FAQ of the SAT For Recruited Athletes

 

The reality of the college recruiting process is that schools have different benchmarks on the SAT for recruited athletes. A lot of people think that this means getting recruited provides a side-door or an easier pathway to college. In some ways, that is true. But the reality is that prospective student-athletes spend just as much time (if not more!) preparing for college and exploring their options. They just do it earlier. The SAT is a great example of this.

Your college selection process ideally includes creating great options and then making an informed decision on which is best for you.  Knowing how standardized tests fit into this process is one effective way to maximize your options. Here are some of the common questions recruits had about the SAT when I was coaching at Harvard, and insight into how you can set yourself up for success.

 

Should I take the ACT or the SAT?

You can take either or, depending on your situation, both. Some test prep organizations will offer a “diagnostic” test to identify the test the best suits that student. I’ve seen this work really well for kids. While you can take both tests, the best strategy is often to pick one test to focus on, rather than trying to prepare for both. Check each college’s Admissions website and ask the coach to confirm the application requirements.

 

When should I take the tests?

Our saying at Harvard was “early and often”. My current advice to student-athletes is that they should take their first SAT or ACT in the first half of junior year, and the earlier the better. Then they should plan on taking the SAT or ACT at least once more (probably twice more) before the end of their junior year.

The sooner you are able to demonstrate that you are a viable candidate from an academic perspective, the better. This is a major question for coaches, especially at Ivy and Ivy-like schools. The sooner you answer this question, the better. It means that coaches can really start to consider you as a candidate for their team. Having good test scores dramatically changes the conversation.

That said, don’t take the SAT or ACT before you are ready. I don’t recommend taking these tests during sophomore year, and if you aren’t going to be produce a good score on an August test, you’re better off waiting.

Retaking the tests in senior year can be an option. But it will significantly limit your options since most college coaches need to make recruiting decision before (or early in) senior year.

To see how these tests fit into the overall timeline, check out my post covering Everything You Need To Know About The College Golf Recruiting Process.

 

Why more than once?

Colleges will often only count your best score. Most schools will “superscore” the SAT — meaning, admissions will count the highest score from each section, even if the scores are from different tests. This is one of the reasons why it is so beneficial to take the SAT multiple times. For whatever reason, few colleges superscore the ACT. They will look at your highest score from a single test.

 

Is there a limit to how many times I can take the test?

Technically no, you are allowed to take the SAT or ACT as many times as you want to. However, I don’t recommend taking either test more that three times. After that it stops helping you.

 

Other colleges are saying that I don’t have to retake the test.  Why is one coach suggesting I should?

Having higher scores can only help you gain admission to the best schools. Retaking the tests will expand your options. Yet some coaches at schools with lower academic requirements are telling students not to retake the test. This limits the prospects’ options and makes them more likely so accept the offer from their school. Which approach is in your best interest?

 

What if some of the schools on my list are test optional?

Some colleges no longer require you to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of your application. This has increasingly become the case as a result of Covid, because so many SAT and ACT test dates have been cancelled. You should still try to take the SAT twice during your junior year. Again, this will maximize your options.

 

Does practice help?

Yes! Just like studying for any test in school, preparation and practice for the standardized tests can have a significant impact on your results. Similarly, the experience of taking the tests will usually make you more comfortable over time allowing you to improve your scores through familiarity with the process. There are many test preparation organizations and tutors available. Khan Academy offers a free version.

 

How early during junior year should I start testing?

The SAT test is offered several times over the course of the academic year offering plenty of opportunities to fit with your schedule. Taking the tests for the first time during fall of junior year provides flexibility to retake the tests in the winter or spring.

 

What are SAT II’s?

UPDATED JANUARY 25, 2021: The SAT IIs (also called the SAT Subject Tests) will no longer be offered after the spring of 2021, and therefore are not required as part of the application process. You do not need to take these tests.

 

How do test scores factor into the recruiting process?

A prospect’s academic profile impacts their ability to gain admission. Test scores are a key component and are needed as early as possible in the process in order to avoid wasting time if gaining admission is unrealistic. At Ivy League and Ivy-like schools, test scores are a major part of the Academic Index calculation, as well. Test scores are also often a key factor in determining Academic Scholarship, which is part of the overall Scholarship package that a coach can offer to a recruited golfer.

 

Conclusion

Taking the SAT and/or the ACT is an essential part of the recruiting process. The benchmarks for each school are typically different (slightly lower) for recruited student-athletes than they are for regular applicants. Recruited student-athletes should aim to take these tests earlier than their non-athlete peers in order to maximize their chances of being recruited, especially to top academic schools, and getting a scholarship.