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Why should I take the SAT or ACT even if I don’t want to go to a private or ivy league college?
I want to go to a UC college but question if i should still take the SAT or ACT.
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Dr’s Answer
Hey Christian, great question!
Honeeesly, Even though UCs don’t require the SAT or ACT, taking one of these tests can still be beneficial.😌
1. Scholarships – Many universities (including some UCs) and private organizations use SAT/ACT scores to award scholarships. A strong score could help you save money on tuition.
2. Application Flexibility – If you ever decide to apply to a non-UC school, some may still require or recommend test scores. Having a good score keeps your options open.
3. College Readiness & Placement – Some schools use test scores for class placement, so a high score might let you skip remedial courses.
4. Competitive Edge – While UCs are test-blind for admissions, some programs may still consider scores for things like honors programs. It never hurts to have a strong score on your record.
If you’re confident in your grades and extracurriculars, you might not need the SAT/ACT. 🤔 But if you want extra scholarship opportunities and flexibility, it’s worth considering mate. 🙌 Hope that helps!good luck and feel free to reach out when need be man. 😎
Honeeesly, Even though UCs don’t require the SAT or ACT, taking one of these tests can still be beneficial.😌
1. Scholarships – Many universities (including some UCs) and private organizations use SAT/ACT scores to award scholarships. A strong score could help you save money on tuition.
2. Application Flexibility – If you ever decide to apply to a non-UC school, some may still require or recommend test scores. Having a good score keeps your options open.
3. College Readiness & Placement – Some schools use test scores for class placement, so a high score might let you skip remedial courses.
4. Competitive Edge – While UCs are test-blind for admissions, some programs may still consider scores for things like honors programs. It never hurts to have a strong score on your record.
If you’re confident in your grades and extracurriculars, you might not need the SAT/ACT. 🤔 But if you want extra scholarship opportunities and flexibility, it’s worth considering mate. 🙌 Hope that helps!good luck and feel free to reach out when need be man. 😎
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Christian, you should know that even if you're not planning to attend a private or Ivy League college, taking the SAT or ACT can still be highly beneficial, especially if you're aiming for a University of California (UC) school. While the UC system has recently moved to test-blind admissions for in-state applicants (meaning they do not consider SAT or ACT scores for admissions decisions), these tests can still serve as valuable tools in other areas of your college application process. For example, some UC campuses may use SAT or ACT scores for course placement, scholarships, or eligibility for honors programs. Additionally, even though the UC system does not factor these scores into admissions, other public or private institutions might, and having strong test scores could open doors to more opportunities, especially if you later consider transferring or applying to graduate programs.
Moreover, taking the SAT or ACT allows you to demonstrate your academic abilities and potentially enhance your overall application. Strong scores can be a useful way to distinguish yourself in a competitive applicant pool, particularly if other aspects of your application (such as GPA) are weaker or if you're aiming for certain UC campuses that are more selective. Even if you don't necessarily need the test scores for admissions, some scholarships or merit-based financial aid programs may require them, and high test scores could potentially increase your chances of receiving financial assistance. Ultimately, even if you are focused on a UC school, taking the SAT or ACT is still a worthwhile consideration as a way to maximize your options, showcase your academic strengths, and potentially qualify for additional opportunities.
Moreover, taking the SAT or ACT allows you to demonstrate your academic abilities and potentially enhance your overall application. Strong scores can be a useful way to distinguish yourself in a competitive applicant pool, particularly if other aspects of your application (such as GPA) are weaker or if you're aiming for certain UC campuses that are more selective. Even if you don't necessarily need the test scores for admissions, some scholarships or merit-based financial aid programs may require them, and high test scores could potentially increase your chances of receiving financial assistance. Ultimately, even if you are focused on a UC school, taking the SAT or ACT is still a worthwhile consideration as a way to maximize your options, showcase your academic strengths, and potentially qualify for additional opportunities.
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Crystal’s Answer
Taking the SAT or ACT is a great way to earn scholarships for various schools.
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Kristina’s Answer
That’s a great question! While UC schools are currently test-blind, meaning they won’t consider SAT or ACT scores for admissions, there are still a few reasons why taking the test might be beneficial. Some scholarships and external programs still require SAT/ACT scores for eligibility, which could help with financial aid. Additionally, if you decide to transfer or apply to out-of-state schools, some colleges still use test scores for admissions or placement purposes. Taking the SAT or ACT also helps build strong test-taking skills that might be useful for future exams, like the GRE or professional certifications. If you’re confident in your GPA and UC eligibility, skipping the test is fine, but if you want to keep your options open, it may still be worth taking!
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Evelyn’s Answer
Hello Christian,
You are right. You don't need to take the SAT or ACT if you want to apply to a UC. However, if you take these exams and score well, you can submit your scores for course placement or scholarship purposes. See my examples below.
UCLA: https://admission.ucla.edu/apply/first-year/first-year-requirements (Check out the section about SAT/ACT)
UCI: https://www.admissions.uci.edu/apply/first-year-students/index.php
You are right. You don't need to take the SAT or ACT if you want to apply to a UC. However, if you take these exams and score well, you can submit your scores for course placement or scholarship purposes. See my examples below.
Evelyn recommends the following next steps:
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Martha’s Answer
Hi, Christian - this is a good question and you have received solid advice already. I just want to add that you should take the PSAT because it makes you eligible for National Merit scholarships that could be awarded from the national level or by employers. Even if you don't actually get funds, having Commended status could boost your application.
Good luck!
Good luck!