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CEG's Crash Course to Standardized Testing

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Hi there. 

We assume you’re here because you have standardized testing questions.

Great.

Here are some answers.  Enjoy.

 
 

Defining terms: What’s the difference between “test optional” and “test blind/free”?

We have a full guide here, including things like how to think through whether to submit scores to test optional schools, but the basic difference is…

Test optional

Students do not have to submit SAT or ACT test scores as part of the application for admission. Students themselves can choose whether or not to submit scores, and deciding not to submit a score does not negatively reflect on the student’s application. This policy often refers to SAT or ACT scores and not other possible score submissions (like AP, IB, TOEFL or national leaving exams for international students), so it’s important to check with the individual college’s written policy.

Test blind/free

When a school is test blind (sometimes called test free), it means the schools will not consider student SAT or ACT test scores under any circumstance. Students may still be free to submit the scores (or self-report them on their Common Application, etc.), but the scores will not be considered as part of their application. This policy often refers to SAT or ACT scores and not other possible score submissions (like AP, IB, TOEFL or national leaving exams for international students), so it’s important to check with the individual college’s written policy.

No-harm

Increasingly, a few colleges (like the University of Chicago and Colorado College) are adopting no-harm test optional policies. Under this policy, admissions officers are trained to ignore scores that would not benefit a student’s candidacy. 

This is meant to lessen the burden on students, who understandably can be confused about whether or not their score would be an additive component of their application.

Does test optional really mean test optional?

Yes, but you might still be asked to submit test scores for certain scholarship opportunities or after you’ve enrolled at your college of choice (for research and/or advising and placement purposes).

How can students find out what a “good score” is?

Again, we have a full guide to what a “good” score is here, but here’s the quick version:

Use a college’s Common Data Set to find out their applicants’ score percentiles. (Side note: here’s a guide on different ways to use the Common Data Set in your application process.)

To that individual college, a “good score” would likely be one that is above the 25th percentile reported. Colleges tend to clarify things like their 25th and 75th percentile scores.

We have a more detailed answer in our FAQ section below, because it’s important to remember that a “good score” can look very different depending on the unique applicant's circumstances, resources, context, and other factors.

How much do standardized tests matter for colleges?

To unpack this question, let’s look at the most recent report from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) on which factors of the admission process are most important to colleges:

NACAC 2023 Admissions Factors Report

Testing has dropped a lot in terms of “considerable importance” to colleges in recent years—from 46% in 2o18 to just 5% in 2023—as more and more colleges have chosen to go test optional or test free (see that guide for an in-depth explanation).

The lack of available testing centers during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated a growing trend among many U.S. colleges, including many highly selective institutions, that were already reconsidering the role of test scores in their admissions processes. Many had been conducting long-term internal studies and analyzing data on their enrolled students to better understand the correlation between a student’s SAT and/or ACT score and their academic performance in college.

Most of these studies have yielded results similar to this one from the University of Chicago: That a student’s GPA and high school courses are a more reliable predictor of college success and graduation rates than standardized test results are. Additionally, champions of college access and equity have long encouraged colleges to reconsider their use of standardized tests in their selection process, as study after study has suggested that test scores are inextricably linked with wealth more than intellectual ability.

The importance of test scores continues to vary drastically from place to place. We recommend paying close attention to college’s testing policies—namely their wording—to better understand how test scores influence their admissions process.

For instance, some schools use language along the lines of “we’ve found that test scores can be helpful in our process,” which can signal that they may have a slight preference for testing. And because so many colleges don’t find test scores to be helpful, some students choose not to make testing a part of their admission process at all. This can be a huge relief, especially if testing isn’t the best way to show your abilities.

If I (as a student) test, what's the right test for me, ACT vs SAT?

We have a guide that gets into detail on ACT vs SAT right here, but the short answer is, “it depends.” 

For example, those hoping to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship will have to earn over the 99th percentile within their state on the PSAT. If you’re already going for such a scholarship, it makes sense to focus on the SAT. And while most major scholarships will take either ACT or SAT scores, it’s important to check the fine print on these scholarships well ahead of time to determine which test you should take.

We recommend that you take free practice tests for both the SAT and ACT to see if one seems easier to you, plays more to your strengths, and/or gives you a substantial advantage in your score.

Let’s talk timelines: How much preparation should I plan on? And over what period of time?

This college application timeline gets into detail on way more than just test prep… but it also includes that.

Some key details:

9th grade:

  • (maybe) PSAT: Some high schools allow you to take the October PSAT as a freshman.

10th grade:

  • (maybe) PSAT: Some high schools allow you to take the October PSAT as a sophomore.

  • If you're taking an AP class this year, consider sitting for the AP exam (May) if your school doesn’t already require it. If you're concerned about your readiness, check in with your teacher for advice. 

  • At the end of the school year, take a practice ACT and SAT to determine which test may be better for you (and see ACT vs SAT above), then set up a testing timeline.

11th grade:

  • Take the PSAT/NSMQT in October. This test qualifies students for the National Merit Scholarship.

  • Stay on track with your ACT/SAT testing timeline and study schedule.

  • Select testing dates. Most likely your first ACT or SAT will take place between December and May.

  • Take the AP/IB exams in May.

12th grade:

  • Maybe: test again in the autumn of senior year.

  • In the autumn, send test scores to your colleges after checking whether they allow self-reported scores.

  • In May, take AP/IB exams.

How should I prep for the SAT or ACT?

We have guides on:

You can also find free practice tests at ACT.org . 

For the SAT, the College Board website provides free sample questions, sample tests (complete with detailed answer keys), and other valuable info (including info on important registration dates) via its website.

And Khan Academy has free SAT practice testing and, while not offering explicit ACT tests, offers free lessons on areas the ACT tests on.

1600.io also offers some free courses, bundles, and materials.

How do the PSAT and the National Merit Scholarship play into all of this?

You’re probably shocked that we have full guides on both the PSAT and the National Merit Scholarship.

Or maybe not at this point.

Either way, as usual, here are the basics:

The PSAT (as in, Preliminary SAT) is what can qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship—if you earn a score in the top 1% of your state, you are eligible for.

There are four types of National Merit Scholarships (more on these in the guide above):

  • National Merit $2500 Scholarships

  • National Merit Special Scholarships

  • Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards

  • College-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards.

Important heads up: colleges don’t care about PSAT scores. Cause they don’t even see your PSAT scores.

So please don’t stress out about this test too much?

How about APs?

If you’re a bit unclear on what AP classes are, check out that guide.

And because students frequently ask things like “What are the easiest AP classes?” (and what are the hardest AP classes), we have guides to both, but a big heads up:

The answer to both of these questions is a huge “It really depends.” Those guides get into more detail about ways to think about “easy” and “hard” APs.

If you’re wondering about IB vs AP, we’ve got you covered there too.

FAQs on standardized testing, from CEG’s college counseling team

What advice around standardized testing would you give to homeschool students? 

There’s generally more of a preference among most college admission offices for some form of standardized, quantitative assessment for homeschooled students. 

Unlike students at  traditional high schools, homeschool applicants don’t typically have as many comparative or contextual tools present in their admission file—like a school profile that shares average test scores for the high school, a GPA distribution chart, advanced course offerings, and a college matriculation list. 

Without this information, it can be difficult for an admission officer to understand what a student’s individual grades or written comments represent. Of course, many colleges that are test optional or test blind/free will “make it work” and review homeschool files without testing, but having a strong SAT or ACT score (or potentially AP scores) does give the admission officer more material to advocate for you.

What advice around standardized testing would you give to international students? 

For international students, the answer is a little more nuanced. 

Similarly to with domestic students, admissions officers will evaluate your standardized test scores with your local context in mind. For instance, applicants coming from the highest volume countries (including China and India) typically have higher standardized test scores, on average, than domestic students. So the expectation of a higher score is slightly higher for this population. 

Conversely, students who are applying from other regions of the world where there is less of a U.S. college-going culture often show much more variability when it comes to testing. If you are an international student coming from a high school where few students apply to U.S. colleges (and the admissions officer evaluating your file wouldn’t have any applicant history from your high school to consider), some form of testing may be advantageous to your process, since they have less contextual information to go off of.

Even if you don’t have an SAT or ACT score, though, colleges that are test optional or test free/blind admission will often look to your national leaving exams/university entrance exams (such as A Levels in the UK or WASSCE in West Africa) to get a sense of your academic readiness and preparation.

In what situations might standardized testing have an impact on scholarships and financial aid?

When it comes to need-based financial aid, standardized testing is not considered in a student’s award. A high standardized test score can certainly correlate with generous merit scholarship opportunities at many colleges (such as some of the opportunities found on this list from Compass Education Group), but it is certainly not a requirement in today’s landscape.

According to a 2023 analysis from our friend and colleague Akil Bello at FairTest.org, 75% of colleges and universities that offer merit-based scholarships do not require an SAT or ACT score. As more and more colleges continue to calibrate both their admissions and scholarship review processes to accommodate for a test optional landscape, this number will likely continue to grow. The very small number of colleges returning to test required are often highly selective colleges, which offer little to no merit scholarships for students, regardless of how high their scores are. 

That said, individual colleges may continue to offer unique scholarships via application that have particular requirements or preferences. It’s important to research the financial aid and/or scholarship website at every college on your list so you know what aid opportunities you’re eligible for and don’t potentially leave money on the table.

What does the shift to the digital SAT mean for students? How might that impact a student’s choice to take the SAT or ACT?

The new digital SAT is an adaptive test, meaning that your individual questions will increase in difficulty depending on how you perform on early questions. As of 2025, the digital SAT is the only available option, so any student who wants to go this route will need to find a test center nearby. 

Some test centers will have loaner computers for students who do not have their own, but not all. The lack of a personal device could impact students who want to take the SAT. In addition, taking standardized tests electronically presents a different feel and experience and may either increase or alleviate things like test anxiety (depending on the student). Students are encouraged to practice beforehand using the Bluebook app.

The ACT will have some digital options come September 2025; however, the test will not be adaptive and the paper test will continue to be administered. Additionally, ACT is increasingly rolling out policies to make the Science section of the test optional (both the digital and paper options). For students who prefer a paper and pencil test, ACT will be the go-to option going forward.

Without test scores, what matters most in college admissions?

The most important factors in U.S. college admissions (regardless of the type of institution) have always been a student’s high school grades and course choices. This continues to hold true. 

For a more detailed breakdown of how much “weight” different components of the U.S. holistic admission process carry, check out our full guide on “what colleges are looking for.”

Does superscoring help my admissions chances?

Yes. Superscore policies generally help improve a student’s admission chances because it ensures that only their highest sub-averages on various test dates are factored into your candidacy. Thankfully, this practice is common at many popular colleges and universities, including the ones on this list here from Compass Education Group.

Even if a college does not formally have this policy, do know that admission officers generally look for reasons to admit a student, versus reasons to deny. Scouring a student’s application to find “weak points” is not something that fuels and motivates application reviewers. Colleges recognize that it’s common for students to have high points and low points over multiple test dates, and take this reality into consideration when evaluating candidates.

Is there ever a situation where I should submit my scores if they’re below a college’s middle 50% range?

Yes, but it’s unfortunately not a simple answer.

Colleges evaluate your test scores with your local context in mind—meaning that they consider how scores vary based on a student’s country, state, individual high school, and background. 

Students whose standardized test scores are far higher than typical averages within their local context (say, for instance, a student applying from a rural Midwestern high school where very few students pursue a 4-year college degree) might feel empowered to share that score in their application, even if it is slightly lower than a college’s reported middle 50%. Ask your school-based counselor for a copy of your school profile to see your own high school’s test score information or data (if available) to make this informed decision. Or, better yet, email a regional admissions officer about your score and hear straight from the horse’s mouth whether or not it’s competitive (most will be helpful and honest in their response, and are well versed in taking your local context into account).

Furthermore, since the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated many colleges’ plans to move toward test optional (or test blind/free) admission policies, many of the middle 50% of scores at selective colleges have become inflated in recent years. Scores that previously would have been perfectly acceptable in a test-required landscape optically now look “low.” This has caused many students to be more conservative with their choice to submit scores, choosing only to submit if they are on the high end of a college’s averages.

Because individual colleges have a spectrum of policies and preferences around standardized testing, it’s important to familiarize yourself with their testing policy and wording and factor this into your submission decision. For instance, if a college is “test recommended,” it may be a good idea to submit your test score even if you’re slightly below the 25th percentile (so, if the middle 50% ACT score at a test-recommended college is 27-29 and you have a 26, submitting your score is probably more helpful than harmful).

There also may be situations where a section on a standardized test may provide more evidence of readiness for a particular major or program than a student’s high school transcript may suggest (for instance, a student pursuing engineering who has a few lower grades in their high school STEM courses, but a high math subscore on the SAT).

As this is clearly a nuanced conversation that takes each student’s individual context, goals and situation in mind, we recommend reaching out to your school counselor or another college counseling professional to get more tailored advice to your situation.

Does a strong standardized test score make up for low grades and/or a less demanding curriculum?

While a strong score can help bolster your application if you have lower grades or a less demanding curriculum, it’s important to not overly inflate test scores as a “cure all.”

Because a student’s courses and grades represent effort, investment, and aptitude over a longer period of time, colleges consider these to be better predictors of a student’s ability to be successful academically at their institution. 

If an admissions officer comes across a student who has weaker grades and a less demanding curriculum but a relatively high test score, they may come to the conclusion that the student “coasted” through high school—especially if the student doesn’t have any extenuating circumstances (an illness, personal challenges, etc.) that they contextualized in their application around their academic performance.

For students who had a challenging high school experience and whose grades and courses do not reflect their potential, we recommend students share insight on these challenges in their Additional Information section, and talk with their school counselor about including some of that context in their recommendation letter. 

While this does not guarantee that the grades and courses will be overlooked, it’s the best way to do your due diligence and increase the likelihood that an admission team will take your situation into consideration when evaluating your file.

When should I start with SAT or ACT prep?

Once a student finishes at least Algebra 2, they should feel confident in their decision to start preparing for standardized tests. A great time is the summer before junior year, but if taking Alg 2 in Jr year, do SAT Prep towards the end of the course.

How has standardized testing changed in recent years?

The world of standardized testing has seen some pretty big shifts, especially in the last few years. To really get a handle on it, let's rewind to 2020—right before the COVID-19 pandemic. 

At that time, there were around 1,000 colleges that had already adopted test-optional policies. But when the pandemic sparked mass closures of SAT and ACT testing opportunities, about 800 more colleges jumped on the bandwagon—nearly doubling the number of test-optional options. 

And these weren't just any schools; they were many of the ones most students have heard of. So, from roughly 2020 to 2023, these schools stuck with being test-optional. Starting around 2023, a few schools decided to go back to requiring tests, like Georgetown and MIT, each with their specific rationale. More recently, we've seen some Ivy League schools and others like the University of Texas, Austin, also shift back to requiring tests. This has led to a perception (fueled by major news outlets) that there's a big movement away from test-optional. But the reality is, out of those 800 or so schools that went test-optional, only about 15 have actually reverted to requiring tests.

So while it’s important to be aware of these changing policies, students and families should resist the urge to see some of these outliers as an inevitable, systematic return to test-required across the board. 

Given the unpredictability of policy changes, we do recommend preparing to take at least one sitting of the SAT or ACT to have that score available to submit on the off-chance that they need it. 

Is test-optional really optional?

This is a question a lot of students (and parents) have, and it's a good one to ask. The general consensus, after talking to many admissions officers, is that test-optional is genuinely optional. 

In most situations and data analysis efforts at a wide range of colleges and universities, students don't seem to be at a statistically significant disadvantage if they choose not to submit their test scores. Of course, there are some caveats, and it's reasonable to think that a really high score could be an advantage if you choose to submit it. Interestingly, there have been cases where students with scores well within a college’s middle 50% chose not to submit because they appreciated the college's emphasis on considering the whole student, not just a number.

How much do standardized tests matter in the application review?

This will depend on the college, but test scores are almost always discussed and evaluated in conjunction with a student’s courses and grades. For most students who choose to submit their test scores, they tend to correlate with the strength of the student’s high school grades and curriculum (but not always). 

Admissions officers will typically use whatever academic information they have available (e.g., a student’s transcript, counselor recommendation, test scores, school profile) and assign the student some form of a normalized academic rating, based on a set scale that reviewers are trained to assess.

Additionally, test scores do come up from time to time during committee discussions, but are not usually the focal point or a central topic of conversation as a standalone element. Someone might comment on a score being lower than desired, or point out a noticeable divide in strength between a student’s testing and their courses and grades. It's safe to say that test scores can play a role, either positive or negative, depending on how they fit into the student's overall story and what the college is looking for.

Who should take standardized tests?

Figuring out whether to take standardized tests is a really common and complex question. The short answer is: it depends. 

As a general rule, if a student can get a score in the top half of the range that a college typically accepts (you can usually find the 25th and 75th percentile scores for colleges on their Common Data Set), submitting that score could be beneficial. But then you have to weigh that against whether the whole process of test prep is worth it. 

Test prep can take a lot of time—50, 60, 70, or even 80 hours—that could be spent on other parts of the application, like writing those essays. Parental pressure can also be a factor. Sometimes, it's easier to just take the test than to argue with your parents about it. 

Ultimately, if a student is really against taking the test and has other strong points in their application, it might be OK to skip it, especially if all the schools they're applying to are test-optional or test-free. Taking either a single SAT or ACT to have that available in the off chance that a school returns to being test-required is another way to ensure that you’re not left scrambling without a score if your college list and preferences change for whatever reason.

Is it better to take the SAT or the ACT?

If a student is trying to figure out whether to take the SAT or the ACT, there's a foolproof way to get an answer: take a full-length practice test of each one. It will take about six hours total, but not on the same day or even on consecutive days. Then, you can compare the scores using available tables that show how SAT and ACT scores relate to each other. 

However, for many students, the scores end up being pretty comparable. In that case, it's worth considering which test the student feels better about, since they'll be spending a lot of time with it during test prep. Other things to think about are whether their friends are taking one test (maybe for study groups) or if one test is offered more conveniently.

What are the benefits of quality test prep?

It's natural to wonder if there's more to gain from test prep than just a higher score. While test prep is very specific, it can serve as a vehicle to improve valuable skills outside of a test-taking environment—such as reading comprehension. Overarchingly, though, most test prep is centered on strategies and methods of improving your score that don’t necessarily translate to other avenues or settings. 

Think of taking the SAT or ACT as a performance. Just like a musician or athlete prepares for a performance, students need to rehearse and train for these tests. Effective test prep, done consistently over weeks or months, can lead to an optimal performance.

How can students reach their best score?

To really maximize your score, it's all about that training regimen. For most students, the recipe for success involves dedicating about an hour and a half a day, five to six days a week, to intensive SAT or ACT prep, and doing this for five to six weeks right before the test. 

While some students start prepping way earlier, the three weeks immediately before the test are the most valuable. Of course, there are some things you can do in the long term, like building your vocabulary and reading skills.

How do students know if they should submit their scores or not?

When deciding whether or not to submit test scores, students should assess the middle 50% range of test scores for the test optional college they are applying to. Generally, a student who is scoring between the middle 50% should submit their scores; however, there are some nuances here. 

Out of state applicants applying to very selective state schools that admit a majority in-state applicants may need to be over the 50% range in order to be competitive. 

Alternatively, students who are scoring well above the average for their high school, but are still below the middle 50% for the college, may also consider submitting as all applications will be viewed within the context of the school the student attends.  It is advisable to look for guidance about this on a schools website or to reach out to your territory manager.

What advice would you give to counselors working with students who come from marginalized backgrounds around standardized testing?

Counselors working with marginalized populations (including underrepresented students of color, first generation and/or low-income students, rural students, veterans, and more) play a vital role in guiding them through the complexities of standardized testing. 

It's crucial to emphasize that these tests are less important now than in the past, thanks to the widespread adoption of test-optional policies. Students can apply to a large majority of colleges without submitting scores. 

However, it's equally important to acknowledge that a strong test score can significantly benefit some students who may be targeting the smaller handful of colleges that indicate a preference for testing. Counselors should engage in open conversations with students, exploring their feelings about taking the test and their willingness to prepare adequately. For students who are hesitant but not entirely opposed, a gentle push to take the test can be worthwhile, as they can always choose not to submit their scores later.

Why do some folks find standardized testing to be problematic?

Standardized testing definitely has its share of critics, and their concerns are worth understanding. At the heart of the issue is the argument that these tests are inherently skewed and flawed, often misused, and given far too much weight in the admissions process. 

Critics contend that tests aren’t effective proxies for actual academic ability. Additionally, many studies cited by colleges who’ve reverted back to test-required focus on the link between a student’s standardized test scores to a student’s college GPA at the end of their first year—which critics argue is not a predictor of long-term academic success (compared to things like graduation and retention rates). 

An analogy used in the discussion compares standardized tests to free throw shooting in basketball: It's a skill related to the game but doesn't fully represent the dynamic complexity of it. The tests are static, while academics are dynamic. 

Furthermore, there's ample evidence suggesting that test scores directly correlate with socioeconomic status more than any other datapoint—essentially reflecting family income, wealth, and parental education more than aptitude.

Can I just skip taking the SAT or ACT and focus on my grades and activities?

Unless your state or school district has the SAT or ACT as a requirement for graduation, you can consider skipping the tests.  However, you need to understand that this will take certain colleges off your list (those that have a test requirement) and may block you from applying for the small number of merit scholarships that require a test score.

So do your research in advance, and remember that you don’t have to go at it alone in making this decision. There are resources (like your school-based counselor and College Essay Guy) to help you process your next move and do it in a way where you feel confident and supported.

Will colleges know how many times I took the SAT or ACT and hold repeated testing against me?

Most college applications now ask applicants to self-report their highest scores and the date on which they earned them—so many won’t see your entire testing history. Under these self-reporting policies, students don’t submit official score reports from SAT or ACT until they are admitted and decide to enroll. 

There are a few highly selective colleges that require applicants to submit their full testing report from SAT or ACT when you apply. 

Your best scores are what a college cares about. Admissions officers are not scouring applications in the hopes of finding “hidden low scores” to knock a student out of competition. 

Remember: admissions officers are looking for reasons to admit a student to their institution (based on the student’s academic performance, whether or not they embody their institution’s mission and values, and/or whether they meet important institutional goals and priorities). 

Keep in mind that research shows that after three sittings, students are unlikely to improve their scores unless they are doing intensely-focused test prep.

I have a disability and take the SAT/ACT with accommodations. Will colleges care?

Students with diagnosed learning disabilities and medical conditions apply for and receive accommodations that help them achieve their best in school and on standardized tests. Typical accommodations include extended time, testing over multiple days, small group or individual testing, large print test materials (for paper tests). Colleges are not informed when a student takes the SAT or ACT with an accommodation and your school counselor and teachers should never divulge this information to a college without your permission.

Students who are seeking accommodations must apply with the assistance of their school, as both the school and the family need to sign off on the request. In most cases, families will need to submit documentation of the diagnosis and the need for extended time, small group testing, a scribe, etc. 

If your individual high school cannot accommodate this, it is possible to reach out to a test provider directly to ask about next steps in processing the request. Normally, both the College Board and ACT will be looking to see if the student receives the same accommodations on their school-based exams before they can be approved.

Are there other tests I can take to demonstrate my academic strength and potential to succeed in college?

While coursework and grades are primarily how colleges assess your preparation and competitiveness, they also look at your abilities through other parts of the application.  

Critical thinking and writing is assessed through your application essays; your recommendations will speak to your engagement and motivation. And your activities will reflect how you choose to investigate your academic interests outside of the classroom.  

You may be able to take Advanced Placement (AP) tests and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests to demonstrate college-level achievement and potential in a number of different subjects. Check with your school counselor about these opportunities.

Should I not submit my scores if they are at the very top of a college’s range?

There is a misperception that if an applicant’s scores are at the very top of a college’s range that the college will discriminate against them. Perhaps the college will think that the student is too strong and won’t enroll (this is referred to as “yield protection”), or that the scores can’t be for real. Not true!

Someone has to be at the top and colleges are happy to see those scores as representative of your academic background and potential for success. Colleges are more likely to waitlist highly-rated academic applicants who have no contact or demonstrated interest with their office—not solely because the student’s test score was far above average.

Are scores a dealbreaker in the evaluation of an application?

They technically can be, but it’s statistically quite rare for a standalone SAT or ACT score to be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

Like every part of an application, scores contribute to the ratings assigned when your application is read and evaluated. There are academic ratings that reflect your grades, the rigor of your curriculum in the context of your school, your writing, and your intellectual character (curiosity, motivation, love of learning, self-discipline). If scores are part of your application, they will impact the academic rating—but are seldom ever a stand-alone credential.

On the non-academic side, there are ratings that reflect your engagement in your school and community, your responsibilities at home, your leadership and impact on others. There may also be ratings that take into consideration the level of an applicant’s interest in the college, meaning how likely it is that the student will enroll if admitted. This is why the evaluation is called “holistic.”

Colleges are aware that some schools design their curriculum with test performance in mind and that some students can afford to take expensive test-prep and tutoring. Family income and parents’ level of education strongly correlate with SAT and ACT scores. That’s why a student’s test scores are looked at in the context of their school and their family and socioeconomic background.

 

Renee Ferrerio

With 30+ years of experience as a school and college counselor, including having been a Director of College Counseling at an independent school and the Department Chair of Counseling at a public school, Renee possesses a wealth of college admission knowledge. She has assisted hundreds of students in pursuing colleges that best fit their goals and aspirations while remaining actively engaged in the field through regional and national professional organizations.  Having visited 220 colleges in person, Renee approaches the art of guiding students with a blend of humor and meticulous research, exploring the expansive possibilities in the arena of post-secondary education. As a first-generation college graduate, Renee intimately understands the challenges that students face in navigating the intricate landscape of college admission.

 Susan is a native New Yorker whose career in college admissions has included working both in selective college admissions and as a secondary school college counselor. Following her graduation from St. Lawrence University with a BS in Psychology, Susan moved to New England where she worked for twelve years as Associate Dean of Admissions at Bates College. She completed her Master’s degree in School Counseling at the University of Southern Maine and for the next 25 years worked with students from around the world as the Director of College Counseling at a college prep day and boarding school near Philadelphia. Since stepping out of that role, Susan has evaluated applications for two selective research universities and serves as College Essay Guy’s lead college counselor. Susan is a founding board member of the Character Collaborative, the Independent Curriculum Group, and the college access organization GoToCollege NYC; she has served on the Counselor Advisory committees of the College Board, the Educational Testing Service (ETS), and the Common Application.  Her twins are recent college graduates.

Top Values: Empowerment | Family | Faith

Tom Campbell (he/him) is an eternally extra Gemini who has spent the past seven years helping students and families navigate the college admissions process—one alliterative/assonant aphorism at a time. Prior to joining College Essay Guy, he worked as a college counselor at Lakeside School and an admissions officer at Pomona College and College of the Holy Cross (his alma mater). He stans em dashes and semicolons, Kacey Musgraves (all eras, not just star crossed and Golden Hour), superior breakfast burritos, and complaining about space tourism.

Top Values: Authenticity | Fun | Vulnerability 

Andrew Simpson, CEG’s Editorial Director, has worked as an educator, consultant, and curriculum writer for the past 15 years, and earned degrees from Stanford in Political Science and Drama. He feels most at home on mountain tops and in oceans.

Top Values:  Insight/Growth | Truth | Integrity