ACT’s® Registration Rush Reveals Realities of the “Test-Optional” Era

The idea was that “Test-Optional” policies would help ease the burden on students applying to college amidst the COVID-19 pandemic - especially as school buildings closed and testing sites were forced to cancel ACT® and SAT® test dates. The assumption was that by eliminating test score requirements as a part of the college admissions process, demand would decline and everyone would feel like they had a fair shake at an acceptance letter.

Well, you know what they say about assumptions.

In July, as ACT® opened online registrations for their fall test dates, they were caught unprepared. Within hours, the ACT® registration website crashed “due to high demand.”

It turns out that the website infrastructure wasn’t the only thing that collapsed. July’s registration rush proves that many of the myths of the “Test-Optional” era are falling apart, as well.

MYTH: Students are going to skip taking the ACT® and SAT®

Clearly, that is not the case. Savvy students know that while many students are going to forgo taking the ACT® and SAT®, many are not. Test scores can and will be a key differentiator between candidates in competitive applicant pools. They know, optional or not, strong test performances can and will still open the door to opportunities like scholarships and honors programs. Elite students will do what it takes to fight for their spots.

First and foremost, July’s registration rush shows just how desperate students are to add test scores to their applications. Furthermore, the test date drought that started this spring has only exacerbated the issue. Speaking of which...

MYTH: There will be plenty of opportunities to register for tests

This is where things get tricky. There are a lot of students vying for a limited number of testing center seats. Given the fact that pandemic-influenced capacity limits remain an issue (and likely will for months to come), registering for a test is not going to be easy. Many students will be lucky to nab a single Test Day seat. With no definitive word on when/if online testing options will materialize, getting the chance to take a test is going to be difficult enough - let alone getting multiple chances to retake to try for score improvement.

To ensure that your test-prep students can make the most out of their Test Day opportunities, there are several strategies to consider:

• Use real practice tests effectively - While students may not be able to register to take and retake tests at will, you should be sure to use authentic practice tests to help ensure that they make the most out of their Test Days. Offering real practice tests under real conditions can give you the opportunity to offer in-depth score analysis that can guide student practice and growth.

• Prep for both the ACT® and SAT® - Again, there is no telling what the registration landscape will look like in the coming weeks and months. While usually it is best practice to focus on a single test, the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have turned things topsy-turvy. Preparing for both tests can give students additional Test Day opportunities to earn improved scores.

  Thankfully, Clear Choice offers a comprehensive test prep platform with materials tailored to each test. Our tools make it possible to create instructional programs to bridge skills and strategies from one test to the other. For more, request a free consultation to see how you can market and provide a dual-test strategy.

• Be sure to stay on top of test and registration dates - Most importantly, be sure your clients know when ACT® and SAT® registration windows are open. For now, landing a seat at a testing center is going to be a challenge. Keep up with the ACT® and College Board websites so you can share the latest information with students and parents. Effective communication on your part is key.

MYTH: “Test-Optional” schools aren’t going to care about test scores

With all the challenges in just getting a seat on Test Day, Colleges will understand, right? Test scores really won’t matter.

Sorry, no.

First off, as you well know, “Test-Optional” policies don’t mean “Test-Blind.” “Test-Optional” schools still have every intention of reviewing student scores that are submitted as part of an application package. Fair or not, students with strong test scores will have a leg up on those who do not submit any.

Apart from the extra data point a test score can provide to an admissions counselor, test scores are key markers used by colleges and universities to tout their own prestige. Look at any brochure or college ranking publication and you are almost certain to find the average test scores of the latest freshman class. Higher averages imply a more selective, and higher caliber institution. Hence, if given the choice of two otherwise equal candidates, a student with a high ACT® or SAT® score is of more marketable value than a student with no score. 

Cynical? Yes, but higher education is and always will be a competitive industry. To think that the drive to market and compete for the strongest students will disappear with required test score submissions is folly. As long as test scores are used to evaluate and rank a school, you can bet schools will use test scores to evaluate their candidates.

MYTH: Test prep will become obsolete

The death of the test-prep industry may be a very clickable headline, but test prep is not going anywhere. Even in the “Test-Optional” era, strong test scores are a key way for students to set themselves apart in a crowded field of applicants. Test prep is a key way to unlock that opportunity.

A differentiated, student-centered test-prep experience can give students the skills, strategies, and confidence to make the most out of their Test Day. As long as you are offering a fresh and responsive test-prep service, your business can not only survive, but thrive.

Clear Choice’s white-label ACT® and SAT® curricular materials empower tutors to tailor effective instruction to each student’s individual needs in both face-to-face and distance learning environments. Our engaging, custom-branded print and digital materials give your test-prep business the ability to offer professional and marketable test-prep services in your local market and beyond.

For more on how Clear Choice can strengthen your test-prep business in this or any climate, click the link below for a free demo.