Standardized Testing

Standardized testing is the bane of my existence. The only thing is that, if I study, I can actually excel at it. Unfortunately, this pandemic isn't even giving me the opportunity to take any tests. I just received word today that my SAT Subject Tests have been canceled for October. I have no doubt that my ACT scheduled for October will soon be canceled as well.

I know that colleges have become primarily test optional. However, for me, there is a comfort in being able to relay good test scores to colleges. I feel that in California, we likely will not be able to test for a while; if not because of COVID-19, because the majority of our state is on fire.

Now here is the problem specifically for me and basically everyone else in Santa Rosa. Our normal testing centers (Montgomery, Santa Rosa) are closed until the December testing season. That leaves us with Piner and Cardinal Newman as options, but I don't believe that they are administering the tests right now because of COVID-19 as well. So then, the SAT and ACT give us the option to locate test centers up to 75 miles away. I know multiple friends that go test at Windsor or Ukiah high school. The problem right now is that Ukiah is very close to a fire - so that option is also gone. Windsor's spots fill up within a matter of seconds (at least they did with the ACT) at the very beginning of registration, and they are in the same boat with Santa Rosa when it comes to the virus. Ukiah was doing slightly better when it came to the coronavirus, but now they have the fire problem.

We therefore have pretty much no options. I even chose tests slightly in advance but before any early decision application deadlines in the hope that I would be allowed to test safely but still have my scores in time. However, now that my tests have been canceled, no more spots are available anywhere near Santa Rosa for the rest of this year.

This is the point where I think that I have to cut my losses and move on. I want to stress to all my fellow seniors that I know are in the same boat as me: focus on your grades and your extracurriculars. They are going to matter a lot more to admissions counselors this year.

Most importantly, keep hanging in there. I know that college applications are hard, and especially right now in the midst of power outages, unhealthy air quality, and a red sun, it can be difficult to focus. I know that y'all got this, and if anyone needs help, I would be happy to assist. Have a good weekend - and check out the US Open finals!

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