The Test Optional Lie
Although the numbers are slowly dwindling, approximately 75% of colleges allow applicants to apply without sharing their SAT or ACT.
Who benefits from this policy? The answer may surprise you.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: there's a difference between APPLYING test optional versus being ACCEPTED test optional.
The three most important academic components of a college application are 1. GPA, 2. rigor of course load and 3. standardized test scores. These three factors comprise approximately 60% of the entire college application.
Simple logic: if you remove one of these three academic components -- test scores -- the other two take on greater weight. So do the non-academic ones (40% of the application).
Mass marketing by colleges has created a tsunami of applications, year after year. But are those applicants from QUALIFIED students?
Or is a huge chunk of them from kids who think, "Princeton doesn't need test scores, so I'll throw in an application just for kicks."
Even though they have 92 average and a total of 5 AP courses throughout high school.
And even though they -- and their moms -- really, really want them to get into Princeton.
Although acceptance rates to top colleges may seem daunting, in my experience, kids almost always end up at colleges that are "right" for them.
FREE SAT or ACT Class Promo
Announcing: a free, no-obligation "test drive" of ANY of our upcoming SAT or ACT prep classes, either in-person or online. Here's how it works:
1. Check out our schedule in July and August.
2. Pick the class you want to sample, for free.
3. After the class, our head tutor, Marissa will offer our absolute best deal we can give and still keep the lights on and landlord happy. This is a one-time, "exploding" offer that expires 24 hours after class.
4. There is no obligation or pressure to buy anything, just the forthcoming incentive to enroll with us.
Why are we doing this?
We just moved into brand spanking new offices in June, and are excited to fill the space with eager young, fresh students who want to CRUSH the SAT or ACT!
(And our online classes. :)
Here's where to get all the details, and sign up. This no-rise, free test-drive offer expires Monday at 5pm.
- Andy Lockwood
P.S. Please this offer with any of your friends with kids who are looking to crush the SAT or ACT.
Talk to us about discounted, small group rates too if applicable.
P.P.S. If you're looking for merit scholarships, your kid's odds are MUCH higher if he has an SAT or ACT above the median for that college.
Bottom line: Higher scores mean greater odds of acceptance...
...and better chances of winning five figure -- or more -- scholarships.
Summer is the IDEAL time to prep for the SAT and ACT. Don't put it off until the school year, you'll be pressed for time and more stressed out.