Decoding the College Admissions Maze: A Counselor's Take on Testing Trends
Earlier this month, College Solutions Vice President and Senior Counselor Patrick Zylka co-hosted a webinar with Compass Education Group and several university admissions representatives, where they discussed recent changes in schools’ SAT & ACT testing policies. In today’s post, he recaps key takeaways from this insightful discussion and how to approach your own testing strategy.
I recently had the pleasure of moderating a panel alongside our friends from Compass, featuring the brilliant minds from admissions at Denison University, Kansas State University, and Purdue University… and what a fantastic discussion we had!
The topic? The ever-evolving landscape of standardized testing in college admissions. And let me tell you, it's a wild ride!
Making Sense of New Testing Vocabulary
One of the biggest takeaways was just how much the vocabulary around testing has expanded. We're no longer just talking about "required" or "optional." Now we have "no harm," "test expected," and the classic "test optional." Navigating these nuances can feel like learning a whole new language, but trust me, understanding these terms is crucial.
A major trend we unpacked is the continued shift in these testing policies. While some highly selective institutions and larger state schools have reinstated testing requirements, the overall movement leans towards giving students more control over whether or not to submit their scores. As Denison pointed out, their "no harm" approach truly emphasizes that sending a lower-than-average score won't negatively impact an application, and not sending one won't hurt, either.
However, as Kansas State wisely noted, "test optional" doesn't always mean "test irrelevant." For more selective institutions remaining optional, and even certain competitive programs or for merit-based aid, submitting strong scores can still provide a boost, or not submitting scores at all can have negative impact. Context is everything.
For example: Purdue shed light on their unique "test expected" policy. They truly value seeing scores if you have them, as they can provide another data point in their holistic review.
Scores Aren’t Everything
Speaking of holistic review, this approach was a recurring theme throughout our conversation. All three universities emphasized that test scores are just one piece of the puzzle. Your grades, the rigor of your coursework, extracurricular activities, essays, recommendations – they all matter! Colleges are trying to determine two key things: can you be successful as a student and as a person on their campus?
Considering the New ACT Format
The recent changes to the ACT, which Compass expertly detailed, add another layer to the discussion. The new "core" version with an optional science section is a significant shift. While the panelists agreed they would still evaluate ACT scores similarly, it's crucial for students to consider the policies of the specific colleges they're applying to, especially regarding the science section. Pay close attention to your college list – you might end up taking the science section simply because one or two schools on your list still value it.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the message was clear: there's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to standardized testing. What's "good" depends on the school, and the decision of whether or not to submit scores should be a thoughtful one, based on your individual strengths and the policies of the colleges you're targeting.
My advice? Take practice tests for both the SAT and ACT to see which format suits you better. If you feel your scores are a strong reflection of your academic abilities and fall within or above a school's reported range, go ahead and submit them. But if testing isn't your forte, or if a school has a truly "no harm" test-optional policy, focus your energy on crafting compelling essays and showcasing your talents and achievements in other parts of your application, such as your grades and extracurricular activities.
The college admissions journey can feel overwhelming, but remember, you're not alone. Counselors like myself are here to help you navigate these complexities and find the best path forward. So, keep asking those thoughtful questions, keep exploring your options, and trust the process. You've got this!
Click below to watch the full webinar.
About the Panel
Moderators
➡️ Eric Anderson (Senior Director of Outreach & Partnerships, Compass Education Group)
➡️ Eli Bowling (Director, Compass Education Group)
➡️ Patrick Zylka (Vice President of Development & Senior Counselor, College Solutions)
Panelists
➡️ Josh Diazdeleon (Regional Admissions Coordinator, Kansas State University)
➡️ Ja’Niah Downing (Senior Associate Director of Admission, Purdue University)
➡️ Exree Hipp (Associate Director of Admission, Denison University)
About the Hosts
Compass Education Group
Compass Education Group provides the highest quality test prep and academic tutoring, through both highly customized one-on-one tutoring as well as affordable small group classes. They serve thousands of students annually, anywhere in the world online, or in-home in the Chicago, DC, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco metro areas. Their reputation with the school and counselor communities is the result of 35 years of ethical conduct and helping students succeed.
Learn more at compassprep.com.
College Solutions
Since 2003, College Solutions has been a trusted partner for families facing the challenges and complexities of college admissions. Guided by an unwavering commitment to ethical standards, College Solutions provides personalized coaching, expert guidance, and a deep understanding of the admissions process. Through its holistic approach, College Solutions has helped thousands of students embrace their best selves, achieve their academic dreams, and build meaningful futures.
Learn more at collegesolutions.com.
