Hi, everyone! I'm a junior and I know that many colleges went test-optional due to COVID-19, but I'm wondering how important standardized tests still are in the college admissions process? Should I still put effort into getting a good SAT score, or should I focus more on other aspects of my application like my GPA, ECs, and essays? Thanks in advance!
Hey there! It's true that a number of colleges have gone test-optional due to the pandemic, and this has made things a bit different for applicants. However, standardized tests like the SAT can still be a valuable piece of your application if you do well on them. Some schools still require test scores, while others may use them for scholarship consideration or class placement if you're admitted.
Focusing on your GPA, extracurriculars, and essays is definitely important since these can give admissions officers a broader view of who you are as a person and a student. But if you have the time and resources, it's not a bad idea to put some effort into prepping for the SAT and seeing how well you can do. For instance, my child studied for the SAT even though their top-choice school was test-optional, and it ended up helping them receive a scholarship!
Of course, each applicant's situation is different, but it's worth considering how standardized testing may benefit your application. Good luck!
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