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Surviving Standardized Testing Limbo

Allyson Manchester
This year, many juniors planned to take SATs in March, May, and June. The March administration of the test was canceled in some locations but not others; the May and June tests were canceled outright. The “lucky” students who were able to sit for the March test did so on a day when national panic was unfolding-- not ideal testing conditions, to say the least. 

When registration became available in late May for the August 29 SAT (still scheduled to happen, but who knows), more chaos ensued. As I heard about students setting up multiple devices and refreshing their web pages in order to secure a seat for the test, I was reminded of my frantic attempts to get tickets for the Mr. and Mrs. Carter Show World Tour in 2013.

All of this is to say: many rising seniors do not have a standardized test score or a seat for the August 29 SAT. If you are in this group, you do not need to worry or take drastic measures. Instead, you need to put standardized tests in perspective and come up with a plan according to your own priorities and circumstances.

This year, you will be able to apply to a wide range of excellent colleges without needing to submit a test score. Colleges recognize that COVID-19 has directly impacted students’ abilities to take standardized tests and do well. As a result, more colleges than ever have announced “test-optional” policies for 2020-2021. The website Fairtest.org has the most comprehensive, up-to-date list of test-optional colleges and universities. Right now, the ever-growing list contains over 1,240 schools. If you are interested in a school that is not yet on the test-optional list, sign up for email updates from the college so that you will know if they make the move. Also, remember to read the fine print of test-optional policies. Some colleges are test-optional for admission but still require you to submit test scores in order to be considered for merit scholarships. 

Even if you are planning to apply to all test-optional schools, I would still advise you to study for the SAT or ACT and try to take at least one test. The September 26 and October 3 SATs, as well as the various ACT tests in September and early October, will give you scores in time to send to your early action and early decision colleges by November 1. 

When you take the test, keep in mind that you have nothing to lose. If you do poorly, you do not need to send your score to colleges. If you earn a high score, you’ve just given colleges (even the test-optional ones) one more incentive to accept you. Colleges are not actively looking to penalize students for low scores, but they are always searching for students with high scores. This is an important distinction. 

Once you register for the SAT and/or ACT, it’s time to come up with a summer study plan. When faced with the prospect of studying, you might be bogged down with questions such as: What is the point of studying for a test that could get canceled again? What if I already know that I am a bad test-taker and probably will not end up submitting my score anyway? What if I am philosophically opposed to standardized tests?

Although these are legitimate concerns, do not allow existential questions or doubts about your test-taking abilities to rent space in your brain. The widespread test-optional policies of 2020-2021 could very well be the dawning of a new era in which a billion-dollar testing corporation does not get to claim power over college admissions or students’ self-worth. As far as I can tell, though, standardized tests are still a factor this year. Competitive schools that have gone test-optional will still be competitive (as an example, use the University of Chicago, which went test-optional in 2018 and still has an 8% acceptance rate). If you are able to earn a high score, it will work to your advantage. This advantage is absolutely worth pursuing. 

So, like a crouching tiger awaiting its prey from the underbrush, study for the SAT or ACT so that you can pounce as soon as the opportunity arises. In my opinion, the most effective standardized test study tool is Khan Academy. If you sign up for an account on Khan Academy and link it to your College Board account, you will receive personalized SAT practice based on your PSAT score. You can watch video tutorials, take timed practice tests, and track your progress. Best of all, Khan Academy is totally free. In the event that widespread test cancellations ultimately prevent you from ever taking an actual SAT, you will still acquire useful skills in reading comprehension, grammar, and math.

The new test-optional policies are a relief in many ways. Still, if your health and resources* allow, your best bet is to register early for fall standardized tests, study over the summer, take the tests, and see what happens. It is likely that the year 2020 has already posed many challenging “tests” to your patience, resilience, and willpower. The SAT or ACT? Small potatoes. 

*If you are not able to pay for the SAT, visit the College Board website to view the list of “fee waiver eligibility requirements.” If your family meets any of the criteria listed (i.e. receiving free or reduced lunch), contact your guidance counselor. Your guidance counselor may be able to provide a code to use for free SAT registrations. Fee waivers for the ACT are also available through your guidance counselor.
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