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Standardized Testing Guide for First Gen and/or Low Income Students

College Essay Guy

This probably won’t come as a surprise to you, but standardized testing (as in, the SAT and ACT) can have disparate negative impacts on first generation and/or low income (FGLI) students compared with wealthier students. So don’t confuse how well you do on a standardized test with how well you can do in college and life.

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University of Miami Reinstates Standardized Testing

Top Tier Admissions

Starting with the Fall 2026 application cycle, undergraduate applicants will once again be required to submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) as part of their application. This marks a shift from the test-optional policy adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

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Grades and Course Rigor Matter the Most in College Admissions

Great College Advice

Grades and Course Rigor Matter the Most in College Admissions The most recent National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) State of College Admission Report updated its four-year college members’ survey of the Factors in the Admission Decision. College admissions officers read and re-read your transcript.

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5 American Colleges with the Most Grueling Standardized Testing Requirements for First-Year Applicants

Admissions.Blog

The 2025-2026 college admissions process is almost upon us. My selection is based on institutions with rigorous and in-demand STEM or academic programs, mandatory test submission policies, and high score thresholds. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Standardized Test Expectations: SAT/ACT required for Fall 2025 entry.

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College Admission Planning for High School Juniors – Second Semester

Great College Advice

As we laid out back in August , your junior year is the most important year in preparing for college admissions from an academic standpoint as it is the last full year of grades that colleges will see as they review your college application and it will likely be your most rigorous year of classes with AP, Honors and/or IB courses.

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The State of Digital Standardized Testing

HelloCollege

A lot has changed with the ACT and SAT over the last 20 years. The SAT changed the format of the test in 2005, and again in 2016, and again in 2024. The ACT introduced an optional Writing section in 2005 and had minimal changes up until this year. The ACT seems to have learned by watching the SATs mistakes the year prior.

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Should I Take the SAT or ACT?

HelloCollege

Deciding “should I take the SAT or ACT?” ” is a common dilemma for high school students navigating the college admissions process. Both tests are important, but they differ significantly in format, content, and timing, which can impact your performance and readiness for college. What about the ACT?

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