Standardized testing has always been a topic of discussion for Royals. Whether that be the ACT or the SAT, standardized tests are achievement tests meant to measure the knowledge and skills students learned in school to determine academic progress. Up until recently when it became optional for some schools, standardized testing was always a pivotal part of college applications. This is why for sophomores, juniors, and seniors alike, it has been heavily discussed in counselor meetings and introduced to students early through PSAT and Pre-ACT school-hosted practice tests.
While all this information on testing and how to go about it is helpful, it leaves students wondering whether or not they should actually submit their test scores to prospective colleges, as well as wondering how to properly study to achieve satisfactory test scores.
All these questions are highly present in the minds of our seniors as they trudge through their college application processes. Some students are more on-top-of-it than others, and have already taken multiple rounds of standardized testing, where others are not planning to test at all, relying on their transcripts and essays in college decisions. And still some students are trying to cram in final tests before the daunting November 1 and January 1 deadlines – racing against time to exceed the “standard” in their standardized tests.
Senior Sara Garcia is a SAT pro, having taken a total of three SAT tests over the span of the past year, her last one having been in August. When it comes to effective studying methods, Sara was eager to share her favorite: “Taking as many practice tests as possible helped me develop my endurance for test day. My recommendation is at least once a week, with several hours of self-study on topics that you struggle with.” While not all prospective testers will opt for Sara’s rigorous study methods, it remains true that establishing a good study routine is crucial to achieving an ideal score.
In addition to a strong study method, Sophia Long ’24 urges students to sign up for their tests quickly before testing centers fill. Securing a seat often feels like winning the lottery, especially for this year’s seniors, as testing center capacities were limited and very few. Some seniors had to travel insane distances for their tests, and Sophia had a particularly funny experience at hers, sharing “I was in Palm Desert to take the SAT because the other test centers were closed. When I went out on break out of nowhere comes my fellow Rosary senior Kiera Lambert! I couldn’t believe I wasn’t alone in my journey to take the SAT all the way out in Palm Desert.” Although this was a fun coincidence, both Sophia and Kiera recommend securing a seat early, rather than packing for a weekend getaway in Palm Springs.
And finally, when it comes to deciding whether or not to submit scores, senior Makayla Palos Rodriguez comments “I’m only really going to submit my SAT score if I know it will make my application more attractive to colleges. It’s important to evaluate the colleges you’re applying to in order to see where your score falls in comparison to the average, and make your submission decision based on that.” This research-and-submit approach requires a little more legwork from the applicant, but could help prospective students put their best foot forward with their applications.
So, although standardized testing season is a stressful one, Rosary Royals should be confident in the fact that they have plenty of tools and resources, both in studying themselves, tutoring and teacher help, and in their fellow students, to totally crush their exams!
Good luck, Royals!!