To Test or Not to Test…
Does the thought of standardized testing for your child who learns differently send shivers down your spine?
The new landscape of college admissions should ease your concerns. During the pandemic, almost all colleges and universities became “test-optional,” meaning that the SAT and ACT were not required, but would be considered if submitted. Since the pandemic, over 90% of colleges still do not require testing! So now the question is what implications this has for your child.
For many students with specific learning differences, standardized tests are not the best indicator of their strengths. Students with ADHD, on the other hand, often have a positive outcome. If your child has severe anxiety over testing and has not performed well on mock SAT or ACTs, there is no need for them to take the test because they most likely won’t be submitting it. They should focus instead on doing well in school. If your child has done well on mock tests, it might serve them better to take the ACT or SAT; your child’s strong test scores can mean more merit scholarships at colleges where they are a good fit academically.
If your child’s college applications include good grades, strong letters of recommendation, a well-written, authentic personal statement, and a few solid extracurriculars, they will have plenty of good college options, even without test scores. If you still aren’t sure which path to take, give us a call! We can help you map out a plan that focuses on your child’s strengths, leading to college success.