Let’s Talk ACT & SAT: What You Need to Know (and Why You Shouldn’t Wait)
Despite summer being in full bloom, we still have to think about college planning and what’s ahead. I know you care deeply about your child’s future, thus I want to gently remind you of something that can sneak up on families: standardized testing.
I get it—there’s so much conflicting information out there right now. Some schools are test-optional. Others are bringing tests back. And everyone seems to have an opinion.
Here’s the truth: tests like the ACT and SAT still matter, and in many cases, they can be the very thing that helps your child stand out or unlock merit aid. But the key is not waiting until the last minute to decide whether or not to take them.
Let’s break it down by grade and give you...
Make Sure Your Kid Meets Deadlines
11th and 10th-grade students (and sometimes 9th) often take PSAT in October. Make sure your school registers them by: this Wednesday, September 15th
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/k12-educators/psat-nmsqt-dates
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The Fall ACT and SAT are often taken by seniors who need one or two more cracks at it.Â
October ACT registration date is: September 17, 2021
October ACT test date: October 23, 2021
December ACT registration date: November 5, 2021
December ACT test date: December 11, 2021
November SAT registration date: October 8, 2021
November SAT test date: November 6, 2021
December SAT registration date: November 4, 2021
December SAT test date: December 4, 2021
...How Important Are AP Tests in Admissions Decisions?
As many of you are in the midst of taking AP exams this week and last, I want to make something clear: do your best, but please don't stress. Grades, ACT or SAT scores, extracurriculars and essays are much more important than APs because typically AP scores don't go on your college application. They don't count towards your GPA, and they're not part of your transcript. There isn't even actually a place on your application that they're required.
So, the question is, do admissions committees even look at your scores, and how much do they actually matter? The answer is if you self-report, they will look at your scores, and how much that matters is probably none at all. AP scores affect the classes you tak...
