the California statewide admissions guarantee, as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility, or for course placement after they enroll.
The University of California Board of Regents today (May 21) unanimously approved the suspension of the standardized test requirement (ACT/SAT) for all California freshman applicants until fall 2024. The suspension will allow the University to create a new test that better aligns with the content the University expects students to have mastered for college readiness. However, if a new test does not meet specified criteria in time for fall 2025 admission, UC will eliminate the standardized testing requirement for California students.”
Taken from: https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/press-room/university-california-board-regents-approves-changes-standardized-testing-requirement on January 4, 2021.
From the California State University (CSU)
"The California State University (CSU) will continue to temporarily suspend the use of ACT/SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility for all CSU campuses for the 2022-2023 academic year. This temporary change of admission eligibility applies for the following terms: Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023 and Spring 2023 admission cycles."
Taken from: https://www2.calstate.edu/