#142 SAT, ACT, and Test-Optional Admissions: What Parents Need to Know with David Blobaum

Flourish Coaching

Oct 1, 2024

In this episode, Lisa and David discuss:

Understanding how colleges use ACT and SAT scores in admissions.
Breaking down common myths about test scores and test-optional admissions.
How grade inflation impacts your teen’s GPA and admissions chances.
The latest policies for ACT, SAT, AP, and IB exams.
How much focus and time your teen should commit to test preparation.

Key Takeaways:

ACT scores are at a historical low. Currently, a score of 18 is the 50th percentile.
Test scores are more predictive of success in college than the high school grades.
In the absence of SAT Subject Tests, and especially when a school wants to be test-flexible, they’re using AP exam scores more in admissions. For example, the University of California (UC) schools call themselves ACT and SAT test-free, but they do use AP and IB exam scores in their admissions process.
In general, if admissions officers see an AP class on your teen’s transcript, they will want to see an AP exam score to go with it.

“My best advice would be to try and learn the topics and skills that are most useful for succeeding in high school, in college, and beyond. And SAT and ACT scores are honestly a very good measure of how prepared a student is on that content.” – David Blobaum

About David Blobaum:

David Blobaum is a nationally recognized expert on standardized

exams and college admissions. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago and has devoted himself to helping students reach their potential on the SAT and ACT and, more broadly, to help them succeed through education. In addition to leading Summit Prep, he is on the Board of Directors for the National Test Prep Association and serves as its Director of Outreach to help highlight how academic standards can help students, schools, and society.

Episode References:

Common Data Set Video: https://flourishcoachingco.com/cds

#060 Say Goodbye to the Paper SAT Test

Get Lisa’s Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career…(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).

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