Test-Optional Morass
Time to wade into this major change and its implications for your student.
A bit of history is in order. The Godzilla version of the SAT appeared almost 100 years ago, and the ACT less than 50 later. The debate as to their intent, value, fairness, & impacts has not stopped since. For the sake of time, let’s leave that conversation for another day.
Because of issues of fairness, over 1/3 of all colleges and universities have made the ACT/SAT test optional for admissions starting in 2021. More schools are coming on board every month. Believe me, this is a relief for many parents and students. A whole industry rose up to coach students on how to meet and beat these difficult tests. Before you celebrate too much, step back and think a bit. How will this impact my student, and what matters NOW?
According to the State Of College Admission (SOCA) report of 2019, these are the top 5 areas admissions counselors focus on, in order of importance.
Overall High School Grade Point Average. No surprise here. What’s surprising to me is how few parents understand a 4.0grade point average is no longer the Holy Grail for grades. In today’s high school, you might earn a 5.21 and still not be the valedictorian. Chapter 4 in my book, ENOUGH! The College Cost Crisis helps you see that not all high school courses count the same. As a parent, you need to KNOW this. Good grades in tougher courses create a better grade point average.
Grades in College Preparatory courses. These are the International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses. Today, Honors courses are considered a “middle of the academic road” challenge. Remember, a B in an Advanced Placement course is considered an A in an Honors course. Refer back to the #1 paragraph and to my book.
Strength of Curriculum. This is a polite way of telling you they will be rating your high school against other high schools for academic strength. It would not surprise me if a large University system consulted internal data about college performance rates of every high school student they admitted. You can’t control where you attend public high school. But you are in charge of how well you do academically while there.
Admissions Test Scores. So- here’s the big question. DO I submit my ACT or SAT scores? The answer is simple but hard to determine. YES, turn in your scores if they are particularly high and your gpa is equally impressive NO, if the test scores are below the mid-range of the university/college you want to attend. You may want to consult with a high school academic counselor on the most current strategies in this new test-less era.
Essay. Now that the Test Scores are optional, the essay is more critical than ever. I would put a good bit of thought and effort into this aspect, especially if my grades were on the bubble. And please- don’t even think of writing anything about how Covid-19 impacted you unless it is a unique and exceptional story. Admissions is reading thousands of those essays and they all look the same.
As my daddy often said, “There’s a price for everything.” How you perform academically in high school has a more direct impact on admission AND scholarships than ever before. Your student owns the portfolio she/he presents to the admissions department of any University or college. Make it the best it can be!
Next week, let’s share another, catastrophic trend for parents and even grandparents. You don’t want to miss it!
Until Next Time,
All My Best,
Bonnie Burkett
