SAT, ACT, Subject Tests, or no testing at all? Colleges differ in their requirements for admission. Underclassmen would be wise to check out what testing will be needed as they begin to research possible college choices.
Although all U.S. colleges now accept the ACT in lieu of the SAT, not all require the optional writing test offered by the ACT. However, for most students taking the ACT, completing the writing section will provide more opportunities to use this test for any of the colleges to which they’ll apply. Some students seem to do much better on the SAT while others perform at a higher level on the ACT. If you can, try both exams and then retake the test on which you get the higher score.
Subject test requirements also vary from college to college. Most colleges that do require these exams ask that students take two in different subject areas. Ideally, you should take the exam soon after you complete your coursework in that subject area. Thus you’d take the U.S. History exam at the end of the year in which you had this class. Students applying to science and engineering programs are often required to submit scores from the Math II and a chemistry or physics exam. When researching colleges, note the tests that are required as well as any subject exams needed.
A growing number of colleges have moved to a “test optional” status. For these colleges, grades take on more significance, and students may be asked to submit a graded paper in lieu of admissions test results. Many state schools are test optional for residents with high GPAs, and some highly selective colleges such as Pitzer, Hamilton, and Muhlenberg offer applicants the choice of applying without test scores. Talent-based and specialized schools such as Julliard, Johnson & Wales, and the Ringling School of Art & Design do not require test scores. A full list of colleges that are test optional in admissions will be found on the website of Fair Test at www.fairtest.org.
