Should I Still Take the SAT or ACT Even If Schools Are Going Test Optional?
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The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the testing industry in many ways, including SAT and ACT exams. Many universities in the United States and Canada have decided to go test optional for the year 2021 and beyond. This means that students have the choice to submit their SAT or ACT scores as part of their college application or not. The question is, should you still take these exams even though they are not required by some colleges and universities? In this blog post, we will weigh the pros and cons of taking the SAT or ACT and provide some guidance on whether you should report your scores or not.
Pros of Taking the SAT or ACT:
1. Attention on Strengths and Weaknesses: By taking the SAT or ACT, you will have a better idea of your academic strengths and weaknesses. You can use this information to focus on improving your weaker areas and showcase your strengths in other parts of your application, such as essays or recommendations.
2. More Competitive Applicant: If you receive high scores on the SAT or ACT, it can make you a more competitive applicant for college. Although test scores are not the only factor colleges consider, they are still an important part of the application process.
3. Scholarship Opportunities: Some colleges and universities offer scholarships based on SAT or ACT scores, even though they are test optional. If you take the exam and do well, you may qualify for these scholarships, which can significantly reduce the cost of your college education.
Cons of Taking the SAT or ACT:
1. Added Stress: Studying for and taking the SAT or ACT can add stress to an already stressful time in your life. With the pandemic causing chaos in many areas, it may be one more thing to worry about.
2. Time and Money: Preparing for and taking the SAT or ACT can be time-consuming and expensive. It takes time to study and money to register for the exam. If you decide not to report your scores to test-optional schools, you may feel like the time and money was wasted.
3. Test Anxiety: Some students may suffer from test anxiety, making the experience of taking the SAT or ACT unpleasant and challenging. This can lead to lower scores and further stress.
Should You Report Your Scores?
If you choose to take the SAT or ACT, and receive high scores, you may be wondering if you should report your scores to test-optional schools. One thing to consider is whether your SAT or ACT scores are in line with your entire academic record. If your test scores are lower than what you typically achieve in the classroom, it may not be worth submitting them. However, if your test scores are consistently high and complement your grades and other achievements, it may be a good idea to report them. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether reporting your scores is beneficial to your college application.
In conclusion, whether or not you take the SAT or ACT if your school is test optional is a personal decision. If you feel like taking the exam and think it would benefit your application, go ahead and do it. However, if you choose not to take the exam, it will not necessarily hurt your chances of being admitted to college or university. Remember that although colleges are going test optional, each institution is different, and it's important to research the requirements of the schools you're interested in and weigh your options carefully.
