Does State Testing Matter in High School?
You may be wondering, does state testing matter in high school? The short answer: it might.
Four of every five colleges in the United States are test-optional. This number skyrocketed at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but many colleges have determined that test-optional admission is here to stay (including Cairn!).
Taking a state administered test in high school could be important, depending on where you live. Very few U.S. states still require the SAT or ACT for high school graduation. However, you should consult with your high school guidance counselor to confirm that you do not need to take a standardized test to graduate.
Knowing What Works for You
The answer to this question is different for every student. There are many factors to consider, which can make the decision overwhelming. The good news is that we’re here to help!
Below we listed some primary considerations for Cairn University applicants:
Reasons to Go Test-Optional:
- If you don’t feel comfortable: We get it. You may have been in a virtual classroom for a couple of years and had a difficult time keeping up with or retaining information. Don’t sweat it. Even if you have taken state tests, you don’t need to feel obligated to send them to us.
- If you want to save your time: Preparing for any standardized test involves hours of extra studying. Between school, work, sports, and/or other activities, your schedule is already full. If you don’t have to take the test and it’s not something you want to invest in, you can skip it.
- If you have a well-rounded application otherwise: If you have a solid GPA, are involved in co-curriculars or extracurriculars, and—most importantly—have a strong relationship with Jesus Christ and desire to serve him in your life and career, you are still a strong applicant at Cairn University.
Reasons to Submit Your Scores:
- If you’re a good test taker: Cairn University accepts SAT, ACT and Classic Learning Test (CLT) test scores. If you are a high-performing student who does well on exams, taking a state test in high school will only be a benefit to you.
- If you want to be eligible for some scholarships: Many outside scholarships also still require test scores as part of the application process.
Does State Testing Matter in High School—Still Not Sure?
Still not sure what makes the most sense for you and your Cairn application? Feel free to contact your admissions counselor to discuss your application options or any other questions you may have about studying at Cairn University.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your college journey apply to Cairn University today.
