The Shift Away from Test-Optional Policies

While the test-optional movement gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities are now reconsidering that change. According to a recent article by College Raptor, higher SAT or ACT scores can improve your acceptance odds, especially as more schools revert to requiring these scores for admissions (College Raptor, 2022). This shift underscores the importance of preparing thoroughly for these exams to ensure you stand out in the competitive college admissions landscape. Notably, prestigious institutions like MIT and Yale have moved away from test-optional policies, emphasizing the value they place on standardized test scores in their admissions process (MIT Admissions, 2024; Yale News, 2024).

 The Benefits of SAT and ACT Prep

1. Improved Scores and Acceptance Odds

One of the most compelling reasons to invest in SAT and ACT prep is the potential for improved scores. Research shows that students in test preparation programs tend to score higher on standardized tests. For instance, a study by the International Journal of Social Welfare found that students enrolled in SAT prep classes scored an average of 56 points higher than their peers who did not take the prep course (College Raptor, 2023). Higher scores can significantly boost your chances of getting into your top-choice schools.

2. Scholarship Opportunities

Higher SAT and ACT scores can also lead to substantial financial benefits. Many colleges and universities offer merit-based scholarships that consider standardized test scores as a key criterion. According to BestColleges.com, strong ACT or SAT scores can make you a competitive scholarship applicant, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in tuition and other expenses (BestColleges.com, 2022). For example, the University of Missouri offers scholarships up to $22,500 based on a combination of GPA and SAT/ACT scores (College Vine, 2023).

3. Personalized Study Plans and Accountability

Working with a tutor can provide you with a personalized study plan tailored to your strengths and weaknesses. Tutors help you stay on track, keep you motivated, and ensure you are making measurable progress. This personalized approach can lead to more efficient studying and better results on test day (Accolade Financial, 2022).

 High ROI on Your Test Prep Investment

Investing in SAT and ACT prep can yield a high return on investment (ROI). For some students, an initial investment in test prep classes can result in significant savings through scholarships. Specifically, Huntington Learning Center students, on average, receive $71,000 in scholarship offers. This potential for a high ROI makes test prep a worthwhile investment in your academic and financial future. Additionally, Huntington Learning Center has demonstrated significant improvements in student scores. The average SAT score for Huntington students increased from 1035 to 1264, a 229-point improvement, while the average ACT score increased from 22.2 to 27.6, a 5.4-point improvement (Huntington Learning Center, 2019).

 Conclusion

As universities move away from test-optional policies, achieving high SAT and ACT scores is more important than ever. Even for test-optional schools, submitting strong scores can enhance your application and increase your chances of receiving merit-based scholarships. At Huntington Learning Center in Zionsville, Indiana, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your highest potential scores and maximize your college admissions and scholarship opportunities. Contact us today to learn more about our SAT and ACT prep programs and take the first step towards a brighter future.

 References

Accolade Financial. (2022, March 1). 8 Reasons To Hire An SAT/ACT Tutor. Retrieved from https://www.accoladefinancial.com/8-reasons-to-hire-an-sat-act-tutor/

BestColleges.com. (2022, September 6). 20 Scholarships for High ACT and SAT Scores. Retrieved from https://www.bestcolleges.com/test-prep/act/sat-scholarships/

College Raptor. (2022, December 22). The Different Benefits of a Higher ACT / SAT Score. Retrieved from https://www.collegeraptor.com/getting-in/articles/act-sat/different-benefits-higher-act-sat-score/

College Raptor. (2023, June 30). 4 Reasons to take ACT / SAT Prep Classes. Retrieved from https://www.collegeraptor.com/getting-in/articles/act-sat/why-students-should-take-test-prep-courses/

College Vine. (2023, March 15). Automatic Scholarships Based on SAT/ACT Scores in 2023. Retrieved from https://blog.collegevine.com/which-colleges-award-automatic-scholarships-based-on-sat-scores

Huntington Learning Center. (2019). Huntington Learning Center Results Case Study. Retrieved from https://huntingtonhelps.com/case-study-results:~:text=Huntington%20Learning%20Center%20Results%20Case%20Study&text=The%20average%20SAT%20score%20went

MIT Admissions. (2024, January 15). MIT Reinstates SAT/ACT Requirement for 2024 Admissions. Retrieved from https://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/mit-reinstates-sat-act-requirement-for-2024-admissions/

Yale News. (2024, February 10). Yale to Require SAT/ACT Scores for 2024 Admissions. Retrieved from https://news.yale.edu/2024/02/10/yale-require-sat-act-scores-2024-admissions

By:  Eric D. Motycka, MBA, PhD, CFP^®, ABFP^TM

Owner/Operations Manager

Huntington Learning Center, Zionsville