Ask the Consultant

Q: I took the SAT this past weekend and don't think I did so well. I was hoping to apply to a few schools early action. Will I have time to take it again?

A: First of all, take a deep breath! We often have students tell us that they "bombed" a test initially, and then are pleasantly surprised with the results.  Good news!  Most colleges will consider October or even November SATs, or September ACTs, for consideration for early action. As always, check the college website or call the admission office to confirm!

There is still time!

You can indicate on your Common Application or Coalition Application that you are planning to take a test in the future, which will signal to the college admission team that they need to wait for that score to render a decision. Just make sure that you send an official score report to each college via the College Board or ACT website as soon as scores are released. You can then go back into your Common or Coalition app and update the testing section with your better scores! 

AP Scores Are Out!

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Did You Know? Many Colleges are Test Optional

Did you know that over 950 accredited colleges and universities are either test-optional or test-flexible - and the list is growing?  This means that many schools don’t require either the SAT or the ACT for some or all applicants, including half of the national liberal arts schools ranked in the “Top 100” by the recently published U.S. News “Best Colleges” guide.  Some will exempt students who meet a minimum GPA or only use standardized test scores for course placement purposes. Others may accept SAT subject tests, or AP or IB test scores in lieu of an SAT or ACT.  This trend reflects the growing body of evidence that standardized test scores aren’t always a fair or reliable predictor of college readiness and many institutions who have gone test optional feel that they can more accurately gauge readiness by considering other factors in a student’s record and application.  

Schools that are test optional emphasize that you will not be at a disadvantage if you do not submit standardized test scores.  But do your homework! Some test optional institutions require the submission of scores to qualify for merit money, to be considered for honors programs, or to apply to specific programs. 

Of course, if your scores are higher than average for the school, you may benefit from submitting them.  Fairtest has a searchable database of schools that are test optional and test flexible as well as more information on the growing dialog about standardized testing.

SAT Offered for the First Time in August

For the first time ever, College Board is offering students the opportunity to take the SAT and SAT Subject Tests in August.  So, pack your SAT prep book in your beach bag and get ready! The registration deadline for the August 26th exam is July 28th.