Standardized testing has long been a cornerstone of the college admissions process in the United States. Exams like the SAT and ACT have provided a uniform metric to assess students' academic readiness, complementing other application components such as GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. However, the landscape of standardized testing is evolving, with significant changes on the horizon — most notably, the upcoming modifications to the ACT.

In the high-stakes world of college admissions, too many students and parents fall into the trap of viewing the process as a frantic senior-year dash to the finish line. They cram test prep, hastily join clubs, and scramble to find meaningful experiences — all while trying to craft the perfect application essays under immense pressure. Pivoting the mindset to seeing this process as a multiple-year endeavor allows students to craft an application “story” that showcases their strengths, talents, and interests.

Parents, do you remember applying for college? It was so easy! You likely had a paper application that asked a handful of questions, took the SAT once or twice and sent in your scores, and then your parents signed a check for $25. You may have been accepted to the three schools you applied to and chose the one that was close enough to home, but just far enough that your parents couldn’t surprise you without a phone call first. You may not have paid much attention to the ranking of the school’s degrees, if there was a football team, or the freshman retention rate. You and your parents decided you were going to college, picked one, and went for it. How times have changed! 

CO-WRITTEN BY SHAUNDA BROOKS

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