Whether or Not Your High School Student Should Take the SAT

Before we begin, I did want to invite you all to a Webinar I am hosting on Sunday, June 8th from 3PM-4PM East Coast time, which will be an online Zoom session on both the SAT and preparing for the college admissions cycle.

Now! To continue the post:

The decision of whether or not to take the SAT is a significant one for many high school students, especially as they look ahead to college admissions. With the rise of test-optional policies, the landscape has shifted, making this decision more complex than ever. So, should you take the SAT or skip it? The answer depends on various factors, including your personal strengths, your college aspirations, and the broader college admissions trends.

The Case for Taking the SAT (deciding whether or not your high school student should take the sat

1. Scholarships and College Admissions: Many colleges, though increasingly test-optional, still consider SAT scores as part of the admissions process. A strong score can enhance your application, particularly if your GPA or extracurricular activities aren’t as competitive. Some colleges offer merit-based scholarships that require SAT scores, and high scores can help you qualify for those financial rewards. Read more on the National Merit Scholarship program: Merit Based Scholarships: A Summary of All The Things You Will Need to Know

   If you're aiming for a selective or prestigious college, an impressive SAT score might give you a boost, even if it’s not strictly required. In addition, if you are a premed student aiming for a combination BS/MD program or a strong premed program in general, some of the BS/MD programs have SAT requirements you can search on the website. This is a good time to do so to best prepare yourself for the college application cycle.

2. Broad Acceptance:While test-optional policies are growing, many colleges still require standardized testing. Even if you're applying to test-optional schools, having a solid SAT score on hand can be helpful, particularly if you’re applying to competitive programs within those schools. If you’re unsure about where you want to apply, having the SAT score available gives you flexibility. When parents and families come to me with questions about the college application process, they often will ask about the concept of test-optional. My personal opinion is that if an admissions officer is looking at two files and is torn, he may select the student with a 1400 SAT score over the student who did not submit a score. Again, this is my personal opinion.

The Case for Skipping the SAT

1. Test-Optional Schools: The rise of test-optional policies has somewhat leveled the playing field for students who may not perform well on standardized tests but excel in other areas like writing, leadership, or creativity. If your strengths lie in other areas, you may feel that submitting an SAT score wouldn’t reflect your true potential.

2. Stress and Time Commitment: Preparing for the SAT requires significant time and effort, often detracting from other academic or extracurricular pursuits. For students who feel that the test doesn’t reflect their academic abilities, the pressure to prepare can be overwhelming. Test preparation courses and self-study can cost both time and money, and the anxiety around a standardized test might not be worth it for everyone. Deciding whether or not your high school student should take the SAT is something you might want to think about as early as 10th grade before the test dates start looming and the college application process starts.

   
   

Conclusion

Ultimately, deciding whether or not your high school student should take the SAT

should be based on personal circumstances, the colleges you’re interested in, and academic strengths. If you’re applying to a mix of test-optional and traditional schools, or if you believe a strong score will strengthen your application, it might be worth the investment. On the other hand, if you’re confident in your other application materials and prefer to avoid the stress of standardized testing, skipping the SAT could be the right choice for you. Whatever you decide, make sure it aligns with your goals and priorities for your future. If you are interested and feel that your high school student should take the SAT at least once, I do offer a 60-day self-paced study plan for the SAT, which is perfect for the upcoming summer. It is included in the $100 for 12 month website membership among other resources.

Sincerely, Dr. Medeeha Khan