SAT Test Drops Optional Essay

By Nicole Bozick

What does that mean and how does it affect my student? 

In the latest wave of standardized testing news, The College Board, the organization that runs the SAT, recently announced that it would do away with subject tests as well as the optional essay section of their examinations effective immediately. What implications does this have on college-bound students?

According to the College Board officials, they cite that the coronavirus pandemic has “accelerated a process already underway at the College Board to reduce and simplify demands on students.” Additionally, they are continuing the development of a version of the SAT test that could be administered digitally at home. There is still no time frame for when a digital version of the SAT would be rolled out nationwide, but the excitement and desire for it continue to grow.

The move to do away with the optional essay section of the SAT has been a long time coming, even before the pandemic. Fewer schools were requiring applicants to submit this section for consideration for candidacy. Students can showcase their skills in essay writing specifically in the reading and writing section of the SAT. Additionally, schools that have supplemental essays as part of their application are a great place to strut your writing stuff, while also communicating your desire to attend that particular school.

This new streamlined approach gives students an opportunity to laser-focus their test prep strategy! Taking a practice test to get a baseline and working with a professional to customize test preparation focused on your unique learning style will help students feel more confident overall and better prepared for standardized testing.

At Fusion, we offer individualized Test Prep sessions that help students prepare for the SAT, ACT, or both. Our teachers work with students on practice tests, study skills, assessing and closing gaps, and more. This summer we are also offering a virtual Test Prep 101 camp led by a Fusion Post-Secondary Counselor for students who want to better understand the current SAT/ACT landscape.

It’s a confusing time in the world of college admissions, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Reach out to your nearest Fusion Academy campus to learn more and get started.

About the Author

Director of Post-Secondary Services

Fusion Education Group

Nicole Bozick is the Director of Post-Secondary Services at Fusion Education Group. Nicole joined the Fusion family in 2014 and has served a variety of roles, such as Director of Admissions and Outreach, Regional Director of Admissions and Outreach (RDAO), Director of Leadership Growth and Engagement, and Director of Post-Secondary Services. In her current role, Nicole is committed to serving our families in a powerful way with their post-secondary plans.

Nicole earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College. She also holds a certificate in College Counseling from UC San Diego. Before joining the Fusion team, Nicole worked in Higher Education as Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at her alma mater in Allentown, PA, as well as at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. After moving to Texas, she served as Director of Admissions for a Pre-K -12th grade International Baccalaureate private school where she discovered her passion for working with students at the secondary school level.

Nicole brings enthusiasm to her work and is excited to support all of Fusion’s campuses with their leadership and post-secondary needs. Ask her about her love for puppies (beagles, specifically!), chocolate, coffee, and running with her husband and son. The secret to all of her energy… lots of coffee and dark chocolate!

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