Standardized Test Season
While we may be entering the final stretch of the academic year with summer break just around the corner, now is a great time to make a plan for test preparation during the summer months!
ACT or SAT? Test-optional? What are AP classes? Scheduling? Preparation? Low scores?
After 25 years of guiding students on the path to higher education, nothing elicits more questions or anxiety than the topic of standardized testing.
With an increasing amount of schools shifting their policies around test scores and embracing test-optional practices, staying up-to-date and informed about requirements can feel daunting.
Luckily, I can manage it! I guarantee acceptance for my students because I know what it takes to achieve it. Let’s navigate standardized testing together using my latest tips and tricks, do’s and don’ts, and the Magnolia Method standard for success.
MAGNOLIA MYTHBUSTER
testing edition
Myth: Colleges are test optional now so I don’t need to submit test scores! Taking the ACT and the SAT is a waste of time!
Actually, many colleges have been test-optional for decades! Although it’s more common now to find institutions with these policies, many students who submit scores have an advantage in the admission process vs. those who apply test-optional, especially at selective colleges.
Myth: My score isn’t good. I will never get into a great college!
Not true! I spend a lot of time with my clients identifying where test scores will be submitted. Many times a student will submit test scores to some schools and not to others, all of them, or none. Every student is unique, and I work closely with the prospective college’s admissions staff to determine what scores to submit and when it’s best to apply test-optional.
Myth: Colleges prefer the SAT over the ACT.
This thinking is inaccurate and outdated. In reality, colleges will take the best of either test without preference. A vital step in the Magnolia Method is dedicated to helping students figure out which test is best for them to achieve their highest score. Many colleges also accept a super-score (recombined score based on the best section from multiple test dates), but most schools accept the test that demonstrates your best effort.
Myth: I get more out of in-person test prep.
I conduct extensive research on the test prep partners I suggest to my clients, and if you require local test prep, you may not get the best outcome. I want accurate results for my students; often, the best test prep isn’t in your backyard. While I know a handful of excellent local test prep providers, this is never a one-size-fits-all solution. If you want the best results, you must explore the best options!
Myth: I have to pay a lot of money for test prep. My family cannot afford it!
In this industry, you tend to get what you pay for. Like expert-level college counseling services, expert test-prep courses aren’t cheap either. So, while this is a myth, the test-prep partners I suggest are, in fact, an investment, but one worth the price of your future. However, I have many clients who achieve enormous success by using more affordable online tools such as Magoosh or Khan Academy. It is totally possible, but this route takes maturity, strict adherence to a schedule, an ability to avoid distraction, and the motivation to succeed.
Myth: AP test scores are not important. As long as I take an AP class, the test score doesn’t matter!
Strong AP test scores are the expectation in highly selective college admissions—meaning scores of 4 or 5 on an AP Test. While my clients and I choose what to include on their applications, I help distinguish between scores for college credit (often a 3 or higher) and scores that will actually elevate an application (4 and 5).
Myth: I do not need to study for AP tests. My teacher has it under control.
Dangerous idea! Is your teacher new to teaching this AP class? Then you better have a plan in place to boost your score. Never rely on even the most trusted teacher to get you the score you expect. You still have to study, and an 8-10 week window before the test is best. I like all of the 5 Steps to a 5 materials, as well as Khan Academy for AP test prep. Use these in conjunction with the preparation materials available on College Board for extra help!
As early as this fall, the SAT will be digital and adaptive for the PSAT Suite of Assessments. You can read more here regarding the move to digital to find out what that means for you.
The ACT will eventually offer the OPTION to be digital. While there’s not a clear implementation timeline yet, check out this video where the CEO of the ACT explains what you can expect with the upcoming changes.
Let’s talk about the latest
Competitive colleges had a great admissions year with the 2023 applicant numbers breaking records once again. For example, New York University received nearly 120,000 applications this year and offered 8 percent of applicants admission.
What does this mean for you or your student? Check out the full article, and let’s talk about how I can help you navigate an increasingly selective application process.
Whether you’re a student, parent, teacher, or advisor—you recognize the tremendous benefit of higher education and its impact on shaping one’s future. And no matter your role within this incredibly defining decision-making process, it can be a stressful time for you.
I’m here to be your advisor, organizer, tutor, cheerleader, friend, and compass through this journey. I’ve helped over 2,000 students locate and gain acceptance to the college of their dreams, and I’m so excited to help you, too.
Let’s get to work!
-Allie Pierson, Founder