So much has changed in the past few months regarding standardized testing. Due to Covid, the SAT and ACT are not easily available, many colleges have gone test-optional for the coming year or longer, and students have been asking whether they should bother to test at all.

The answer is simple, really. Students who are able to test, should do so.

The entire UC and California State University systems are test-optional for the coming year. This means that students who do not submit a test will not be penalized. However, if they do submit a test, it will be considered as part of their overall application.

The same is true for many private colleges that have become test-optional as a result of Covid and the many others that were test-optional to begin with. If students submit a test score, it will be considered along with other aspects of their application.

Therefore, it only makes sense for students who are able to test to do so, and then determine later whether to submit their score once they receive it. As a general rule of thumb, if a student’s score is higher than 50% of last year’s class, they should submit. Or, if a student’s score strengthens their overall application even if it doesn’t meet the 50% rule, they should submit. If their score does not meet one of these criteria, they should not. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule!

For more information of questions about testing, please contact your Journey Ahead advisor at 619-417-9242.