The better test options

While we hear collective groans from our Fairfield County students, the options for test score submission are more favorable today than ever before.

Back when most Connecticut parents took the SAT, every score was consequential.  Most took the SAT once or twice and were advised not to take the test a third time as it would not be looked upon favorably.  Despite all the talk of stress that our high school students face related to testing, the current college admissions testing reality is far more student friendly than in the past.

Choice of Test:  All colleges will take the SAT or the ACT.  In my estimation, the differences in scoring well on one and not the other have always been overstated but psychology the ability to choose makes a big difference.

Super-Scoring: Most colleges will take the best score in each section from different SAT/ACT tests.  For example, if a student scores best on the Verbal section on the March SAT and best on the Math section on the May SAT, colleges will cobble together their “super scores.”

Score Choice: While the two testing friendly options above are wonderful, score choice might best of all.  Most colleges will allow students to submit only scores of their choice.  So for example, if the March SAT goes poorly, students won’t send the score to colleges. It is, as if, that SAT test never happened.

Not so bad!  And, certainly far better than we had it!