The Test Scores Dilemma: To Submit Or Not To Submit?
Paula Dennis of Jenks High School Helps Students Decide
Ever since Test Optional became a thing, the question that has become front and center during the College Application process is, whether or not to send the Standardized Test Scores to the colleges you apply.
In fact, Paula Dennis, College Counselor at Jenks High School in Oklahoma says that students are required to consult with the counselors before they act on the test scores.
Let’s walk through what Paula advises her students.
1.Take the Test. If Need be, Again.
While many colleges are Test Optional, Paula advises students to take the ACT or SAT.
And, if needed, take the Test again.
You need to build your application first,
Then decide what is best.
To Send or Not To Send the Test Scores!
2.Determine the 50th Percentile for Your College
Some colleges share the 50th Percentile of the Test Scores of accepted students on their college website,
Lots of them don’t.
You have then to go in the Common Data Set and determine their 50th percentile.
Let’s say their 50th percentile was an ACT score of 34.
If your student has a 32, then you have to think.
Remember that 50 percentile is of only those students who reported test scores to that college!
3.Do Colleges Care About Test Scores?
Some colleges say they really do want test scores;
Others say that they do not care - If students do not submit them, they don't care.
Now, if you look at Harvard, Paula says 87% of their students submitted Test Scores.
So if you are applying to Harvard, you probably need to submit Test Scores!
One of Paula’s students was accepted at Yale without submitting test scores. That student was a published author!
So it just depends.
4.Is It to your Advantage to Submit?
How do you figure that out?
Paula says they meet with every student before they submit any test scores.
They review the test scores vis a vis the college they are applying to.
At Jenks High School, lots of college admissions reps. including very selective schools, visit the school.
Paula has forged a good relationship with these reps;
She can contact them and say, What do you think about a 29? Or What do you think about a 33?
And Paula gets their feedback, and helps the student decide.
5.On with the Podcast
In this Episode, Paula Dennis talks about her background, about Jenks High School, her Counseling Approach and Challenges, Success Stories, and her Advice for High School students.
Listen to the Podcast with Paula Dennis of Jenks High School, Oklahoma.(48-Minute Listen).
Have a Great Week!
Venkat