SAT's

[nurse dad]

Does anyone have any intel on how academies and ROTC is handling? It is less and less about about dealing with adversity and finding a way and just not possible.

DD traveled oostate for test and it was cancelled the day prior.

Tests are being cancelled day after day.
Thanks

 

[potentialusma25]

If it's any indication of the way that USMA is leaning towards the SAT, a few weeks ago I got a survey as a recruited athlete asking about how my application process had been impacted. One of the questions asked was about whether or not I've been able to take standardized tests, which makes me think that they're possibly considering loosening that requirement. They are still required for the moment, however. Today is the last date to register for any September ACTs, which could be a good option for your DD

 

[Devil Doc]

This canceling SATs must be a regional thing. My school district did one Saturday and I just got an email today with the following:

"Please complete the form below to volunteer to assist with administering the SAT for seniors on Wednesday, September 23. There will be no live instruction that day. The Assessment Office will be in touch with your specific assignment and more information soon. Thank you!"

 

[Drenns3]

Does anyone have any intel on how academies and ROTC is handling? It is less and less about about dealing with adversity and finding a way and just not possible.

DD traveled oostate for test and it was cancelled the day prior.

Tests are being cancelled day after day.
Thanks

Which region of the US are you? I'm in the SE (Florida). My high school had the SAT this past Saturday and has 2 planned in the next 6 weeks. Can you get here?

 

[USNAhopeful2025]

I think the only way these seniors will get the SAT done is if their school offers it - that is what ours is doing!

 

[OldRetSWO]

I think the only way these seniors will get the SAT done is if their school offers it - that is what ours is doing!

School counselors may only advertise or advise test given in their school but generally, tests sites accepts students who apply regardless of what school they attend. Not to tell anyone what to do but if it were my kid who needed a test, I'd be looking at every test site that administered the tests.

 

[USNAhopeful2025]

School counselors may only advertise or advise test given in their school but generally, tests sites accepts students who apply regardless of what school they attend. Not to tell anyone what to do but if it were my kid who needed a test, I'd be looking at every test site that administered the tests.

I agree - and I think our school would do the same as long as there was room!!!

 

[kinnem]

As of now they still require the,SAT or ACT. I, personally, wouldn't count on a change but would find a way to "complete the mission". There are other threads on this very topic. Take a look.

 

[nurse dad]

Thanks for all the input, very appreciated. Yes, DD has been all over this and has had no less than 7 tests cancelled in 7 different locals/3 different states. She is absolutely considering every site in and out of state within driving distance. We are in MA and nothing is happening. She is signed up for another in Sept but fear (and best guess) is they just cancel again and again.....
Flying around the country is not really a financial option.

 

[Drenns3]

Thanks for all the input, very appreciated. Yes, DD has been all over this and has had no less than 7 tests cancelled in 7 different locals/3 different states. She is absolutely considering every site in and out of state within driving distance. We are in MA and nothing is happening. She is signed up for another in Sept but fear (and best guess) is they just cancel again and again.....
Flying around the country is not really a financial option.

It wouldn't be a financial option for me, either. Just thought I'd put it out there in case you were in a neighboring state. Good luck.

 

[Firecracker070403]

I personally took the test this past Saturday and I live in SC

 

[Frisbeedog]

DD took test this weekend in State College, PA. We drove 4.5 hours. Apparently it was a popular choice with hundreds of kids lined down the sidewalk and around the school. We were lucky and arrived early! Testing started late due to volume but otherwise sounded like it went well.

 

[Gabe_]

Unless things change drastically, the SA will have to strongly consider test optional admissions. I live in a no mask state. We only shut down for the initial several weeks in March. Many people in my state are not concerned with the virus, and my DD has not been able to take the test since last Oct. I don't know how many tests have been canceled on her, but I would guess she can give @nurse dad's DD a run for her money.

For those making comments about completing the mission or this is an SA it's different (with all due respect. i am usually in this camp too.) Well times are different. You are not living this reality. DD currently has 3 test booked, fingers crossed she gets to take at least one.

When a test is booked it is done weeks if not months, in advance. At this point it is like playing the loto. There is no way to tell which site will cancel. The test sites will cancel as late as the Thursday prior to a Saturday test. Now the student must pick yet another date, which can be month or more out, and hope there is a testing site available within several hours. DD is now looking at having test scores in as late as October, at the earliest, and December or later, at the worst. If the trend continues with the amount of canceled testing, I don't see how they continue as usual.

My guess is the tipping point will be when a coveted nominee or recruit can't take the test.

 

[Hopeful2025]

I believe it is not up to the collegeboard to cancel tests but rather to the testing centers themselves. As usual, centers in more populated areas such as mine (SoCal) are much more likely to close than centers in the middle of Nebraska where population density is not high. That is why if you look on the CBs website, they don't say that THEY cancelled it, they say to look if your TESTING SITE has cancelled it. Collegeboard holds it regardless, it's just up to the school if they wish to administer it or not.

 

[Gabe_]

I believe it is not up to the collegeboard to cancel tests but rather to the testing centers themselves. As usual, centers in more populated areas such as mine (SoCal) are much more likely to close than centers in the middle of Nebraska where population density is not high. That is why if you look on the CBs website, they don't say that THEY cancelled it, they say to look if your TESTING SITE has cancelled it. Collegeboard holds it regardless, it's just up to the school if they wish to administer it or not.

I believe you a correct. It is the testing site. We live a low population state and test continue to get cancelled.

 

[kinnem]

Unless things change drastically, the SA will have to strongly consider test optional admissions. I live in a no mask state. We only shut down for the initial several weeks in March. Many people in my state are not concerned with the virus, and my DD has not been able to take the test since last Oct. I don't know how many tests have been canceled on her, but I would guess she can give @nurse dad's DD a run for her money.

For those making comments about completing the mission or this is an SA it's different (with all due respect. i am usually in this camp too.) Well times are different. You are not living this reality. DD currently has 3 test booked, fingers crossed she gets to take at least one.

When a test is booked it is done weeks if not months, in advance. At this point it is like playing the loto. There is no way to tell which site will cancel. The test sites will cancel as late as the Thursday prior to a Saturday test. Now the student must pick yet another date, which can be month or more out, and hope there is a testing site available within several hours. DD is now looking at having test scores in as late as October, at the earliest, and December or later, at the worst. If the trend continues with the amount of canceled testing, I don't see how they continue as usual.

My guess is the tipping point will be when a coveted nominee or recruit can't take the test.

I'm sure it is being strongly considered but at this time tests are required. There is no guarantee this will change. Until it does change. I would be seeking ways to complete the test.

Of course life is about risk assessment. One is free to assume that the policy will change, but one is also assuming the risks of that assumption.

Certainly no one here is going to make the policy decision, and few old timers would venture to guess what that decision will be. The standardized tests are key inputs to admission decisions, simply because it's the only national standard the have to work with. If they do drop it, and i'm not certain they will, it will be late in the cycle as a last resort. There is no reason why they HAVE to change the policy. They might go with a smaller class size, or they might just appoint kids who have completed the test.

If you want to have constructive input on this I'd be contacting my MOCs and my Governor.

Just one man's two cents. It's worth what you paid for it.

 

[Frisbeedog]

Even if tests were to become "not required," my guess is SAs would not ignore qualifying scores from candidates who took them. Similar to other schools who claim they are not required for an application, many/most of those same schools also say they still expect them if applying for a scholarship because it's so competitive and they have so many candidates with test scores.

 

[cb7893]

I believe it is not up to the collegeboard to cancel tests but rather to the testing centers themselves. As usual, centers in more populated areas such as mine (SoCal) are much more likely to close than centers in the middle of Nebraska where population density is not high. That is why if you look on the CBs website, they don't say that THEY cancelled it, they say to look if your TESTING SITE has cancelled it. Collegeboard holds it regardless, it's just up to the school if they wish to administer it or not.

Speaking of Nebraska, check out the CB site for Nebraska Testing Centers. SAT's are in our rearview mirror, so I have no idea about cancellations. I will say that my wife and I would be happy to host, if a trip is necessary to take the test away from home.

This would be payback for my son. He was in Brazil for his HS Junior year. The closest PSAT test site was an overnight busride away. I contacted the school who administered the test and they arranged a homestay for him with a wonderful family. He ended up a Merit Scholar Finalist and had excellent source material for college app essays.

Parents can PM me.

 

[Gabe_]

I'm sure it is being strongly considered but at this time tests are required. There is no guarantee this will change. Until it does change. I would be seeking ways to complete the test.

Of course life is about risk assessment. One is free to assume that the policy will change, but one is also assuming the risks of that assumption.

Certainly no one here is going to make the policy decision, and few old timers would venture to guess what that decision will be. The standardized tests are key inputs to admission decisions, simply because it's the only national standard the have to work with. If they do drop it, and i'm not certain they will, it will be late in the cycle as a last resort. There is no reason why they HAVE to change the policy. They might go with a smaller class size, or they might just appoint kids who have completed the test.

If you want to have constructive input on this I'd be contacting my MOCs and my Governor.

Just one man's two cents. It's worth what you paid for it.

I always respect your input and perspective. I also appreciate your efforts as moderator. Your two cents is immeasurable. I agree with everything you state here. I would prefer the current standards remain, no matter the outcome for DD.

I was trying to illuminate the current situation, for those that are more familiar with the typical year. I was also trying to give those that are in a similar situation to DD, they are not alone.

SA's will ultimately decide how standardized tests impact admissions this year. Their decision will be the correct one for that institution, and its mission. These situations will impact all differently and that's life.

Lastly, I would not go to MOC or Gov with this, as this is not a complaint. It's a different year. I guess that's what I am trying to state DD and I would accept the decision from each SA no matter the circumstance. HE has a plan. With that said, she is working her tail off to fulfill that plan, with a stellar ACT/SAT

 

[kinnem]

My thinking about the MOC and Gov was to either bring pressure to bear on the academies to drop the requirement this year, or the Gov to somehow open up testing. Those seemed like possible actions to address the issue.

Good luck to your DD. Anyone who considers this path is an outstanding person.