Should You Even Take the SAT or ACT?

Today, I’d like to let you know why taking the SAT or ACT is still an important part of the college application process.

Many colleges are test-optional these days; this fact has led many high school students and guidance counselors to believe the SAT and ACT are no longer necessary.

However, that’s just not true. A growing list of elite colleges has returned to requiring test scores from all applicants. Additionally, many other colleges continue to use these scores for things like scholarships and even course placement.

Even some test-blind colleges, like the University of California schools, still use these tests for class placement.

Ultimately, you have to consider who you’re competing against throughout the admissions process. If other students have grades and academic rigor similar to yours, but you have the test scores and they don’t, your application is more likely to stand out.

Some colleges even wait until the last minute (sometimes as late as July or August) to announce that they’ll require SAT or ACT scores for that admissions cycle. At that point, students who put off taking the test throughout junior year because they thought it wasn’t necessary find themselves scrambling to fit test preparation and testing into an already busy schedule of applications, fall sports, new classes, and homework.

That’s why it’s a good idea to take the SAT or ACT during your junior year.

Finish it before the end of the school year so that you can focus on your next project, knowing you have scores ready to send to most or all of the colleges on your list.

The bottom line is that it’s better to have great scores and not need them than to need great scores and not have them.

Would you like a helping hand in securing your highest potential score? We’re only a call or email away. Reach out to us at 732-556-8220 or Questions@SolutionPrep.com. We’re here to help!