Signing up for the SAT and/or the ACT was no easy feat this year. We saw hundreds, if not thousands, of tests cancelled month after month in light of the Coronavirus. Some people gave up entirely, especially after the huge influx of colleges opting to go test-optional for the class of 2025.
Actually sitting for a test required a bit of luck and good fortune, and many students who spent a lot of time preparing were unable to take a test at all. There are also those students who took their first test, assuming it would be a “practice run,” and had to submit those scores to their dream school.
In any event, it’s mid-December, which means that it’s crunch time. Your applications are either past due or just about ready, besides the few schools that have mid-January of early February regular decision deadlines. Given the late date and state of the world and Covid-19, here are our thoughts:
Take a test if you can.
Check-in with the schools that you’re applying to and ask for the latest possible date to submit your scores, and make a decision from there. A note on “if you can:” we’re not suggesting that you take three trains, a bus, and an Uber to a remote location to snag the last spot for a test. “If you can” means that your school is offering one, there’s availability close by, and that you’re not putting your family members at risk by sitting for a test. Use your best judgment.
Spruce up the other areas of your application if you can’t take a test.
This is the case for many people. In the absence of test scores, spend extra time on your common app essay and supplements. Prove that you belong at X school by writing about your personality in your common app essay, and your academic interests in your supplements. Research is key, and don’t forget about the power of a final editing session.
Use the Additional Information Section
If you took a test last year, and you’re not thrilled with your scores but decide to send them in for transparency, include a brief explanation about your situation in the additional information section of your common app account. There is no need to go with a sob story here! Simply explain that you took your first test under the impression that you would be able to take it multiple times, that you were ultimately unable to retake it, and then include a one-sentence explanation of your score.
It has been a trying year, and colleges know that there were widespread issues with testing. Do your best, whatever that is. This might mean that you can take a last- minute test, or that you spend a bit of extra time on your supplements. It might mean both. Whatever you do, think about the health and safety of you and your family first.
Application season is almost over. If you’re just now realizing that you need help, drop us a line.