Testing Madness

I have been closely following information about testing for the class of 2017 and beyond. Much of it has been contradictory, and changes from week to week. Just yesterday, Trinity College of Hartford CT joined the test optional movement!

Up to this point, I have been recommending that students who did well on the PSAT in 10th grade, consider taking the OLD SAT this fall, and hold off on the rSAT until we had some more information. Well, that information is here. Two weeks ago, VA Tech confirmed that it would only be accepting the NEW rSAT for admission for fall of 2017. At the conference last week in San Diego, some colleges indicated privately that they will give preference for the NEW rSAT over the old SAT, because it is a harder test. They may even give the rSAT an edge over the ACT. On paper, however, they will accept both tests and the ACT.

This is creating a very rocky testing environment, with students prepping for tests, and then learning that the situation has changed. It is very upsetting for everyone, and makes the test optional colleges look more attractive! (Here is the latest list: fairtest.org)

So here is what I am recommending based on what I know today:

1. Prepare for whichever test you have chosen, and take that test.
2. Plan to take the SAT Subject Tests in May (this is true for 2018s too, but they can take it in June as well)
3. No matter what test you have prepared for, plan on taking the rSAT in June 2016.
4. Over the summer, we will assess the climate and make a decision about what scores to send. Could be one, could be all, could be none.

I wish I could be more definitive, but the winds are shifting too swiftly to know how this will all play out. As Jed's blog indicates, most colleges are in a "wait and see" mode. One thing is sure: they will make their decisions based on what is best for them, and their pool of prospective candidates. And decisions could be made next week, or 6 months from now, so stay tuned...