2022–23 UPDATE
Yes, many colleges have gone for test-optional or test-blind admissions since 2021, and many of those campuses are keeping that in place through at least 2025. Some are keeping it indefinitely. But if MIT is any indication, there’s a number of universities out there that want to reinstate testing. But none of the admissions offices want to be the first to admit it.
The fact is that going test-optional or test-blind has a marked effect on applicant numbers, as students who wouldn’t apply to some reach colleges due to poor testing results now feel emboldened to apply anyway. This pushes down acceptances rates, which makes colleges look more exclusive, and therefore more desirable. But it comes with some trade-offs in terms of putting the university’s 4-year graduation and long-term success rates at risk if the admissions office admits students who aren’t a good fit academically. But some early reports have shown that, despite admissions at some schools being “test optional,” students who submitted test scores tended to receive acceptances at higher rates. Whether this is a causal relationship or merely correlative isn’t clear, but it’s worth noting. Also, even at test-optional schools, awarding merit scholarships often relies on standardized test scores. Your student may consider taking these tests for that reason.
Expect testing policies to be in flux for the next few years while admissions offices sort through their data and track their classes of 2025–2026 to see how they fare. The new, adaptive SAT may also put an unexpected spin on college testing decisions, as well. But unless all schools go test-blind, you should still consider the SAT or ACT as part of your college admissions strategy.
WHICH TEST DO YOU TAKE?
This could be the topic of an article in itself, but I’ll try to keep it brief. Plenty of resources out there will provide a comprehensive analysis of the SAT and ACT, highlighting their differences; Compass Prep provides probably the most comprehensive analysis in their “Compass Guide to College Admissions Testing,” and Applerouth provides the easiest to digest analysis.
In general, however, you want to consider a few key differences between the tests.
Timing
Both tests are about 3 hours long, but the ACT asks far more questions in that time. The result is that the ACT gives you ~50.5 seconds per question on average, with a low of 36s/question on the English section, and a high of 60s/question on the Math. The SAT, on the other hand, gives an average of 68.6s/question, with a low of 48s/question on the Writing, and a high of 83s/question on the Math. If your student isn’t comfortable processing information quickly, then you may want to consider the SAT.
Subjects
Arguably, the Math section is going to differ most between the two tests. The SAT puts far more emphasis on Algebra and Data Analysis, while the ACT covers far more Geometry. The SAT also has a no-calculator section, and a dozen or so questions that the student must calculate and fill-in, where the ACT is all multiple choice.
The Reading section is another major source of difference: the SAT provides far more complicated passages that will test your student’s reading comprehension and understanding. The test asks more analytical questions, and asks your student to provide evidence to support their answers. On the plus side, the questions are organized to match the passage: earlier questions cover content earlier in the reading, later questions cover the latter parts of the passage. The ACT passages are overall simpler, and the questions more straightforward, but you have less time to answer them all.
Finally, the ACT has a Science section that the SAT does not have. The SAT tests “Science” by using charts and tables to integrate data into the Math and Reading sections, asking students to interpret data and draw conclusions. The Science section on the ACT is rather challenging, but it tests logic and the student’s ability to read charts, tables, and diagrams less than their core Science knowledge, though some background knowledge will be necessary on the test (precisely on which subjects varies from test-to-test).
Performance
Your student ideally should take practice tests for both the SAT and ACT and determine which they perform better on before committing to one test or the other. Some students fare far better with the more direct question style of the ACT. Other students don’t mind the slightly more complex material on the SAT since they prefer having more time to consider the information before formulating an answer. There really is no right answer here.
WHEN DO YOU TAKE THE STANDARDIZED TESTS?
This is where things get trickier. Ideally, students should wait until they have completed Algebra II before worrying about the SAT or ACT, as that’s the highest level of math assessed on those exams. Some students take Algebra II as freshmen or sophomores in an effort to reach AP Calculus B/C by senior year, which makes life easier. In that case, students should use the summer before and fall of junior year to study because that’s they will take the PSAT11/NMSQT. They can often use the PSAT11 to gauge performance, and take the tests in November, December, February, or March, and finish well before the crush of AP testing begins. If they’re not happy with their scores by then, they can brush up after AP tests have concluded in May and try the June–August testing dates for a final crack at raising their scores as the application busy period begins.
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But if you follow typical math tracking, Algebra II is often a junior-level course in many California schools. This presents a problem because junior year is the year many students load themselves down with AP classes. Students definitely want to maintain their GPA first and foremost, and do well on those AP tests, too. So when do you prepare for the SAT/ACT?
Of course the easiest answer is, “it depends,” but that’s hardly ever helpful. For many students, test prep can begin mid-way through Algebra II, so around December-January. Using the holiday break is a good idea to get some intense time in with some test prep books or to take a tutoring course if a student needs additional support. If they feel prepared, students can attempt the February ACT or March SAT. This often provides a good baseline of scores, and for a small additional charge, you can purchase the answer booklet and a copy of the test so the student can go through it after. This is usually worth doing the first time around. After the Feb/March test, focus on AP tests through May. The SAT and ACT both have a June test that students can prepare for as soon as AP tests are done. If they still don’t feel satisfied with their scores, study over the summer and sign up for the July ACT or August SAT. If that’s the third test attempt, it’s usually a good idea to stop. Scores don’t tend to increase much after that (of course, whether your student takes the test more than 3 times is a personal decision, if there’s a sense they can study and significantly improve, then great!). If that’s their second attempt, then perhaps consider the fall test dates if they still think they can improve their scores.
The last realistic opportunity to take these tests is September (ACT) and October (SAT) for most EA or November application dates (and the Oct SAT date is pushing it for many EA deadlines). If your student has any January application deadlines, they can absolutely sign up to keep taking the test. But do know that they should prioritize their GPA, extracurriculars, and applications in the fall of senior year, and test prep can be a serious hindrance to these other priorities. Ideally students should not keep testing after the October SAT so they can do well on their other priorities.
Developing a testing strategy that will work for your student is one thing that an IEC can help with as part of the application process.
Want to plan a tailored strategy for your child? Book a free consultation today! We will listen to your and your child’s needs and tell you how we would help before you sign up.