Don't Force It: How to Get into College without Losing Yourself in the Process cover image

Don't Force It: How to Get into College without Losing Yourself in the Process

More Testing Changes?! Decoding What Colleges Want in 2025

Mar 27, 2025
Delve into the latest changes in standardized testing with insights on the SAT’s and ACT’s digital shift, including an upcoming optional science section. Discover the nuances of test-optional policies and when to start preparing for success. Learn how to leverage the Common Data Set for informed college decisions and uncover stress management tips for the admissions journey. Plus, hear about the evolving landscape of college admissions and holistic evaluation strategies that can influence your application.
42:50

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast emphasizes the recent structural changes in the SAT and ACT, urging families to evaluate which test format best suits their child's strengths.
  • It highlights the emotional toll of standardized testing, recommending open communication between parents and students to alleviate stress during the admissions process.

Deep dives

Understanding Testing Changes

The podcast addresses the evolving landscape of standardized testing, specifically the SAT and ACT, highlighting recent shifts like the transition of the SAT to a digital format. The new SAT format introduces shorter reading passages and computer-adaptive elements, which differ from the traditional structure of the ACT. Families are encouraged to understand these adjustments and consider which test format aligns better with their child's strengths. It's important for students to assess their abilities through practice tests to make informed decisions about testing paths.

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