To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call at admittedly.co/apply.
SAT or ACT? Does the PSAT matter? When should your student start preparing? Should they submit their scores to test-optional colleges? And what does a competitive score actually look like for Ivy League and other highly selective universities?
In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel answers some of the most common questions families have about standardized testing and its role in college admissions. Inspired by a recent live event with Arun Alagappan, founder of Advantage Testing, Thomas breaks down how students should approach the SAT, ACT, and PSAT, from choosing the right exam to developing a realistic testing timeline.
As colleges reconsider test-optional policies and place renewed emphasis on standardized scores, understanding how testing fits into the broader application has become increasingly important. Thomas explains how admissions officers interpret scores alongside grades and academic rigor, what students should consider before withholding scores, and why even an impressive overall score may not tell the full story.
SAT vs. ACT: Does one test give students an advantage in selective college admissions?
When should students begin preparing for the SAT or ACT?
How much does the PSAT matter for college admissions?
What does applying test-optional communicate to admissions officers?
How do colleges evaluate standardized test scores alongside GPA, course rigor, and AP or IB performance?
Can a high SAT or ACT score compensate for weaker grades?
How much do individual section scores matter for students interested in engineering, business, or other academic fields?
Do students really need a 1550+ SAT score to be competitive for Ivy League admissions?
The right testing strategy isn't simply about chasing the highest possible score. It's about understanding your student's academic strengths, choosing the right exam, preparing at the right time, and knowing how their scores contribute to the larger admissions picture.
For families seeking individualized SAT/ACT preparation and academic support, learn more about Admittedly's partnership with Advantage Testing at https://admittedly.co/test-prep-tutoring/
To speak with an advisor and map out your student's next steps, book a Complimentary Strategy Call: admittedly.co/apply