Since its inception in 1926, the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) has encountered its fair share of controversy, from a lack of equity to skepticism regarding its validity in predicting a student’s success in college. Over the past few years, more and more colleges have announced a test optional or test flexible admissions policy, which does not penalize students who do not submit SAT or ACT scores. The majority of colleges remain test optional, meaning students can more than likely decide if they want to submit test scores or not.
So why should you consider taking the test at all? Here’s why:
Even if all the schools you plan on applying to have adopted test optional policies and you meet the academic requirements, it’s always a good idea to keep your options open and take the SAT or ACT. It’s better to have test scores and not need them than to need them at the last minute and not have them. If you have already submitted scores to a test optional school but decide you do not want the SAT or ACT scores factored into your application, you can select that you are applying test optional in the common app or coalition app.
If your top schools’ average admitted GPA ranges are higher than yours, a competitive SAT score could improve your prospect for acceptance. Maybe your physics teacher didn’t give out a grade higher than a C, or your final grades dipped sophomore year because of a personal obstacle or challenge. If your grades don’t reflect your academic abilities, you can leverage SAT or ACT scores to showcase what you are capable of. In this case, test scores can enhance your application by adding an additional component to your academic performance.
SAT/ACT scores may also still be required for certain programs or Honors Colleges, even if admission to the university is test optional. For example, VCU still requires SAT/ACT scores for guaranteed admissions programs, such as medicine, nursing, and physical therapy.
In addition to being used for admissions decisions, SAT or ACT scores can influence which scholarships you receive, or even which ones you qualify for. If you don’t take the SAT or ACT, your scholarship selection may be limited. Since merit based financial aid is determined by academic performance, SAT scores can boost the amount of aid money you receive. And with the high cost of a post-secondary education, every little bit helps!
Finally, if you are strongly considering community college you might wonder why you should take the SAT as it is not a requirement for admissions. Did you know many community colleges accept SAT or ACT scores in lieu of the entrance math and English placement tests? Results from these placement tests are used to determine if you are ready for college-level English and math classes; however, the SAT does that as well. Northern Virginia Community College accepts a minimum score of 480 on the SAT reading section for placement into college level English classes and a minimum score of 510 on the SAT Math section for placement into college level math classes. Keep in mind, SAT scores are only valid for two years.
While many colleges and universities may have waived the SAT/ACT requirement, some have not because it provides an additional factor to consider when evaluating highly competitive college applicants. If SAT/ACT scores are not submitted, more weight will be given to GPA, rigor of curriculum, and extracurricular activities.
Before deciding against taking the SAT, consider these benefits of sitting for the test. Still not convinced? Give us a call!