It's official—the redesigned SAT has arrived, and the first brave souls sat through its first administration earlier this month. Information about how the new SAT will be evaluated in the course of the athletic recruiting process is starting to become available as well.
For the aspiring collegiate water polo player, changes in how these tests are considered underscore the importance of when the standardized test portfolio (SAT, ACT, and/or SAT subject tests) must be
completed. The importance of developing an effective test preparation and testing timeline for the SAT or ACT—along with the SAT subject tests— cannot be overstated when it comes to maximizing recruiting opportunities
During the 2017 application cycle, most colleges will accept test scores for the old and new version of the SAT. This means current juniors (class of 2017) who completed their testing before March 2016 and are satisfied with their results can submit their scores on the former version of the SAT. Current juniors who retook the SAT during March 2016—or who will retake it later—can select and submit their highest score on either format. But current juniors who took the SAT for the first time during March 2016—or who will take it for the first time later—may submit scores only for the redesigned test. Starting in the 2018 application cycle, the redesigned SAT will be the only option available.
The main difference between the former and new SAT format is that the questions are supposed to relate better to what students actually learn in high school and will study in college—including "real" instead of "SAT" vocabulary and no penalty for wrong answers. Theoretically, the essay is optional, but check the requirements of each school you're considering (e.g., elite private institutions and University of California schools
will continue requiring essays). Under the new format, the base score range is 400-1600 (instead of 1200-2400). For more information, visit
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/test-design and http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/five-things-you-should-know-about-new-sat.
The redesigned SAT has given rise to an important change in how admissions offices review scores on the new SAT. Coaches at elite schools are reporting that their admissions offices have advised that a practice known as "super scoring" will no longer be permitted when evaluating SAT scores. Rather, as with the ACT, they will consider the cumulative score from a single sitting. Aspiring student-athletes will continue to be able to select and report their highest cumulative or composite scores on the SAT, ACT, or both. Similarly, even though some schools are shifting from
requiring subject tests to
recommending them, coaches are advising aspiring student-athletes to take the subject tests in order to maximize their academic profiles.
Most colleges still require applicants to take some combination of the SAT, ACT, and/or SAT subject tests. So especially as schools are adapting to the redesigned SAT, it's more important than ever for aspiring student-athletes to communicate effectively with coaches as early as possible to learn about each school's testing requirements and plan accordingly.
Often students take the SAT or ACT more than once. The ability to present a complete academic packet (transcripts through the end of junior year, all standardized test scores) will continue to impact recruiting opportunities. The earlier coaches receive student-athletes' academic information, the sooner they can determine if the student-athletes meets their schools' academic profile and if the recruiting process can progress. To be competitive, aspiring collegiate water polo players should strive to provide complete portfolios to coaches as soon as possible after finishing their junior years.
To maximize potential recruiting opportunities (especially during this transitional period), it's critical for aspiring collegiate water polo players to understand exactly what's required and when and then develop a standardized testing strategy. Additional changes in admissions policies, practices, and procedures can be expected as more is learned about the redesigned SAT. Stay tuned for more information about how it will impact the athletic recruiting process.
* Please also refer to my previous articles on this topic that appeared in the Fall 2013 (http://www.usawaterpolo.org/genrel/102213aaa.html) and Summer 2015 issues of SkipShot Magazine.
Questions? Write to Angela Kraus at angela@shootingforcollege.info. Angela Kraus is an experienced, certified college counselor providing comprehensive services to help students prepare and ensure eligibility for graduation from high school and admission to colleges. A special focus of her practice is advising high school athletes as they pursue the athletic recruiting process—with emphasis on water polo players.
