For years, students could expect that preparing for the SAT was an essential part of college applications. However, when most schools made sending SAT scores optional during the COVID-19 pandemic, students no longer needed to focus as much on the exam. For now, many schools remain “test optional,” but with more and more colleges restoring the requirement, the stresses of SAT-related expectations have returned for many high school students.
According to an article in the College Review, many universities adopted test-optional policies during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce barriers to applying. This year, schools that have kept test-optional policies gave many seniors flexibility in how they approached their applications. Senior Emma Kremer said, “Going test optional helped highlight other aspects of my application like my extracurriculars, my AP scores and my essay.” She said that “taking away the SAT aspect relieves some pressure.”
Senior Nancy Rezk said, “If I could go back, I would focus less on my SAT score and focus on strengthening my overall application.” With one less component to prioritize, students noted they could devote more time to other parts of the process.
For juniors, the return of testing requirements presents new challenges. Junior Kristen Lee said, “I think that removing test optional definitely has added stress, especially for juniors because now we’re going to be submitting SAT scores even if they’re not good.” She also said she had concerns that students with greater access to test preparation may have an advantage.
Younger students said that they are taking the prospect of having to send SAT scores seriously.
Sophomore Gloria Chang said, “I’ve been preparing for the SAT, and I’ve never really considered going test optional, so I don’t think it will change any of my plans to prepare for applications.”
Sophomore Eunbe Choe said, “This will definitely change the way I prepare for my applications because it will make me focus more on the SATs rather than just my GPA.” She also raised concerns about the cost and time required for preparation. Sophomore Marchella Ramos said, “SAT prep is expensive, especially considering the fact that I also need to think about college and how expensive that will be.”
Even if the test becomes a required part of all applications, it will remain just one component of a senior’s application.
Marchella said, “I don’t think that the SAT is the end all be all,” pointing to other factors such as GPA and supplemental materials. Emma said, “I don’t think one test should decide whether you get into a college or not.” In contrast, senior Nancy said, “The SAT provides you with so many skills which you will need in college anyways, like time management and how to perform under pressure.”
