College Board Announcement this week (do they really need MORE?!)

After the AP exam confusion/chaos, the College Board announced this week that registration is now open for the Fall 2020 SAT dates. 

Key points: 

1- Even though a NEW Sept. SAT test date has been added, realize that there is a STRONG possibility these sites may NOT even be open for testing to happen this fall (depending on Covid, will the school districts be willing to have a weekend vendor come in that would require even more cleaning)!?? And, there are fewer test sites.

2- DO not count on SAT Subject Tests being available this fall. There are openings for the October test date, (none for September date) and the site will probably allow you to register for it.  SAT will be giving priority to 1st time test takers.  And, there will be NO at home option considered for the full SAT. 

3- Even the College Board itself is humbly realizing that they cannot be counted on for the Class of 2021 admissions cycle. In light of all these limits, the College Board this week sent out an announcement asking colleges to allow students to submit test scores later than the application deadline, and  “...it's more important than ever to pay close attention to the context in which all students live and learn as they make admissions decisions.”  

What does that mean? It basically is saying that the College Board recognizes that testing is NOT the end all/be all for measuring a student’s potential for success in college. And, colleges should be using a more holistic review for admissions (looking at the students beyond a test score and GPA). Wow, such an epiphany. Yes, that was my sarcasm. 

If you follow the explosion of comments on Twitter and other social media from higher ed respected experts yesterday, you saw the call to END testing as part of this 2021 AND FUTURE admissions requirements. Expect this wave of ‘anti-testing’ to become even stronger in the next year, especially since the ACT has also botched their execution and communication of their plans for testing in June and this fall. More to come, and I will bring it to you as soon as I hear more.  

Again, act on what is in YOUR control - if testing is not to be counted on, please do NOT take a large part of your summer studying for what may not even happen. Go find ways to differentiate yourself and learn more about what excites you to learn and grow! 

California State University (CSU) Update for all 23 campuses

CSU announced key changes to their application for the Class of 2021 on Tuesday. While the application for Fall 2021 enrollment doesn’t open until October, the changes should affect how you view summer activities and their admission for the CSU system. 

1- CSU, as previously stated, will NOT be requiring any test scores (SAT or ACT) as part of their Eligibility Index. Even if a student provides a score, it will NOT be reviewed. 

2- CSU by campus will be adding questions as “ Supplemental Factors” to the application. They could be asking about some/all of these areas:

• work experience

• extracurricular activities

• exceeded courses within core curriculum (did you take more courses than the CSU minimum requirements in math, English, or sciences)

• Participation in educational programs such as AVID (school based college support programs) 

3- There will be NO essay or any writing prompts added to the application

These factors will be finalized in “July/August”, according to CSU spokesperson. And, additional webinars for both counselors and students/families will be held during the summer as the details firm up. When they are announced, I will send out a notice so you can hear the information! 

What can students do NOW to help improve their admissions prospect for the CSU system? Change what is in YOUR control, and think about the following options: 

1- Take a community college or other UC approved course this summer in your favorite area (remember, community colleges especially in the summer are accelerated, so it needs to be a topic where you can keep up with the pace). 

2- Think about your Fall course choices - can you increase the rigor and still maintain strong grades? Don’t ‘protect’ your GPA - colleges are looking to see if you challenged yourself, especially in senior year, with courses in your area of interest or strength.

More to come...I will be keeping track of updates and sending them to you throughout the summer. If you want to read more, the CSU has a FAQ section with regards to Covid19 updates and the campus opening options for this fall, but none of the information covered in the counselor webinar stated above has been posted yet about the changes for the Class of 2021 application. Stay tuned! :)

SAT or ACT?

SAT/ACT – which should I choose?

Yes, choose just one.  Take a sample ACT or SAT this fall and then register/prepare for only one. ALL COLLEGES EQUALLY WEIGH EITHER CHOICE. Where to take a sample test?

·         At your school  (check if the College & Career office will offer one this fall or early spring)

·         Online – ACT and SAT both have samples (SAT – full test, ACT – you have to buy the ACT Test Guide to get a full sample test)

o   Sample ACT questions

o   Sample ACT Writing prompt

o   Sample SAT practice exams through Kahn Academy

·         Local test prep companies -  Compass Prep or Princeton Review also offer FREE in person tests on the weekends at libraries near you for those who can’t concentrate at home. Call and make a reservation.  I do not endorse one company or another, just offering choices!

After taking samples of each, you will notice some differences in the style, pace, and format. Choose one by comparing your ACT and SAT scores respectively on a Concordance chart, like that one offered by Compass Prep.   Save time & money – target your studying and test efforts!