Should I Still Take The ACT If I Want to Apply to a Test-Optional College?

Several high-profile schools – including Boston University, Tufts, University of Oregon, Oregon State, University of Georgia, and the University of California schools - have recently announced going “test-optional” for the class of 2021.  Test-optional policies give college applicants the choice of whether to submit their standardized test scores.  Does that mean your student doesn’t need to take (or study for) the ACT?  Not really.  It depends. A student will be better positioned with more options if they take - and excel - at the ACT.  Here are a few points to consider:

• Improving your ACT score is easier than improving your GPA. Most schools employ a holistic admissions policy; they look at grades, standardized test scores, recommendations, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. By junior year, the only factors that are still easily influenced are ACT scores, recommendations, and personal essays.  A strong ACT score will still enhance your student’s application even if the school has gone test-optional.   

• Test-Optional does not mean Test Blind.  If a student submits scores, the college admissions team will consider it as part of the application.  If a student scores lower on their test than they hoped, test-optional colleges give them a chance to demonstrate their strengths in other areas without the negative light cast by a low standardized test score. However, for a student who also has a lower GPA or lacks extracurricular achievements, solid SAT or ACT test scores may be the redeeming quality that helps them secure admission.

• Test scores are often required for merit-aid awards. Test scores factor directly into merit-aid awards for many colleges and universities that are test-optional. While test scores are not required for admissions, they are often used to award merit-based scholarships.

• NCAA Division 1 and 2 require ACT scores. NCAA Division 1 and Division 2 schools must meet minimum ACT or SAT requirements.  For more information click here. Similarly, NESCAC collects scores for their league recruiting rules.

For more information and a comprehensive list of test-optional colleges, check out the Fair Test website.

Free (Virtual) Practice Tests

Breakaway Prep Park City is pleased to announce that we are resuming our weekend practice exams, virtually!  We will also be adding a mid-week practice exam on Wednesdays. Until the risk of community spread of the coronavirus has subsided, students will complete their tests at home and log into a Zoom meeting where we will proctor the exam.   

Taking full-length proctored practice tests and working with instructors to thoroughly review the results is one of the best ways to prepare (and stay prepared!) for the real ACT.  Breakaway's first practice test with online proctoring will take place this Wednesday, April 8th at 10:00 am.

Here is how it will work:

• Register online here or send Kelly an email or text.  You must register at least a day in advance.

• Select “Print at Home” or “Safe Doorstep Drop Off” for your test delivery.  The tests are ~ 50 pages and should be printed double-sided.

• The day before the test you will either get an email with the test or we will drop it off safely at your doorstep. 

• The day before you and your student will get email instructions to log into the Zoom Test Room. They should download the Zoom app prior to test day.

• At 9:55 am, students should log into the Zoom Test Room. The test will start promptly at 10:00 am and finish by 1:15 pm.

• After the test, students scan their “bubble sheet” and email to kelly@breakaway-prep-park-city.com. Photos of the bubble forms will also be accepted, but poor-quality photos may delay results.

• We will score students' tests and return results within 1-2 days.

Higher Test Scores = More Merit Money. Really!

The higher your ACT score, the more merit-money will be available.  Raising your ACT score from a 25 to a 27 is worth an additional $3,000 in scholarship money at the University of Utah. Raising it another point – to 28 – is worth an additional $2,000.    

The U makes the scholarship process easy – simply submit your college application by the Dec 1st priority date, and you will automatically be considered for merit-based scholarships.  No additional application is necessary!

Your GPA is calculated from grades 9 through 11;  the ACT/SAT test scores which you included in your application are also used for scholarship selection.  The latest you can take the ACT is the official October test date – October 27, 2018 for rising seniors.

Here is a summary of some of the merit-scholarships offered at the University of Utah.  Each of these scholarships is for seniors of an accredited Utah high school, public or private, who will be entering as freshmen.  Renewable scholarships are contingent on maintaining specific GPA and number of courses per semester. 

Trustee Scholarships

The Trustee Scholarships are based on your GPA and ACT/SAT scores; the minimum qualifying GPA is 3.0 and ACT score is 26.  

Selective Merit Scholarships

The Utah Flagship Scholarship, Utah Academic Scholarship, and Academic Recognition Award

Utah also offers four scholarships rewarding top academic achievement.  Recipients are chosen by University committee from a pool of applicants, who qualify under an index that gives two-thirds consideration to GPA and one-third to ACT/SAT score.

The GPA/ACT requirements to receive a merit-based scholarship varies from year to year, depending on the funding that is available, size, and quality of the applicant pool.  I have included representative scores (from 2014-15) to provide context. These are NOT official cutoffs.

The President’s Scholarship

This is the big one!  Worth approximately $35,000, this scholarship covers tuition, fees, plus the choice of an on-campus housing award or a cash award.  Selection is based on academic excellence, and like the other merit scholarships, the cutoff GPA and ACT scores vary from year to year.  Shown below are representative of 2014-15.  The academic rigor of your high school classes are also considered as part of the selection process.

These are just a few of the scholarship opportunities at the University of Utah.  Check out their website for the most current information and a full listing.

Interested In Improving Your Test Scores?

Breakaway Prep Park City can help in a couple of different ways:

Free Practice Tests:  Breakaway Prep Park City offers free practice tests every Sunday and by appointment.  Sign up to reserve your spot today! Space is limited to 6 students.

One-on-One Tutoring:  One-on-one we can work at your pace, customizing the approach and materials to match your strengths and challenges.  No need to commit to a certain number of sessions or schedule.  Most students find they get the best results by starting test prep 10-12 weeks before the test working a combined 3 hours a week (tutoring and homework.)

ACT or SAT? Which is better for YOU?

Photo by Pablo Garcia Saldaña on Unsplash

Similarities

With the new redesigned SAT, these tests are more alike than different.  Similarities include: length of test, multiple choice format with optional essays, and tests for Reading, Writing and Language, and Math.  US Colleges accept scores from either ACT or SAT (or both).  Both tests offer accommodations such as extra time. 

Differences

Here are some of the differences that may cause a student to do better on one test vs. the other:

• ACT has more questions in less time.  You cannot waste a second.  For example, in the ACT English there are 75 questions in 45 minutes - a pace of 36 seconds per question!  On the SAT Writing and Language, there are only 44 questions in 35 minutes, for a pace of 47 seconds per question. 
• ACT has a science section; the SAT includes science in the Reading and Math sections. Both tests are not really testing your command of science.  Instead, they are testing your ability to read charts and analyze data.
• You can always use your calculator on the ACT Math section.  The SAT has a “No-Calculator” math section of 20 questions and a “Calculator OK” section of 38 questions.
• The SAT provides a “cheat sheet” of formulas and relationships that you may need on the Math test.  The ACT expects you to memorize these. Examples include area of shapes, special right triangles, and number of degrees in various shapes. Remember Pythagoreas' theroem?  You will need it on the ACT!
• Focus of the optional essays are very different.  The SAT asks you to read a passage and then analyze what you read. The ACT asks you to take a position on a contemporary concern and address three different perspectives.