Now that the October 2021 PSAT is done, “Should I take the SAT/ACT or not?” is the refrain of Class of 2023 high school juniors and their parents. And, understandably so. While the University of California (UC) system, Cornell University and Stanford University are clear that current Class of 2023 juniors will not need to submit SAT or ACT scores, fewer universities have announced their admissions testing policies for Fall 2023, including the 23 campus California State University (CSU) system.
While Cornell University is a notable exception announcing the extension of test-free/test-optional policies for Fall 2023 admissions, other notable colleges, like Georgetown University and all public universities in Georgia including Georgia Tech and University of Georgia, have all reinstituted SAT/ACT requirements for the current Fall 2022 admissions cycle.
Thus, Class of 2023 high school juniors and their families are understandably confused, not sure if they should spend time preparing, which not only includes practicing SAT/ACT problems but also mentally preparing to take the SAT/ACT in the next twelve (12) months.
Some advice to consider when determining whether or not to take the SAT or ACT:
- Taking the SAT/ACT, Juniors can ensure being qualified for any college to which they apply, should college admissions officers reverse their current test-optional/test-free/test-blind policies.
- Taking the SAT/ACT starting in Fall 2021 or Spring 2022, students can retake the SAT or ACT at least one more time to improve scores. (Class of 2023 Juniors can take the SAT or ACT through the December 2022 test dates and include their scores in Fall 2023 college applications.)
- For students who can demonstrate their aptitude via a standardized test score, they may want to take the SAT or ACT to submit with their college applications.
- If a student is less confident in their test-taking abilities, who still believe they should take the test, should strategize how to prepare for the SAT or ACT over the next several months, instead of hurriedly preparing for the tests during Summer 2022.
In the current state of uncertainty, Class of 2023 high school juniors would be prudent to take the SAT or ACT at least once. Then, in Spring 2022, once more college admissions officers announce their official Fall 2023 testing policies, then students can recalibrate their testing strategy, if needed.
Jill Yoshikawa can help any student prepare for the SAT or ACT. As an educator, she’ll devise an individualized test preparation strategy, focused on improving a student’s test-taking skills. Contact Jill for more information regarding test preparation services.
