CRUSH THE SAT & ACT: TOP TIPS - Top Tier Admissions

For many high school students, the season for standardized testing is already in full swing. While many tests were cancelled last year, the SAT and ACT have generally been going forward as planned this year. As you prepare to take these tests, we have a few top tips for you to keep in mind.

TOP TIPS: CRUSH THE SAT & ACT

Test-Optional Doesn’t Really Mean Tests Are Optional

Many colleges went test-optional last year, allowing students to submit applications without SAT or ACT scores attached. This policy not only accommodated students who hadn’t been able to take these tests, but it also encouraged students to apply to colleges that they might otherwise have considered out-of-range. When admissions decisions came out, however, it quickly became clear that colleges were prioritizing students who did submit test scores. Georgetown, for example, admitted only 7.34% of the early applicants who applied without test scores. Penn admitted only 24%.

Lots of colleges are remaining test-optional this year, but you can expect to see similar results. The reality is that most admissions officers still expect applicants—especially those who are not coming from underprivileged schools and communities—to submit test scores. Without them, you’ll be at a disadvantage.

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Register Early

Even though seats are far more available than they were at this time last year, it’s still a good idea to register for your standardized tests ahead of time. The College Board is currently allowing students to register for tests through June 2022. The ACT is open for registration through July. We encourage students to book the test dates they think they might need now, and cancel later if they don’t. That ensures that you won’t miss out on a test date because of a lack of available seats.

Upcoming SAT & ACT Dates and Deadlines

SAT

November 6, 2021, Late reg. deadline: Oct. 26, 2021
December 4, 2021, Regular reg. deadline: Nov. 4, 2021; Late reg. deadline: Nov. 23, 2021
March 12, 2022, Regular reg. deadline: Feb. 11, 2022; Late reg. deadline: March 1, 2022
May 7, 2022, Regular reg. deadline: Apr. 8, 2022; Late reg. deadline: Apr. 26, 2022

ACT

December 11, 2021, Regular reg. deadline: Nov. 5, 2021; Late reg. deadline: Nov. 19, 2022
February 12, 2022, Regular reg. deadline: Jan. 7, 2022; Late reg. deadline: Jan. 21, 2022
April 2, 2022, Regular reg. deadline: Feb. 25, 2022; Late reg. deadline: Mar. 11, 2022
June 11, 2022, Regular reg. deadline: May 6, 2022; Late reg. deadline: May 20, 2022

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Remember Your Other Tests

We encourage students to take the SAT or ACT during the fall of their junior year. By 11^th grade, students’ coursework has generally covered much of the material featured on the test, and it saves them from the stressful position of having to take the test during senior year. The reason that we encourage them to stick with fall? In the spring, they will need time to prepare for their AP tests, and they won’t want to split their focus between different types of test preparation. If you are a junior, we encourage you to dive into test prep now, with the aim of finishing your SAT/ACT testing by December.

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Prepare Effectively

Speaking of test prep—make sure you are preparing thoroughly for each test. While it’s tempting to hunker down with prep books, we find most students do better with guidance, structure, and support along the way. If possible, we encourage students to work one-on-one with a tutor, who will develop an approach tailored to their needs. If that’s not possible, be sure to take advantage of free online resources, like Khan Academy, as well as the SAT and ACT’s own offerings.

Don’t forget about the PSAT

There’s one more test you’ll want to take if you are a high school junior—the PSAT, which most schools are offering this October. The PSAT is not a test that you need to report to colleges, but if you do well on it, you can qualify for National Merit. The best part: if you are already preparing for the SAT or the ACT, those studies should prepare you well for this test.

Need help with these tests? Feeling overwhelmed trying to get everything done? We’re here to help!

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Dr. Eliza Fox

Senior Private Counselor at Top Tier Admissions

Eliza has years of experience at Top Tier Admissions, helping students gain admittance to top-flight colleges and pioneering the Writing Center. She holds a B.A. in English with Honors and Distinction from Stanford University, where she was a two-time recipient of Stanford’s Rebele Journalism Fellowship. She earned her MA and PhD in English Literature at the University of Virginia. Prior to working at Top Tier, Eliza taught in UVa’s English Department and its Academic and Professional Writing Program. The effectiveness of her teaching and her commitment to her students earned her multiple awards, including the All-University Graduate Teaching Award and honors from UVa’s Seven Society. Eliza’s own writing has appeared in publications ranging from academic journals to The Philadelphia Inquirer. She also has experience in publishing, digital humanities, and study abroad programming.