SAT Exams Are Back: What This Means for Your College Applications
As you prepare for the college admissions process, you might have heard the news: many colleges and universities are reinstating the SAT as a requirement for admissions. After several years of test-optional policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this shift marks a significant change in the landscape of higher education admissions.
Why the Change?
The decision to bring back standardized tests like the SAT comes as colleges aim to provide a more standardized measure of academic readiness. According to a recent New York Times article, schools such as MIT and Georgetown University have reverted to requiring standardized tests. The rationale behind this move is to ensure a consistent metric to evaluate students from diverse educational backgrounds.
Read more:
What This Means for You
As an applicant, the return of the SAT means you'll need to revisit or begin preparing for standardized testing. Here’s how you can tackle this change:
Understand the Requirements: Check the admissions pages of the colleges you're interested in. Some may still be test-optional or test-flexible, but many top-tier schools will likely require the SAT.
Plan Your Test Dates: Register for the SAT early to secure your preferred test dates and locations. Ensure you have enough time to prepare and retake the test if necessary.
Prep Early and Effectively: Start your preparation as soon as possible. The earlier you begin, the more time you have to practice and improve your scores.
Free SAT Prep Resources
Preparing for the SAT doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some excellent free resources to help you get started:
YouTube: Channels like Khan Academy offer comprehensive SAT prep, including practice questions and test-taking strategies.
Local Libraries: Many libraries offer free access to SAT prep books and online resources. Check with your local library to see what they have available. BTW, if you’re in South Florida, the Miami-Dade public library system is fantastic, and offers a plethora of SAT prep books to check-out and even FREE classes.
Online Practice Tests: Websites like College Board provide free SAT practice tests and questions to help you familiarize yourself with the test format and question types.
Final Thoughts
The reinstatement of the SAT for college admissions means that standardized testing is once again a significant component of your application. While this change may seem daunting, remember that you have a wealth of resources at your disposal to help you succeed. Start preparing early, make use of free resources, and stay informed about the requirements of your target schools. Good luck, and happy studying!
Check out these free resources to get started:
