Latest College Prep News & Tips

It’s the start of the new year, and that means it’s time to start making plans!

In particular, it’s time for juniors to start thinking intensively about their college applications, if they haven’t already. In this blog post, I want to focus on three major things – the state of standardized tests, considerations for disrupted learning experiences, and what juniors should be doing this spring.

Test Optional – Lessons From Last Year’s Application Cycle

Standardized tests aren’t going anywhere – that’s one of the major (and perhaps surprising!) lessons that we’re taking away from the 2020 applications. Many colleges and universities adopted test-optional policies in light of the cancellations of standardized tests across the country. Many schools expected to see lower numbers of applications due to the uncertainty that filled the world.

Reality proved the opposite.

Many of the highly-competitive colleges and universities saw record numbers of applications during the early application season. There are many different factors that we can look at to explain this: test-optional policies making the application less daunting, virtual information tours allowing students from across the country better access, students applying to a greater number of schools in total to account for the greater uncertainty, etc.

But an important takeaway from this is that many admissions departments were overwhelmed by hastily adopted test-optional policies. These schools are likely to revert back to their original testing policies as soon as they are confident that tests will happen, which seems more and more likely. The fact that schools who went test-optional before the pandemic rarely if ever reverted back to their old policies is a bad predictor because those schools made the decision after much thoughtful research and policy analysis. Schools that had to make fast decisions in the face of upheaval are much more likely to reverse those policies once things have settled down.

Test Prep, Academics, and You

All of the above means that this year’s juniors need to start thinking about their plan for taking standardized tests. There are only so many opportunities to take either the SAT or the ACT. We recommend that students try to have all standardized testing completed before starting their senior year.  In Connecticut, all public school students will take the SAT during the school day on either March 24 or April 14.  Students do not need to register for that test themselves, the schools will take care of it.  We then recommend that students take the test for a second time in June, and then if necessary for the last time in August.  Of course, they would still have the opportunity to take the test in October, November, or December if necessary, but we prefer for students to focus on academics and college applications in the fall of their senior year.  If a student is enrolled in AP classes and there is a corresponding SAT II Subject test to that AP course, we recommend taking the subject test in May.  The ACT is offered in February, April, June and July.  We recommend taking a practice test of each to determine which one is best for the student.  

We are open for registration for our test prep classes – first classes start on January 30th.

Completely virtual classes, synchronous classes, days on/days off – juniors this year are coming into this testing season from all sorts of different places academically. And for many students, their learning and their grades have suffered no matter what their classes have looked like.

Students need help. Even students who are usually top-notch learners, who stay on top of their work and could ace the tests in their sleep in a normal year – everyone needs help. Many schools may not be doing as much test prep during the school day as they have in the past. Gaps in understanding result from disrupted schooling schedules. Stress inhibits learning.

Not sure when you should start test prep? Earlier is better in this situation. The same goes for general academic help. No one regrets starting too early and nipping problems in the bud – but plenty of students regret letting things go downhill for too long.

New Year, Same Challenges

Spring of junior year, we are typically advising students to check out some college campuses and get a feel for the schools. Unfortunately, that is unlikely to be an option for some time. Instead, students should focus on virtual offerings. Many schools have created amazing virtual tours and online information sessions. Students should take full advantage of these programs, especially if they are planning on applying to highly competitive schools. What does that mean for you? Well, check out this advice we posted in the spring of 2020 as everyone was just starting to navigate the pandemic: 

“Luckily, many schools have put out resources to help students. Check out an online information session, or watch a virtual campus tour. Many schools are sharing pictures and videos from campus on their websites or Facebook pages. Some have recorded faculty lectures – watch them! You can get a sense for what it would be like to sit in on a class. Want to find out what sports are like on campus? Get in touch with the coaches. Even if you aren’t a recruited athlete, talking to coaches is a great way to get information and show your interest.

See if you can find out who the admissions counselor for your area is, and email them. Let them know what you’ve done – watched a tour, downloaded their online brochures, or checked out their YouTube page.  When looking for information, the best place to start is on the college’s website. Most are being regularly updated with new material as everyone adjusts to the new normal, so check back frequently.” (full post here!)

Feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start? That’s what we’re here for!

Reach out to us – we have the experience to help you navigate the stressful and exciting world of college admissions.