Students had to sacrifice a lot during Covid. Colleges were aware of this and, in response, many adopted “test optional” policies, allowing students to apply without submitting test scores. So should today’s college applicants bother taking the SAT and should they bother to prep for the test? The answer is yes. SAT prep with a small and experienced tutoring staff is still important in today’s climate of “test optional” college admissions for several reasons crucial to students.

Firstly, while some colleges and universities have adopted test-optional policies, many still require standardized test scores as part of the application process. This is particularly true for selective institutions, which often use test scores to assess a student’s academic abilities and potential for success in college. Therefore, students who choose not to take the SAT or ACT may be limiting their options for college admission.

Even for colleges and universities that have adopted test-optional policies, submitting strong test scores can still be beneficial.

Many schools use test scores as a factor in awarding merit-based scholarships, and a high SAT score can also help to offset weaker grades or other areas of a student’s application.

SAT prep with a small and experienced tutoring staff can provide students with valuable skills and knowledge that will benefit them regardless of whether they ultimately choose to take the SAT. Standardized tests like the SAT require critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management skills, which are important for success in college and beyond. By working with a tutor who is experienced in SAT prep, students can develop and hone these skills, improving their academic performance in general.

SAT prep with a small and experienced tutoring staff can also provide students with personalized attention and support. Unlike large test prep companies, which may rely on one-size-fits-all approaches to teaching, small tutoring services can tailor their instruction to meet the unique needs of each student. This can be particularly helpful for students with learning differences or other challenges that may make standardized testing more difficult.

In conclusion, while some colleges and universities have adopted test-optional policies, SAT prep is still important in today’s climate of college admissions. By preparing for the SAT, students can increase their options for college admission, improve their chances of receiving merit-based scholarships, develop valuable skills and knowledge, and receive personalized attention and support.