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The Ins and Outs of Standardized Testing


Standardized testing has historically been an important part of the application process. However, due to COVID-19, many colleges are making standardized tests optional. For students who are still interested in taking standardized tests, read the following article to learn which test (ACT or SAT) to take, whether you should take the writing section, how to prepare for the tests, and whether you should take subject tests. This article is mainly aimed at juniors who are beginning standardized testing but can also apply to seniors who are still testing.

 

Choosing A Test: ACT vs. SAT


Both tests are equally valued by admission officers, so we recommend taking the test that is best suited for you. To determine which test is better for you, take a complete, uninterrupted practice test for both the ACT and SAT. Compare the scores you received on both practice tests using a conversion chart (such as this one). If you scored significantly higher on one test, we suggest you focus your studies on that test. If you scored around the same on both practice tests, we suggest you focus on the test you felt more comfortable and confident in taking. While the two tests have many similarities, there are some key differences between the ACT and SAT, which are detailed in the table below (Source: Prep Scholar).

If you are in need of financial assistance for either of these tests, check out the ACT Fee Waiver Eligibility Requirements or SAT Fee Waiver Eligibility Requirements to see if you qualify for a fee waiver.


Should You Take The Writing/Essay Section?

Both tests offer optional Writing sections. Most colleges do not require the writing section, so if you don’t think you’ll do well on the writing section and none of the colleges you’re interested in require it, we recommend that you do not take it! It costs extra money and the writing score cannot be separated from your actual score. 

 

How To Prepare


There are three primary ways you can prepare for the SAT or ACT: self-guided preparation, taking a class, and hiring a private tutor. Each method has its own pros and cons, so we encourage you to do the method that works best for you!


Self-Guided Preparation

Self-guided preparation is a study method where you study on your own time. You are responsible for staying on track of your study schedule and staying motivated. People who use this route usually use a prep book to study: either buying one or borrowing them from their local library. To find the prep books that work best for you, we recommend referencing this blog for the SAT and this blog for the ACT. This study method can cost anywhere between $0 (if you borrow prep materials from the library) to $100 (depending on which/how many prep books you buy).


Pros: 

  • Flexible schedule for you to choose your study pace.

  • Freedom to choose which prep books to study from.

  • It's the cheapest option and the most accessible option.

Cons:

  • Not enough structure.

  • No one there to answer specific questions.

  • Requires motivation to stay on task.

Taking a Class

This is a study method where you take a group prep class led by an instructor. During each class, the instructor will go over different concepts covered on the test and will assign practice problems for you to do on your own outside of the class. This study method can cost anywhere between $200 and $800, depending on which classes you take and how long the class runs for. 


Pros:

  • A more structured method of preparation.

  • Access to an instructor to answer questions without paying the premium of a private tutor.

  • Can work with other students in the class to stay motivated and keep each other accountable.

  • Can share and receive tips from other students.

Cons:

  • More expensive than the self-guided option.

  • Not personalized for your own needs.

  • Depending on your work style, having classmates may be a distraction.

  • Must accommodate to the class schedule.

Private Tutoring

This is a study method where you hire a tutor to host study sessions with you one-on-one. Similar to taking a class, the tutor will go over different concepts covered on the test and will assign practice problems for you to do on your own outside of the class. Unlike the classes, instead of following a set curriculum, the tutor can customize the classes to focus specifically on what you need most. Private tutors usually charge per hour, ranging anywhere between $75-$250 per hour, depending on the tutor. The total cost will be anywhere between $1000 and $4000 for 3-4 months of tutoring. 


Pros:

  • This is a more structured method of preparation.

  • You have an instructor on hand to ask questions to.

  • Prep is personalized to your needs, so you can really hone into your weak spots. 

Cons:

  • This is the most expensive option, and it’s not always feasible for people to pay upwards of $1000 for test prep. 

  • Finding a time when you and the tutor are free may be difficult.

  • If you are already solid on content and time management, the tutor may be helping you with things you could do on your own.

 

Taking Subject Tests


SAT Subject tests are standardized tests scored on a scale of 200-800 for specific subjects. Many students take subject tests to showcase their strengths and interests to college admissions. While most colleges do not require you to submit subject tests, submitting these scores can help show your expertise in a certain field. The subject tests that are offered are:

  • Math 1: tests algebra and geometry.

  • Math 2: tests algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus. 

  • Biology Ecological: tests knowledge about biological communities, populations, and energy flow.

  • Biology Molecular: tests knowledge about biochemistry, cellular structure and processes, such as respiration and photosynthesis. 

  • Chemistry: tests major concepts of chemistry and the ability to apply principles to solve specific problems. 

  • Physics: tests your understanding of physics concepts and reasoning and problem-solving skills. 

  • Literature: tests your ability to read and interpret literary texts from a variety of historical periods and genres. 

  • U.S. History: tests your grasp of history since pre-Columbian times.

  • World History: tests your grasp of developments across the globe since ancient times.

  • Languages: tests your mastery of languages and highlight your knowledge. The language subject tests that are offered are Spanish, French, Chinese, Italian, German, Modern Hebrew, Latin, Japanese, and Korean. 

Most subject test content is taught in AP courses, so it’s recommended that you take subject tests shortly after you have taken the AP exam so that the information is most fresh in your mind.


Be sure to research whether the colleges you are applying for require or recommend certain subject tests. If your colleges do not care whether or not you take subject tests, do not feel pressured to take them! However, if you think you will have strong scores that will strengthen your application, we recommend that you take the tests.

 

Suggested Timeline


Everyone works at their own pace, but if you are someone who needs guidance on what general timeline to follow for standardized testing, here is a suggested standardized testing timeline for juniors!


Aim to take one test in the winter of junior year (if you feel prepared to take the test earlier, we encourage you to! We suggest the winter dates for those who may be starting studying later.) 

  • The ACT testing dates are December 12, 2020 (registration deadline: November 6, late registration deadline: November 20) or February 6, 2021 (registration deadline: January 8, late registration deadline: January 15). 

  • The SAT testing date is December 5, 2020 (registration deadline: November 5, late registration deadline: November 24). 

If you didn’t get the ideal score in the winter, take the tests again in the spring. 

  • The ACT testing date is April 17, 2021 (registration deadline: March 12, late registration deadline: March 26).

  • The SAT testing dates are March 13, 2021 (registration deadline: March 13) and May 8, 2021 (registration deadline: April 8, late registration deadline: April 27). 

    • Note: There is a national SAT Test in April that everyone takes for National Merit, a program that awards scholarship money to students entering college based on high performance in the PSAT/NMSQT. You do not have to pay extra for this test because it should be funded by your school.

Use late spring to do subject tests (AP content will be fresh in your mind).

  • The SAT Subject Test testing dates are June 5, 2021 (registration deadline: May 6, late registration deadline: May 26).

If you didn’t get the ideal score in the spring, continue to test throughout the summer.

  • The ACT testing dates are June 12, 2021 (registration deadline: May 7, late registration deadline: May 21) and July 17, 2021 (registration deadline: June 18, late registration deadline: June 25).

  • The SAT testing dates are June 5, 2021 (registration deadline: May 6, late registration deadline: May 26).

 

Though standardized testing has historically been a major part of the application deadlines, more colleges are becoming test-optional not only due to the pandemic but also because testing places value on scores more so than other meritable aspects of a student. For seniors, your standardized testing is done or almost done! Now’s the time to focus on the rest of your application. For juniors, standardized testing is just at the beginning. It may seem daunting, but it is doable if you commit the time and energy into it. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, do not hesitate to email us at applicationoverloadblog@gmail.com.

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