Standardized Testing is Changing. Is Your Teen Ready?

Today, let's delve into the evolution of standardized testing and how it impacts your teen's journey toward higher education.

Understanding the Digital Shift

The SAT® and PSAT-related assessments are going fully digital. As part of that shift, the tests will also be adaptive.  In adaptive testing, the questions a student encounters as they move through the test depends on how they answered the prior questions. The introduction of the digital SAT begins tomorrow, March 9, and signals a shift in testing methods. This transition brings challenges and opportunities for students navigating the college admissions process.

The SAT and PSAT-related assessments use a multistage adaptive design. Each test section (Reading and Writing, and Math) is divided into two equal-length, separately timed parts called modules. Students will need to answer a set of questions in the first module before moving on to the next. The questions they’re given in the second module depend on how they performed on the first module.

Test-Optional Policies: A Double-edged Sword

The test-optional trend gained momentum during the pandemic, providing flexibility for applicants. However, it's crucial to note that not all schools have embraced this policy. Currently, approximately 900 schools remain test-optional, but institutions like MIT, the University of Georgia, Dartmouth, Yale, and the University of Florida have reinstated testing requirements.

Do You Know Why Standardized Testing Still Matters?

While the debate around test-optional policies continues, I advocate for a strategic approach to testing. Even for schools with test-optional policies, taking the test can open doors to scholarships and enhance your teen's application. In a competitive admissions climate, being prepared with test scores can make a difference in gaining admission and securing merit-based financial aid.

The Merit Scholarship Advantage

Standardized testing can be a key differentiator because most colleges admit 60 to 65% of their applicants. Merit scholarships often consider test scores, making them a valuable asset in the competitive world of college admissions. Your teen's performance on standardized tests may even influence the timing of their admission.

When to Start Preparing

Timing is crucial when it comes to standardized testing. Consider a diagnostic test at the end of sophomore year or the beginning of junior year. Utilize part of junior year for preparation, aiming to avoid dragging standardized testing into the fall of senior year. Every student is unique, so tailoring the preparation timeline to your teen's needs is essential.

The Decision-Making Process

To make well-informed decisions, visit the websites of the schools your teen is considering. Understand their academic and admissions requirements and how they utilize testing in their evaluation process. Armed with this information, you can make choices that align with your teen's strengths and aspirations.

Feeling overwhelmed? Allow us to be your partner in success and schedule a Discovery Call)

Our goal is to guide your family toward strategic admission options, ensuring your teen applies to the right schools for the right reasons.

I look forward to connecting with you and being part of your teen's success story.