I hope you are enjoying the holidays!
Have you heard the news that Harvard "dropped" the ACT and SAT?
It's not true.
Media outlets are incentivized to get clicks, so they print misleading headlines like "Harvard drops SAT!" Even though they know this isn't true. The first line of those articles reveals what Harvard is really doing -- they aren't changing anything.
Here is the truth--
Harvard will remain test-optional until 2026. That means that ACT and SAT scores will very much help your application if you have them.
Think of "test-optional" in the same way that taking AP classes or earning straight A's is optional -- they technically are not required, but they sure do help your applications!
How do we know this? Because in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, 72% of students admitted to Harvard submitted ACT or SAT scores.
In short, strong ACT and SAT scores helped students to stand out from the pack.
It is the same situation at the vast majority of selective colleges.
This is where the opportunity lies for families who understand how admissions really works in a test-optional world.
The reason ACT and SAT scores are more helpful than ever in the test-optional climate is that many students assume that test-optional means they don't need to prep for the ACT and SAT, or even take them at all.
I get it. We've all been through a lot the past eighteen months and the last thing most students want to do is to prep for standardized tests.
But if you want to maximize your chances of admission to selective colleges, you should opt-in to taking the ACT and SAT to show them that you meet their academic standards.
The situation is extra confusing in California where the UC system has said they that they will no longer consider ACT and SAT scores due to a rash of discrimination lawsuits.
Remember that the UC system is among a small minority of colleges that have made that choice. In fact, the Cal State system recently indicated that they will consider ACT and SAT scores when students submit them beginning next Fall.*
It's a lot to keep track of! But again, think of this lack of clarity as your opportunity.
When many students are confused about testing, the students that pursue their goals for college with intent and the best information will enjoy an advantage.
Bottom line: Current 11th and 10th graders who want to leap out from the pack when they apply to college should prep for the ACT and SAT.
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