Due largely to the COVID-19 pandemic, the world of admissions and standardized testing is in flux.

Over 90% of selective 4-year colleges in the U. S. are now test-optional, and many private high schools are test-optional as well. Whether these policies continue or not remains largely unknown. Navigating this shifting landscape can be confusing for applicants as they wonder how submitting or not submitting test scores (SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE) will help or hinder their chance for admission.

For 32 years, Summit has been providing schools, families, and students with sane, sensible, and objective testing advice focused on the individual student.

In that spirit, we have created this page for you.  It is updated regularly, so visit often as you move through the admissions process. For additional guidance and information, I encourage you to contact us.  We’d be delighted to help.

Testing Updates

Summit’s Recommendations

For guidance and questions specific to your student, please contact us.

High School Class of 2022

Now more than ever, it’s important for juniors to have a game plan for standardized testing. With the uncertainty of test-optional policies and the pandemic, having a plan will give students a sense of control as they navigate the admissions process.

With the current school year underway, and many students having taken the fall PSAT, they should now take a practice ACT and compare ACT scores to PSAT scores in order to decide between the SAT and ACT. Students can use the PSAT as a proxy for the SAT. Students would then create a test plan with target test dates and a study schedule. You can take a free practice ACT with Summit and receive a complimentary consultation to help decide whether to pursue the SAT or ACT path.

The goal here is to get your testing plan mapped out as soon as possible. Taking practice tests is important because they give students exposure to content and difficulty of the material. Our detailed Score Reports will also indicate strengths and weaknesses, uncovering underlying areas for skill development. We offer free practice tests and many ways to take them. Please contact a Summit program director for help and questions about crafting your test plan.

Both the SAT and ACT are curriculum-based tests and a student’s performance correlates with age, maturity, and time spent in school. Students generally reach their peak score in spring of junior year or early fall of senior year.

We have always advised students to plan on taking the test 2 or even 3 times. That advice is perhaps even more important now than ever before. If, for instance, your first test date is canceled, you’ll feel better knowing you have later options to test.

Test prep planning is a highly individualized process and no two plans are exactly alike. Read this article for some general guidelines for students who will want to consider testing sooner, rather than later.

High School Class of 2023

College test preparation for sophomores.

While it’s too early for 10th graders to start test prep for college, it’s not too early for students and families to spend a small amount of time formulating a future testing plan. We recommend that students schedule their first practice tests for later in the spring or during the summer months leading up to junior year.

Read Summit’s recommendations for what parents and students can do during sophomore year to anticipate and plan for SAT or ACT and other tests for college.

Remember, though, that school grades and course rigor are the most important performance measurement for college admission decisions. If you find that your sophomore is struggling academically, our academic support services and AP tutoring can help.

2020-2021 Test Dates (remaining)

NOTE: Due to the pandemic, The College Board and ACT are allowing some administrations of the tests during the school day. Check with your school’s counseling office to find out if your state, school district, or school is offering school day testing.

2021-2022 Test Dates (anticipated)

These dates are estimates based on test dates from past years. The testing companies usually wait until a few months before the start of the testing season before publishing dates and deadlines. Always check the test administrators’ website.

Questions or comments? Please share them in the comment box below or contact your local Summit office.

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