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Starting with the Fall 2026 application cycle, undergraduate applicants will once again be required to submit standardizedtest 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.
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. Students reported that the following test was wildly easy.
Stanford will reintroduce standardizedtesting requirements for undergraduate admissions starting in fall 2025 for admission to the Class of 2030. For rising seniors (students applying in fall 2024), Stanford will remain test-optional.
Debates around standardizedtesting have been around for as long as standardizedtest scores have been part of education in the United States. Some argue that students undergo too much testing: by their high schools, by the state, for college admissions, etc. Yet, these tests have changed.
Johns Hopkins University will reintroduce standardizedtesting requirements beginning with those seeking admission for the fall 2026 semester to the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences or the Whiting School of Engineering. Most recently, Stanford University announced it would once again require students to submit test scores.
Harvard has reinstituted its standardizedtest requirement beginning next fall. Studies suggest standardizedtests can help increase socioeconomic diversity. Add Harvard to the list of universities reinstating standardizedtest requirements. Why the about-face?
Debunking the myths To submit testing, or not to submit testing, that is the question on every student’s mind, but how much do colleges even care about standardized scores?
With all of the changes to the standardizedtesting landscape, many families wonder about the best pathway for SAT/ACT prep. As an IEC, I've historically recommended that sophomores take a practice SAT and practice ACT in the spring to get a sense of where they stand.
In this ever-changing college admissions landscape, the role of standardizedtesting remains a hot topic (and source of confusion). Understanding how these tests fit into the broader admissions process can help demystify their purpose and highlight strategies you can use to enhance your applications.
Deciding “should I take the SAT or ACT?” 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? How many questions are on the ACT, and how fast do you have to work to answer them?
Test scores and test-optional admissions, which have been in the spotlight for several years now, are getting renewed attention as of late. Many colleges have still not decided if they will become permanently test-optional for admissions. I want to thank my colleague Meg Joyce for co-writing this blog post with me.
I gathered documents, tried, and failed to book an appointment, travelled to the DMV, drew a number, sat for three hours, turned in all my paperwork, took a mini drivers test and vision check, and finally posed for a new requisitely terrible picture. I often forget to mention testing in my presentations even though we require it here at Tech.
Faculty Frustration with High School Curricula Having spent the majority of my career in enrollment management positions, the question of standardizedtesting’s impact on college admissions arises more frequently than you might expect.
Standardizedtest scores, like the SAT and ACT, determine academic readiness and skills for entering university. While it may be beneficial to take both tests, this blog will answer the question, “Do you need both ACT and SAT for college? What Are the ACT and SAT?
Thats equivalent to a top-tier 36 on the ACT the highest possible score on the ACT. If you’re deciding which score to submit, trying to evaluate your performance across both exams, or simply curious how your near-perfect SAT stacks up, this 1590 SAT to ACT guide is for you. 1590 SAT to ACT: Whats the Equivalent Score?
When it comes to standardizedtest prep, where do you even start? Fret not; youve been testing your whole education. While a standardizedtest like the ACT is significant, the tools you need to demolish test-day stress are within reach with an ACT practice test online.
The ACTlike its counterpart, the SAThas long served as a key indicator of academic readiness for college-bound students, despite the growing number of test-optional policies. As we move into the 2025 testing season, a year already marked by significant shifts in higher education , the ACT itself is also undergoing notable changes.
Cornell University is test-optional, but not for long. For Fall 2025 applicants, Cornell remains test-optional, giving students the choice to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, this policy will change for Fall 2026 admissions, when standardizedtest scores will once again be required.
Not everyone feels confident when it comes to taking tests. You’re not alone— around 40 to 60% of high school students experience test anxiety, a type of stress that makes it tough to focus and perform well during exams. As a high school student, you’re probably no stranger to big tests like AP exams, the PSAT, or the SAT and ACT.
In March 2023, Columbia University announced that it would permanently drop the SAT/ACT requirement for undergraduate admissions. The decision by Columbia to abandon the SAT/ACT requirement represents a significant milestone in the ongoing debate around standardizedtesting in higher education and in the overall future of college admissions.
In March 2023, Columbia University announced that it would permanently drop the SAT/ACT requirement for undergraduate admissions. The decision by Columbia to abandon the SAT/ACT requirement represents a significant milestone in the ongoing debate around standardizedtesting in higher education and in the overall future of college admissions.
Learning how to score higher on the SAT and ACT isnt just about studying harderits about studying smarter. And part of that is knowing how each test is scored. The way each test is structured means that strategy plays a big role in your final results, especially given the shift towards the digital SAT and the new changes to the ACT.
The landscape of college admissions continues to shift as universities re-evaluate the role of standardizedtesting in the application process. In a major policy change, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) has announced that it will reinstate its standardizedtesting requirement for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle.
As college admissions grow increasingly competitive and more schools return to requiring test scores, strong SAT/ACT scores can make a big difference when it comes to admissions and scholarship opportunities. Were aiming to help more students than ever before through the introduction of our new SAT/ACT classes.
Students will have the option to take the science portion of the ACT, similar to the optional writing portion. The math, reading, and English core test will be reduced from three hours to two hours to curb test-taking fatigue. The new ACT will roll out online in spring 2025 and in school in spring 2026.
When planning for college , standardizedtest scores still stand out as one of the most important factors in applying to college. But one of the most common questions is, “How much does ACT/SAT tutoring cost?” How Much Does ACT/SAT Tutoring Cost?
That translates to roughly a 24 on the ACT , according to official concordance tables. If youre weighing which test score to submit, comparing your results, or simply curious about how the two exams stack up, this 1180 SAT to ACT guide has you covered. How Good Is Your 1180 SAT/24 ACT Score?
Admissions officers mark each individual factor (grades, test scores, essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, etc.) What About StandardizedTest Scores? The other academic factor is your test score on the ACT or SAT.
Test-optional policies took off during the Covid 19 pandemic, though some institutions, mostly small liberal arts colleges, had adopted these policies in the early 2000s. Recently, some of the most selective colleges in the nation have been reverting to test-required policies. It would not be surprising if others follow suit.
The post Should You Take StandardizedTests for College? If youre a high school student (or the parent of one), youve probably heard a lot of mixed messages about. How to Decide appeared first on Road2College.
With funding landscapes ever-evolving, finding the right groove to maximize impact on student achievement can feel like a delicate balancing act. and how Peterson’s Test Prep aligns seamlessly with Title 1 funding, offering a powerful avenue for impactful student outcomes without adding to budgetary strain.
Big changes are underway for the ACTand if your teen is testing this year or next, its critical to understand how the rollout of the Enhanced ACT could affect their scores, testing strategy, and college admissions journey. Top Tip: Stick with paper testing if available.
Harvard takes a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they dont just focus on grades and test scores. Standardizedtest scores Harvard has reinstated its requirement for standardizedtest scores beginning with the class of 2029, meaning applicants must now submit SAT or ACT results as part of their application.
Now in 2025 the ACT is joining in the fun with a rolling set of updates to the test beginning in April and continuing through September 2025. I just had the opportunity to interview a representative from the ACT to clarify my own questions about the rollout now that the April test is approaching.
Navigating the world of college admissions tests can feel like deciphering an enigmatic code, especially when trying to decide between the SAT and the ACT. Both tests play a pivotal role in college admissions, serving as a benchmark for assessing a student’s readiness for college-level work.
As the school year approaches, it’s time to finalize your standardizedtest prep plan and mark your calendar with upcoming SAT and ACTtest dates. Not sure which test is your forte? In an ideal world, we recommend beginning one-on-one test prep a few months ahead of your scheduled test date.
ACT and SAT scores decline across the U.S. Standardizedtests, like the SAT and ACT, are used to determine academic readiness and skills for entering university. Current Data on ACT & SAT Scores Decline ACT —In 2024, average ACT composite scores were 19.4 In 2022, ACT composite scores were 19.8,
Historically Black College or University (HBCU): In Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965, Congress officially defined HBCUs as institutions of higher learning that were accredited and established before 1964, and whose principal mission is the education of Black Americans. To understand more about this please read our blog.
The test-optional movement started almost 50 years ago at Bowdoin College, but in the past few years, more and more colleges have joined along. Recently, diversity concerns may have led to more colleges deciding to go test optional. that are now test-optional, according to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing.”
Reasons for Sophomores and Juniors to Take the PSAT Sophomores Can use the PSAT score to help them determine whether they want to focus on preparing and taking the SAT or ACTtest for college admissions. The section scores on the PSAT can also identify areas in which the student is stronger and which areas they may need support.
Effective test prep is not merely about achieving a score; it’s crucial to developing the skills and confidence necessary for long-term college and career success. This blog will discuss how test prep can boost students’ college and career readiness and how it is, in essence, a relief valve.
In the ever-evolving landscape of college admissions, the ACT has made bold moves to redefine its role and stay ahead of the competition, particularly the Digital SAT. New changes announced to the ACT will not only make it more popular but could also challenge the dominance of the Digital SAT. Here’s why.
Even with high GPA and test scores, your chances may be slim if you dont excel in other areas they value. Standardizedtest scores (optional). Submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional for the 202425 cycle. ACT or SAT scores (optional). Holistic admissions process. Limited seats. Interview (optional).
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