Are there circumstances where not taking SAT/ACT at all makes sense?

[Anonymous]

My DC is a terrible test taker. Just gets nervous & makes mistakes. They also have LDs but I’ve heard is hard to get accommodations from College Board even with long-existing, documented issues (dyslexia, ADHD).

They have a solid GPA (3.8+, about half of core is honors/AP, half standard) but are not aiming for schools with lower than 60% acceptance rates, most are in 70-80% range.

If their PSAT score indicates that a probable SAT score would not give them additional merit nor add to application of reach school, and all schools are test optional for foreseeable future, should they even bother taking a standardized test? It’d require a lot of additional time & likely money (for tutor because child is unlikely to want to self study) & we’d be unlikely to submit.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't. Maybe name a few of the schools so we can get an idea?

[Anonymous]

Definitely. There are seven (?) UCs that are test blind.

Focus on UCs and you will not need test scores.

[Anonymous]

My senior has a similar profile to yours. Wen test optional to 6 but required to report for 1 school and some scholarships. I’d take it once just to have it in your back pocket. There are a few test mandatory schools that might be of interest. But don’t spend too much time on multiple attempts and test prep stuff. We did and the 4 scores were within 30 points of each other.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't. Maybe name a few of the schools so we can get an idea?

Roanoke College, UMW, a few lower tier Wisconsin schools (we have family nearby), GMU, VCU

Currently unsure on bigger vs small school

I’d expect SAT score to be 1100

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't. Maybe name a few of the schools so we can get an idea?

Roanoke College, UMW, a few lower tier Wisconsin schools (we have family nearby), GMU, VCU

Currently unsure on bigger vs small school

I’d expect SAT score to be 1100

Not worth the time or money to test.

Lots of SLACs are truly TO too. What major? You can probably put together a good application.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DC is a terrible test taker. Just gets nervous & makes mistakes. They also have LDs but I’ve heard is hard to get accommodations from College Board even with long-existing, documented issues (dyslexia, ADHD).

They have a solid GPA (3.8+, about half of core is honors/AP, half standard) but are not aiming for schools with lower than 60% acceptance rates, most are in 70-80% range.

If their PSAT score indicates that a probable SAT score would not give them additional merit nor add to application of reach school, and all schools are test optional for foreseeable future, should they even bother taking a standardized test? It’d require a lot of additional time & likely money (for tutor because child is unlikely to want to self study) & we’d be unlikely to submit.

If it’s a long-standing, well-documented diagnosis there should not be issues. My dyslexic DC (diagnosed age 6, reassessed every 4-5 years for school applications, has documented learning plans/IEPs) has never had any trouble getting quick approvals for testing accommodations. ACT is supposedly stricter (because time matters more) but DC didn’t need to try the ACT so I don’t know.

Don’t be so afraid that your kid might be denied accommodations that you give up and don’t even try.

[Anonymous]

^pp again, it’s fine if you decide that taking SAT/ACT is not valuable or needed for your specific situation, but don’t let fear of requesting accommodations be a reason for the decision, is all I’m saying.

[Anonymous]

I know a student from MoCo MD who opted not to take SAT at all. No test prep, no anxiety around it etc.
Accepted and enrolled at University of Maryland right now.
There are so many schools that do not require scores and will be test blind or test optional through when your child applies.

[Anonymous]

no.

even if you're 99% sure you won't use the score, it's a 2 hour test like a lot of tests they take ALL THE TIME. dont make a big deal of it. but take it. I personally would hire a tutor for 1-2 sessions just so they're familiar.

have a growth mindset.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Definitely. There are seven (?) UCs that are test blind.

Focus on UCs and you will not need test scores.

Nine but imho they aren’t worth it OOS unless very significant aid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't. Maybe name a few of the schools so we can get an idea?

Roanoke College, UMW, a few lower tier Wisconsin schools (we have family nearby), GMU, VCU

Currently unsure on bigger vs small school

I’d expect SAT score to be 1100

Not worth the time or money to test.

Lots of SLACs are truly TO too. What major? You can probably put together a good application.

Currently considering engineering (but engineering tech or packaging science might be more realistic), but in past also interested in finance, entrepreneurship, etc. strengths are science, math, public speaking/presentations, patience, & salesmanship

[Anonymous]

Did DC take the PSAT w/o accommodations (extended time?). If so, it's not a good barometer for the SAT with accommodations.

My DC has a 504 at school (due to slow processing speed) to receive extended time on exams. No other diagnosis, and it was not difficult to get College Board to grant him extended time. If your child has an IEP or 504 and already gets this accommodation in high school now, I don't see why they wouldn't approve it.

Honestly i would try to get the accommodation and then have your DC try the exam. Have them take a practice SAT and see how they do, and then do just a little bit of tutoring. You may be surprised. The gift of time will help the score. Some schools may eventually require it, and some schools link it to merit scholarships even though its not required. If he takes it once and it's not good, don't bother taking it again.

[Anonymous]

A lot of schools are test optional, but may change next year. Every Jr takes it on the same day in my kid’s school. Your kid should at least take it that day so they have a score to turn in, just in case a school they like isn’t TO next year.

My kid has test anxiety as well. Avoiding it won’t help. They will have tests in college also, this is a good time for them to work through it and develop calming skills.

[Anonymous]

My '25 graduate didn't take any tests. Based on her PSAT score, she would have had to do an enormous amount of prep to have a score that she would have submitted, and even after all that work, she still might not have scored high enough. She decided her time was better spent in many other ways. She got into her first choice school (not a top 20).