CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Many high school seniors will either take the SAT, ACT or both this summer and fall.
Lots of colleges and universities made the tests optional in light of the pandemic.
According to the University of North Carolina System, the UNC Board of Governors voted to extend the testing waiver for students applying for admission through the fall of 2024.
What You Need To Know
- Many colleges made SAT and ACTs optional during the pandemic
- Sylvan Learning tutors say students should still take the tests
- Educators say it can make a student more competitive while applying for college and scholarships
They cited their decision based on the pandemic, saying COVID-19 impacted standardized testing availability.
While some students may choose not to take the test or submit their scores, it's still an option.
Tony Viramontez, a center director for a Sylvan Learning location in Charlotte, says students should still opt to take the test and submit their scores.
"We are trying to ensure they understand that’s how you stay competitive,” Viramontez said. "For many students, that is how you show yourself in the best light possible.”
He adds it can help in gaining scholarships too.
“Many scholarships are still using SAT and ACT requirements,” Viramontez said. “So again, it’s highly competitive and anything you can do to set yourself apart, you should.”
He says these tests are a lot about strategy.
“If you don’t know the content, you won’t be able to do it, and if you don’t know the strategies, you won’t be able to do it fast enough,” Viramontez said. “I like to tell my students, 'if you are going to use a calculator, make sure to use it for things you can’t do in your head.' It’s a waste of time."
He adds that students should get a good night’s sleep, have a good breakfast, look up directions the night before and get to the testing location early.