More About Testing

I fielded lots of questions about standardized testing last week, ranging from testing and class rank to extended time-related issues.  Excellent questions.  Thanks for writing.

The more I write about testing, though, the more I realize how important it is for parents to ask the questions and to sit down with someone who knows the answers so that your son or daughter presents his or her best possible testing self when it comes time to admissions.

Many of the questions people asked really had more than one answer--depending on specific things related to the individual kid.  The answer for one family might not be the best answer for another because there are so many variables at play:  things like the range of scores, the competitive nature of the college being considered, native language ability, GPA, class rank, and so on.  In other words, it's important to have someone in your corner to help you through all this.  That's where your school counselor comes in, or if that person is overextended or not as knowledgeable as you need him to be, then an independent counselor.

If your child is a senior, then be sure that your testing needs are taken care of NOW.  There are very few testing dates available for this admissions cycle, considering that most selective schools have January as their deadlines.  Of course, your kid can always test in January and February, too, but there's no guarantee that those scores will be available in time to affect admissions outcomes though they might--and at many state schools, a higher test score in the spring might even trigger more scholarship money.  But my advice is to get that testing done now.  See www.act.org and www.collegeboard.com for test dates, locations, and registration info.

And if your child is looking at Early Decision or Early Action, then October may well be the last time to take tests because the November scores may not be ready in time for decision-making.

There is a lot of media attention right now on testing, the difference between the two main tests, and whether or not testing is a reliable predictor of college success.  Regardless of all the noise, most colleges sill require some kind of standardized test scores for admissions.  My advice is to be organized about your child's testing.  Be on top of it.  Know which tests he or she will take and when.

Testing is important and test-prep is important, but keep in mind that test scores are only ONE fraction of the whole picture that contributes to an admissions decision.  Some people may choose not to do any testing at all, and that's fine, too, provided that a student is content to limit himself to a list of testing-optional schools and provided that his GPA and other admissions factors are exceptionally strong.

If your child is in grade eleven, now is the time to begin planning a testing calendar for the second half of junior year and the first part of senior year.  Next year's test dates are already available on the ACT and College Board websites.  Good luck and let me know if I can help.