ACT, SAT, Redesigned SAT?
There is likely to be a spate (yes a spate) of calls to your office with questions about which test (ACT, SAT, Redesigned SAT) is recommended for the class of 2016. This class could theoretically take the current SAT in 2015 and then the Redesigned SAT in Spring of 2016.
The answer to this question is relative to a number things including a student's strengths and weaknesses, state testing orientation, and to some extent, game theory. To that last point, there is currently no disincentive to take all three tests or to take all three tests more than once! While we don't recommend that level of gamesmanship, we know that there are parents out there who will see that option as viable. The option to take multiple tests, multiple times is possible because many universities will superscore the current and Redesigned SAT during a time when students will still have the option through Score Choiceto determine which test (ACT. SAT, or Re/SAT) to submit. While this approach may be viable and even effective, this game theory strategy could potentially distract students from focusing on what we know to be more important admissions criteria: GPA and course rigor. Here is a fairly pragmatic decision tree to help parents out:
-Remind parents of the importance of GPA and course selection.
-Suggest parents call the schools to which their student plans to apply in order to determine what the school recommends.
-If the answer is unclear, recommend the student take an ACT diagnostic and Current SAT diagnostic.
-Use a concordance table as well as a thoughtful conversation with the student to review comfort level and acheivement on the tests.
-Explain that in an ideal situation, one would take the test of choice once and score the best at that time (but that is easier said and is as mentioned idealistic).
-Become familiar with the Redesigned SAT and direct parents/students to the recently released sample questions available through the College Board site.
-Explain that a sample Redesigned SAT should be available in March 2015 should the student want to try it out. -Reiterate the importance of GPA and course rigor as crucial to the decision-making process. It is our hope that this advice will help you help the parents of the Class of 2016. Having said that, positioning one's business in light of the changing environment is an important step to consider as well. There should be an unprecedented windfall for folks who anticipate and plan with deliberate intent. No matter what is recommended, we will be seeing more test takers this year. More to come on that... |
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Thursday, February 5, 2015
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