UC announced that SAT/ACT is not required for freshmen entering 2021. Should your child still do SAT/ACT prep? #SAT #ACT #CollegeAdmissions

University of California (UC) has announced that for Fall 2020 Freshman and beyond, they will ease some admission requirements. They will not require standardized test scores (ACT or SAT) and there will be no minimum GPAs for required courses.

My students have been asking me, “should I continue to study for the SAT?”

My answer is “yes”.

Why put in the hours and the effort, if they don’t need it?

1. Colleges will still need some way to choose students. The colleges can’t accept all applicants. Kids with good SAT or ACT scores will show that they are smart and capable. It may not be “required” but the UCs have announced that “students CAN submit their scores if they have them.” Without grades and with all extracurricular activities stopped, it will be a way of distinguishing themselves. How else will a student show that they are worthy of the spot?
2. Smart kids/ Kids from competitive schools / underachievers are HELPED by test scores. They test better than their grades would indicate. This shows colleges that the students ARE capable and bright, when the students choose to be. No SAT/ACT score helps kids who are in poor performing schools (where it is easy to get an A) or very expensive private schools (where no one gets below an A). If your child goes to a “good school” or is a lazy student, then a standardized test score makes them much more appealing to colleges.
3. SAT / ACT test rather useful skills. They both test Reading Comprehension, English Grammar, Writing Skills, Algebra, and Geometry. Learning how to read, write and do Math is never wasted. Studying for the SAT / ACT will just make your child better at school later.
4. The UCs have announced that they won’t REQUIRE standardized tests (which is different than NOT use them in the admission process) but the private colleges and the Cal States have NOT made such a declaration. If you want your child to have as many options as possible, then your child will want to take the SAT. The UCs aren’t the only colleges around.
5. The UCs have announced that these are “temporary” changes. Who knows when the will put the requirement back and then kids will be scrambling to study for the SAT and ACT again. So far it only applies to students entering college in Fall 2021. The UCs emphasized several times that these are just TEMPORARY measures.

So, make sure your student studies for the SATs/ ACTS and is ready to take the exams when they become available again.

Good luck and hope they get a great score!