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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021
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APPEAL TRIBUNE
Insights for students
considering college
entrance exams
Address: P.O. Box 13009, Salem, OR 97309
Phone: 503-399-6773
Fax: 503-399-6706
Email: sanews@salem.gannett.com
Web site: www.SilvertonAppeal.com
Staff
Cynthia Babikoff
Willamette Connections
Academy
The old proverb “necessity is the
mother of invention” remains a constant
pandemic theme, especially regarding
education reform.
When it comes to higher education,
many colleges are rethinking their ad-
missions process by adding flexibility
and moving away from requiring test
scores such as the SAT or ACT. In fact, all
the public universities and many addi-
tional campuses in Oregon are currently
test-optional.
When the coronavirus hit, many col-
lege readiness testing sessions were can-
celed due to health concerns. Conse-
quently, hundreds of institutions no
longer require entrance exams like the
SAT or ACT.
If you are a teen considering higher
education and career options, it’s impor-
tant to review the pros and cons of this
major pivot.
A test-optional college doesn’t require
you to send in scores from the SAT, ACT
or other tests. That’s up to you. If you do
submit exam results, an admissions
committee can use them when evaluat-
ing your application.
Admissions decisions at campuses
across the country are becoming more
comprehensive. While test scores might
be optional at many colleges, your sub-
mission may have to showcase a variety
of your attributes, from grades and let-
ters of recommendation to extracurricu-
lars and essays.
You won’t be penalized if you don’t
send in test scores, but the university
might request additional material. Learn
the rules for the colleges you’re interest-
ed in attending to make informed deci-
sions about testing.
Some experts oppose testing require-
ments for college admissions because
many low-income students can’t afford
expensive test-preparation programs.
Others argue SAT or ACT results can
make a difference in an applicant’s port-
folio and tests are often needed for schol-
arships.
Check with your high school counsel-
“If you are a teen
considering higher
education and career
options, it’s important to
review the pros and cons of
this major pivot.
A test-optional college
doesn’t require you to send
in scores from the SAT, ACT
or other tests. That’s up to
you. If you do submit exam
results, an admissions
committee can use them
when evaluating your
application.
Admissions decisions at
campuses across the
country are becoming more
comprehensive. While test
scores might be optional at
many colleges, your
submission may have to
showcase a variety of your
attributes, from grades and
letters of recommendation
to extracurriculars and
essays.”
or or college admissions representative
to make informed decisions based on
your particular post-high school path-
way.
If you’ve decided to take the college
assessments, you might feel pressure to
achieve high scores. But don’t get over-
whelmed. By using solid planning tech-
niques, you’ll be ready to face the tests
with confidence.
What testing timetable do I need?
If you are a freshman or sophomore,
you can take the PSAT or PreACT, de-
News Director
Don Currie
503-399-6655
dcurrie@statesmanjournal.com
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pending on the test, to determine areas
for improvement.
The summer before your junior year is
a good time to begin studying for the SAT
or ACT because your schedule will be
busier in the fall. If you take your first col-
lege entrance test in the winter, you’ll
have more chances to retest in the spring,
the following summer or fall of your sen-
ior year.
Registering several months in ad-
vance for testing sessions is key so you
can get a spot at a test site where you’re
comfortable, like your high school.
How should I practice?
They say practice makes perfect, so
keep that in mind. There are many free
full-length practice tests at either the
SAT or ACT websites to help you prepare
for the big day.
If you simulate real testing conditions,
sitting through one of the entire three-
hour exams, you’ll get accustomed to
pacing yourself on the questions. After
each practice assessment, look for pat-
terns of mistakes so you can focus on
areas where you need to study most.
It also helps to map out a schedule
that includes an hour of SAT or ACT
study time three days a week. Making
practice a priority is worth it, even in
small time blocks.
Are there prep
resources I should use?
The College Board (collegereadi-
ness.collegeboard.org/sat), which ad-
ministers the SAT, and the ACT organiza-
tion (act.org) have lots of free informa-
tion to help you prepare. There are count-
less test prep programs available, as well
as apps, depending on your needs.
Also, consider signing up for challeng-
ing high school courses to help build your
knowledge base as both the SAT and ACT
were created to test what you’ve learned
in class. Counselors and teachers can
also help you by suggesting specific
study guides and providing feedback on
any areas you may be struggling in.
Friends and/or siblings who have taken
the exams may also have some advice on
what helped them prepare.
All of this planning and studying may
seem insurmountable, but if you stick to
your timeline and practice, it will pay off.
Cynthia Babikoff is the Willamette
Connections Academy high school coun-
selor.
Wind in your hair.
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