Many students discovered with great joy that almost every college has offered “test optional” applications, due to the difficulties in administering the SAT and ACT for the last 14 months during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students were able to save hours of intense studying and expensive tutoring or test-prep classes. Rather than submitting standardized test scores with their college applications, acceptances would instead be based on their high school transcripts, essays and recommendations.

Unfortunately for those students believing they had caught a lucky break, the truth appears to be otherwise. Colleges are still judging applicants according to their test scores, and while it is certainly true that those without them are being considered and some are even being admitted, they are at a significant disadvantage. Those who are able to present a strong score seem to be judged much more favorably, and as a result, the overwhelming majority of those admitted to prestigious universities and honors programs this year included a standardized test score in their application.

Therefore, those who dream of YU Honors, the Ivy League or other selective universities need to find a way to take standardized tests. Many test centers have closed altogether or only open admission to their own students. MTA talmidim have been fortunate to rely on arrangements made by the yeshiva’s College Guidance Department with both the SAT and ACT to administer these tests in school. Since September, MTA has held four SAT exams and three ACT exams. The yeshiva looks forward to continuing to provide this important service and enabling talmidim to present the strongest possible case for admission to their dream schools.