More Choice, Less Stress - You Decide Which ACT/SAT Scores Colleges See

In 2009, the college board, the company that administers the SAT implemented a new policy called Score Choice.What does this mean for you?  If you take the test more than once, you’ll now be able to choose the test date(s) from which scores are sent to the colleges you designate.The ACT has long permitted students to select which testing date scores to send to colleges.

Though more schools are making the tests optional, many still place a great deal of weight on test scores when deciding which students to admit.

However, not everyone is happy about Score Choice. Some schools, such as Stanford University, the University of Pennsylvania,Yale University, Pomona College, Cornell University and the University of Southern California, among others, have rejected Score Choice, requiring students to submit all of their scores from all test dates. So be sure to find out whether the schools you’re applying to adhere to Score Choice or not.But don’t worry too much if a school doesn’t accept Score Choice—many schools take the higher of the scores in each section anyway, so it may benefit you to send in scores from more than one test date.

Here are a few other things you can do to make the testing process less stressful:

• Take the PSAT if it’s offered at your school.
• Determine which test (ACT or SAT) would better suit your skill set. In general, the SAT is an “aptitude” test that measures a student’s ability to solve problems, while the ACT covers your knowledge of specific subject matters.
• Take multiple practice exams in a timed environment.This will help you decide which test to take, while also boosting your confidence.
• Take the test more than once if you think you can significantly improve your score. (Most students can, but this means more studying.)
• Relax and keep the test in perspective.Yes, it’s important, but it’s not the only factor in admissions decisions.

Remember:Practice,relax and trust in yourself and your abilities

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