Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are designed to evaluate a student’s academic level and skill. Used nationally, these tests are meant to provide colleges and universities with a consistent measure to compare students from different educational backgrounds. Critics argue that these tests may not fully capture a student's potential or learning capabilities and can reflect socio-economic disparities rather than true academic ability. This is highly important as universities look at submitted test scores as a part of their holistic application process. Each university posts an average range of scores for the middle 50% of the past admitted class– this is a good way to determine the competitiveness of the school’s admission.
Some of these ranges are below:
University | Admission Rate | ACT Range | SAT Range |
Washington University in St. Louis | 16% | 33 - 35 | 1500 - 1570 |
Harvard | 4.92% | 34 - 36 | 1490 - 1580 |
Ohio State | 57% | 29 - 32 | 1310 - 1480 |
Tulane University | 11% | 31-33 | 1370 - 1510 |
However, there is a glaring difference in scores between Black students and their White peers. On the SAT, Black students score 177 points lower which not only affects college admissions but also limits access to financial aid. As a result, we've seen a decline in Black college enrollment, dropping by 22% between 2010 and 2020 according to the National Center for Education. This gap is also visible on the ACT. In 2023, Black students had the lowest ACT test scores in nearly every category. Low average scores were also seen in American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Latino students.
But why is this true? According to The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, “Only 6 percent of all Black test takers were rated ready for college-level courses in all four areas of English, mathematics, science, and reading. Whites were more than five times as likely as Blacks to be prepared for college-level work in all four areas.” This is likely due to systemic policies that affect Black families’ access to quality housing and education. There is also a fee to register for these tests that can present a cost barrier to low-income families who may not be able to afford the test more than once.
So what should students be doing to ensure they are properly prepared for these tests?
9th Grade: Start by seeing what subjects are strengths and which ones need work. Taking a free diagnostic test is a good first step to understanding current skill levels. Take one for the SAT and one for the ACT to figure which test you prefer and perform better at. Take a look at the differences between the two here!
10th Grade: Take the PSAT and use practice tests to start studying and improving in key areas like math and reading. Look into free or affordable tutoring if needed.
11th Grade: Take the SAT or ACT for the first time, after a few months of studying. Continue practicing and plan to retake the test if needed. There are fee waivers available.
12th Grade: Retake the SAT or ACT if necessary, and start finalizing college applications.
As you look ahead, it's important to approach standardized test preparation with a proactive and strategic mindset. By starting early, utilizing available resources, and focusing on areas that need improvement, students can significantly boost their confidence and performance. While systemic barriers continue to create inequities in test outcomes, individual efforts combined with support from families, schools, and community organizations can help bridge the gap. The Top Tutors for Us community is also here to help in any way we can. Please reach out if you have any questions!
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