Do You Really Need to Take the SAT?

Why bother taking college entrance exams, such as the SAT and ACT, especially now that they are optional because of COVID?

Here’s the truth: You will enjoy an enormous competitive advantage over most students who take the easy way out by skipping the test altogether. These students end up submitting only their grade point averages (GPA) to colleges and universities for consideration.

Just because taking the test is no longer mandatory is not an excuse for laziness. I would argue that the new optional status of the test allows motivated students to gain a competitive edge over their less motivated peers.

What teacher or boss or coach isn’t impressed by the student or worker or player who goes the extra mile?

College admissions officers never have enough spots to grant acceptance to all who apply. Many students are indistinguishable from each other. How do you select one over another when all have similar applications? Oh, wait! Your application includes good or great SAT scores, while the other applications are silent on the subject. Who is going to get the nod, now?

In all my conversations with parents since the COVID pandemic started almost two years ago, I have only heard one parent say that was exactly why she was contacting me. She knew that as ironic as it might be, optional really means mandatory if you want to stand out.

Unfortunately, it seems the rest of my clients are unaware of the opportunity their children have been granted to distinguish themselves from the competition by simply taking the test.

Of course, just as in pre-pandemic days, you should prepare for the SAT by taking a weekly practice test. Then go over all the questions that you missed. Working with a tutor is not mandatory, but if you can afford it, a good tutor can dramatically help students increase their SAT scores in a matter of months. Furthermore, most tutors have slashed their prices since so many students have decided, mistakenly, to forego the SAT and ACT.

Providing colleges with your SAT or ACT scores has never been more important than it is today. Prepare, perform well, and stand out over your peers. At a time when so many are sitting out on the test because they can, your decision to step up and deliver some scores will separate you from the pack in a way that has never been possible before.