College Admissions Test Delays Will Bring a Wave

If you were able to take the March 14 SAT test, count yourself lucky. The possibility of taking an in-person test in the next 6 weeks seems out of the question given the progression of safety measures enacted across the country. And if the situation does not improve, the future of the in-person college admissions testing regime is definitely in question.

This delay will build up demand for testing slots until testing can be administered safely and all students can access the tests successfully and fairly. We expect a big wave of students later in the year as current Juniors push to get second and third tests in before their applications are due in the late Fall/early winter.
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So what do we know today about the future test availability and how should you plan your testing in the face of this uncertainty?

SAT Status

Here’s what we know about the canceled SAT tests and those scheduled in the future:

• The March 14 test took place at most testing centers across the country, including those in Montgomery County.
• The March 25 in-school SAT for Montgomery County Public School students did not take place as scheduled. If school reopens, it is possible this test may be rescheduled. We think this is unlikely to happen though.
• The May 2 test has been canceled. Very few students take this exam since AP exams start the next week, but it is one less opportunity for students who need multiple test dates.
• Refunds will be issued in the next few weeks for anyone registered for the canceled March 14 or May 2 tests.
• Students must register separately for the June 6 exam. Do this immediately, especially if you were unable to take the March exam.
• We do not see any indication that the College Board will add new summer test dates to make up for the canceled May test, but you might see additional test centers added.
• The next test dates will be August 29, October 3, November 7, and December 5.
• For students planning on taking SAT Subject Tests, the June date is absolutely critical to their strategy for being prepared before the exam, especially with the May test now canceled. Students whose applications lacked tests for required courses are particularly in need of the test date to proceed.

ACT Status

Here’s what we know about the canceled ACT tests and those scheduled in the future:

• The April 8 ACT test has been canceled. The next test date on June 13 is still on schedule.
• Students registered for the April test must re-register for June. You should do this immediately to ensure a space. No priority is being given to those who were registered for April.
• ACT indicated that students would be able to re-register easily, but reports we have received indicate that students must re-register manually and must pay again for the new test date. No information on when they should expect a refund has been posted by the testing company.
• The next tests after June are July 18, September 12, October 24, December 12. Registration for the Sep-Dec dates should open in late July.

What Tests Should You Take?

​Our general advice is to register for the earliest test dates for which you can prepare. While the chance of the June tests being canceled is still high, most students cannot afford to risk waiting to see and not being able to get a seat when we have absolute clarity. It is likely we will not know whether the exams will proceed until very near the test dates.

What If...

What if multiple test dates have to be canceled? We anticipate the test companies will quickly implement online testing platforms and other solutions to fill the gap. Subsequently many colleges may move to be “test optional” for the class of 2021/2022 if it becomes necessary.
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If you register for a test date and it is canceled, re-register for the next available date immediately if possible. Like all scarce resources today, these test slots may become highly coveted as the current situation progresses.

How Can You Prepare?

​The forced extra time has a huge upside if you remain disciplined and keep up your practice regularly. Schedule 20-30 minutes at least 3 times a week to work on core skills in the coming weeks. Split your time between staying fresh on question types you know well and those that cause you the most trouble. If you are not doing distance learning for school during this time, you might consider adding more time to your test practice since these skills are relevant to many classes.