What are standardized tests?

In the US, most students take the SAT or ACT as part of the college application process. The idea is that these tests will provide a level playing field for comparing students from different backgrounds and schools. Whether that’s really the case is up for debate. My personal opinion is that these tests are more trouble and stress than they’re worth, but for now they they’re a necessary part of college admissions for most students!

Why should my child prepare for these tests? Aren’t they designed to be unpreppable?

Good question! The SAT and ACT are very strange tests, but they are also extremely predictable and preparing for them is invaluable. Understandably, most students and parents have no idea what it takes to really master these tests. Memorizing endless equations and grammar rules? Nope. Grinding countless practice tests without analyzing test strategies? Absolutely not. What really helps students with these tests is understanding that the test is opponents—just like a game of chess or a tennis match. The test is trying to trip them up! Once they see that, and how the test achieves this goal, they can adapt and beat the test at its own game. Helping them see how the test works and how to control their decisions on every question, whether easy or difficult, is what I’ve been helping kids with throughout my career.

What do the tests test?

The SAT and ACT are both very different from the tests kids take in school. Students will need to memorize some equations and study some punctuation, but most errors on these tests are not content errors. Most mistakes are either bad strategy or “silly” mistakes. While I review all content that might show up on these test with every student, I find that most of our work consists of building flexibility and precision.

Which is better, the SAT or the ACT?

Short answer: most students will do approximately the same on either test. There are exceptions, but in my experience, the SAT vs. ACT question is more about the comfort level of the student than the final outcome of scores because the scores will likely be similar. That said, the ACT has more punishing timing and an extra section (Science). Also, I’m cautiously optimistic that the new Digital SAT will be easier to prep for, but it’s too soon into the lifespan of that test to be absolutely sure. Another important consideration is that most colleges Superscore SAT scores, but most don’t for the ACT. (Superscoring is the practice of taking an applicant’s best scores on each section, regardless of whether those best scores came on the same day. I have no idea why more schools don’t do this for the ACT.)

When should students take the test?

I recommend taking the test for the first time sometime during junior year, although some students can benefit from getting it out of the way during their sophomore year. Other than that, I’d recommend scheduling the test during a slower season if possible. There is no “easier” test date or any test dates that colleges look at any differently.

What kind of score improvement is realistic?

I generally advise aiming for about a 100-point improvement on each SAT section, but this varies widely among students. It’s generally easier to improve Math than Verbal, although I’m quite optimistic about Verbal improvements on the Digital SAT. It’s also generally easier to improve from lower scores, so going from a 550 to a 650 is usually easier than going from a 650 to a 750.

What role does the SAT or ACT play in college admissions?

It depends! There are so many colleges out there, each with its own admissions process, that it’s impossible to answer this question definitively. I can only say that, in my experience, these tests are still very important at most schools, especially highly competitive schools. Such schools are seeing a lot of grade inflation and are thus looking more at test scores than ever before. For a more detailed answer, I recommend talking to a college admission expert. I can recommend some if needed!

Aren’t more school going “test-optional” every year, especially after COVID?

Yes! And I think this trend is a good thing. College admissions should be as individualized as possible. But it’s also true that most colleges still rely on test scores as a large part of admissions decisions. During the pandemic, many schools went test-optional because students simply couldn’t access the tests. For the most part, unless a school was test-optional before COVID, they expect students to submit test scores if they have access to the test.