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The start of the school year is just around the corner for many students, and with this comes early action and early decision applications for college-bound seniors nationwide. Even those who plan to pursue regular admission will likely begin to prepare for winter and spring applications in the coming months.&nbsp;In recent years, however, many institutions have taken to removing the standardized testing requirement from the application process, making submission optional, and some institutions simply will not accept scores at all.<h3>So, Should You Take the Test?</h3>The broadly-applicable answer is that it cannot hurt to try.“The advice that we give is that students should really consider taking the tests, even if they’re not convinced that they will score in a way that makes them stand out,” explained&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilykmitchell/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=when-to-submit-your-sat-or-act-scores-with-college-applications-2722972" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Emily Mitchell</a>, vice president of education at&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sylvanlearning/info">Sylvan Learning</a>. “You never know. And if you do poorly, you don’t have to submit the results. Admissions officers will look at grades, extracurriculars and any essays the students submit. Those portions of the application get more attention if test scores are not present.”There are some states that offer free preparation as part of the standard high school curriculum, and some school districts will pay for the cost of the exam, as well. In cases like these, there is nothing to lose.&nbsp;This is especially true for students who are pursuing scholarship opportunities that require a certain standardized test score. This is often the case for many state-sponsored scholarships. Even if the specific colleges a student is aspiring to do not require test scores, taking advantage of an opportunity to test at least once can put a student in the running for substantial financial aid.<h3>How To Prepare for the SAT or ACT</h3>For students who do choose to take the tests and are not able to secure test prep through school,&nbsp;<a href="https://sylvanfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=when-to-submit-your-sat-or-act-scores-with-college-applications-2722972" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sylvan Learning</a> can provide a personalized preparation experience that focuses not only on test-taking skills but also addresses any underlying comprehension challenges related to subjects that may be tested.“We recommend that families start preparing at least eight to 10 weeks before the test date the student will sit for,” said Mitchell. “Plan ahead, and consider taking the August test. Historically, fewer students take the August test session, but this option can actually be a little less stressful as students are not juggling test prep in addition to standard class schedules and homework demands.”You should also familiarize yourself with the tests and the differences between the two. Some students will perform better on the ACT than the SAT, or vice versa. Familiarity with the format of the test itself can also help students to feel more prepared. For example, a new version of the SAT will be launched in March of 2024 and will be fully digital, providing a personalized test-taking experience. Based on how the student performs on the first half of the test, they will receive one of two versions of the second half that may be slightly more or less challenging. The test will be scored out of 1600, and students will not lose points for incorrect answers.&nbsp;<h3>Why Standardized Test Scores Are Viewed Differently</h3>Though standardized test scores have historically played a crucial role in the college admissions process, more and more institutions are realizing that a single test is not always indicative of an applicant’s potential to succeed in higher education environments.“Some students are just bad test takers,” said Mitchell. “They could be really great kids who are smart and ready for college, and it’s becoming more widely accepted that a bad test day shouldn’t define their entire college application.”As is the case with many voluntary disclosures, there is a shared concern that choosing not to include test scores may create an impression that the student is doing so because they have scored poorly or are not confident in sharing their results. Mitchell said families should rest assured that this is not the case.“There is certainly a shared worry, but all evidence that has come from speaking to school admissions officers is reassuring that the choice not to include test scores will not be viewed negatively, and the admissions teams are taking steps to make sure that unconscious biases do not impact admissions decisions,” she added.Mitchell explained that the decision to submit scores can be quite simple. Many colleges will publish score preferences or historical average scores of students who have been admitted. If your score is at or above these levels, and submission is optional, send it in. If not, don’t include the score. Weighing your own scores against what has historically performed well at the school you’re applying to is the best way to decide what to include.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sylvanlearning/info">https://1851franchise.com/sylvanlearning/info</a>.

When To Submit Your SAT or ACT Scores With College Applications

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Emily Mitchell, vice president of education at Sylvan Learning, explains when submitting your scores can be helpful and when they can put you at a disadvantage.

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When To Submit Your SAT or ACT Scores With College Applications

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