Standardized testing. A simple phrase that has such a powerful impact on the psyche of high school students. Two little words that embody the power to predict the future for a vast number of students. While we can heartily agree that none of us would like to relive the high school years of standardized test taking, we can offer some words of wisdom that might help you to navigate the process of understanding the basics. This blog post will not cover every nuance of test taking— there are many topics that we will not get into here but will likely cover in future posts.

Upon completing this post, we want you to understand some timely information about standardized testing. We’re going to give you some relevant facts to ponder. If you are left wanting more information about standardized testing, please reach out to us. We’d be happy to offer additional advice. It’s what we do best!

When are the SAT and ACT offered?

Starting this year ACT will begin offering a July test date. This is to keep the ACT on par with the SAT which started offering an August test date. These summer dates will be best utilized by rising seniors. We are not recommending that rising juniors (students between 10th and 11th grades) sit for the summer test dates. 

There is one important detail you might miss in the fine print. The July ACT will not be offered in California. The July and February ACT dates are not offered in New York. This is due to state laws regarding testing and disclosure. If you seek to take the ACT in July you will not be able to do so in California or New York.

For the best information about test dates and registration go straight to the source. Click this link to get the upcoming SAT dates for US locations. Click this link for upcoming international SAT dates. Click this link for ACT dates.

 *Confirmed international test dates

 No test centers are scheduled in New York for February and July test dates. No test centers are scheduled in California for the July test date.

*Confirmed international test dates

When should I take the SAT and/or ACT?

We recommend that all students take at least one full length practice SAT and ACT at the beginning of the junior year. Some students test better on one exam or the other. While colleges will accept either the SAT or ACT, and no preference is given to one exam, it benefits students to see which test best suits their skill set. Once the determination is made SAT, ACT, or for some students both, students should start with official testing in the winter/spring of the junior year. Additional testing can be done over the summer or in the fall of senior year. 

We’ve found that sitting for the test more than three times does not show a significant increase in test score. Keep in mind that some colleges want to review scores from EVERY testing while others only request the highest score attained by the student.

Should I take the SAT or ACT with writing?

We frequently get this question from students. It has been our experience that at least one testing should be taken with writing as students will probably not have their full college list completed at the time of testing. Some colleges continue to require the SAT or ACT with writing, and it would be a shame to learn this information late in the process. Colleges that don’t require the writing section will disregard the score if it is sent with a student’s application. So, my answer is yes – take the SAT/ACT with writing – to make sure you keep as many college options open to you as possible.

What is score choice?

Score choice allows students to submit the scores from the test dates they select. Had a bad day and a weaker test score as a result? No need to send those scores. It’s important for students to realize that all of the scores from a single test date must be submitted— for instance students can’t pick and choose math from one date and reading from another.

However as mentioned above some colleges require students to submit ALL test scores from all test dates. It’s important to research each college’s requirements individually.

What is superscoring?

Superscoring is just as cool as it sounds. For the colleges that super score, test sections are looked at individually and the highest test scores are used for admission purposes. For instance if a student has taken the SAT three times, the highest scores for math, reading and writing (if applicable) will be considered even if they were received on three different dates. Superscoring for the SAT is far more common than for the ACT. Check individual college websites for specific details.

What about test optional schools?

There are a growing number of colleges that allow for test optional admissions. That means that applicants are not required to submit standardized test scores in order to be considered for admission. Applications are reviewed without test scores. Transcript, recommendations, extracurricular activities and essays are used for determining admission. Some of these colleges will request additional information from applicants— additional essays, a graded writing sample, an interview. Click here to link to FairTest, a great site that outlines test optional and test flexible colleges.

As always if you have further questions reach out to our team of counselors. We’d love to speak with you and answer your questions.