A Student’s Journey with the SAT and the Broader Trend of Retaking College Entrance Exams
Nkechinyere Okwuwasi, a senior at City High Middle School in Grand Rapids, shared her experience after receiving her initial SAT score. She described feeling “bewildered” by the results. Despite being a student activist with aspirations to attend an out-of-state institution like Brown University, and holding board positions on several local nonprofits, she felt her performance on the test didn’t reflect her potential.
Okwuwasi has always seen herself as a future neurosurgeon and is currently preparing for another attempt at the SAT in August. She has gradually increased her study time over the past few months, now dedicating two to four hours daily to preparation. Her story is not unique—thousands of Michigan students are similarly working to improve their scores on the SAT and ACT, tests that have long played a key role in college admissions.
The Shift Toward Test-Optional Policies
In recent years, many higher education institutions have moved away from requiring standardized test scores. This shift toward “test optional” policies means students can apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. However, some schools, particularly those in the Ivy League, still require these scores, and others may consider them as part of a competitive application.
Even at schools that don’t mandate test scores, many students choose to submit them. For instance, high scores can enhance an applicant’s profile, especially when competing for limited spots. This decision often involves careful consideration and guidance from counselors, parents, and admissions advisors.
Challenges in Navigating College Admissions
The inconsistency in requirements across different colleges can be overwhelming for students, especially first-generation applicants who lack family experience with the process. Charles Cotton III, vice provost of enrollment management at Wayne State University, highlighted this challenge. He noted that understanding the varying expectations of each institution is one of the biggest hurdles students face during the application process.
Cortney Flint, director of one-on-one college advising at Kaplan, emphasized that what constitutes a “great score” depends on the student and the school they’re applying to. For example, a student aiming for an Ivy League university might need a much higher score than someone targeting a less selective institution.
Understanding What Constitutes a Good Score
According to Kaplan, a good SAT score is generally 1,210 or higher, placing a student in the top 25% of test takers. The maximum possible score is 1,600. On the ACT, a good composite score is 23 or higher, which also falls within the top 25%. Nationally, the average ACT score for the class of 2024 was 19.4, with a maximum of 36.
Lucas Inman, a guidance counselor in West Michigan, advises students to aim for a score within the 50th percentile or higher of a school’s typical range. This helps set realistic goals and avoids unnecessary stress from chasing unrealistic targets.
The Benefits of Retaking the Test
Many students find that retaking the SAT or ACT can lead to improved scores, especially if they take the time to address areas where they struggled. Flint explained that factors like testing anxiety or curriculum gaps can impact performance on the first attempt. She encourages students to reflect on their initial results and use that insight to guide their preparation.
Lisa Sawyer, a parent from East Grand Rapids, shared her son’s experience of taking the SAT twice. After his first attempt, he felt more comfortable with the test format and was able to improve his score significantly. She believes that retaking the test can be beneficial, especially when it helps students feel more confident and prepared.
Institutional Perspectives on Retakes
Julia Janssen, marketing/communications director for the Michigan State University Office of Admissions, supports the idea of retaking the test. She noted that many students see improvement on their second attempt, particularly after additional preparation. At MSU, while test scores are optional, submitting them can strengthen scholarship applications.
Financial Considerations
Cost is another factor that influences whether students retake the SAT or ACT. While the SAT is free for students through their school district, retakes and ACT registrations require payment. The cost of the SAT is $68, and the ACT is also $68, with optional add-ons available. Some students may qualify for fee waivers, but financial constraints can limit access to preparatory resources such as tutoring or test prep courses.
Planning Ahead
Students are encouraged to research colleges early in their high school years to understand the academic requirements and determine what scores they should aim for. This proactive approach can help avoid last-minute stress and ensure that students are well-prepared for the application process. Additionally, staying informed about test dates and registration deadlines is essential for successful planning.