Coffee, Tea, or SAT?
- Dane Copeland
- Jan 1, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 8
With the start of a new year, our attention is often directed toward steps to create healthier practices, such as what to consume or not to consume. All of the wellness help reminded me of the articles and studies on the positive or negative effects of coffee, whether consuming a recommended amount per day, setting a cap on the day for that last cup of joe, or if avoiding it altogether would be best. You may have read some of these best practice articles as well. Did these articles make you or me stop drinking coffee? Did they keep local coffee shops or McSized coffee venues from popping up in your neighborhood or creating new and improved drinks to boost your (choose all that apply):
a) mood
b) productivity
c) waistline
d) seasonal activities
And just like we’re inundated with flip-flopping opinions on whether to consume our almond milk latte or chai matcha, pausing to determine the pros and cons, what we want, and why can be invaluable.
The recent SAT and standardized testing debate resurfacing in the media has the same kind of flip-flopping flow of information as the coffee debate- with, a whole lot of conflicting information and opinions, including whether the tests (choose all that apply):
a) add value in determining an applicant’s potential success in college
b) indicate what classes an applicant took or had access to in high school or earlier
c) reveal how much time and effort an applicant invested in preparing for the test
d) reveal how many years of testing an applicant was exposed to within their school system
What is important in all of this is, how does it impact you as a student applying to college and if a standardized test score is needed when applying to college?
As you sort through the information, what is most important, is developing a test plan that is specific to you.
This will include deciding if you will:
a) test or not test
b) which test to take, ACT or SAT
c) whether and how you will prepare for the test
d) when to take a test or tests
e) which colleges want your test scores, and which do not
f) whether the test results will strengthen your application,
and most importantly
g) whether the time-value of all the work that goes into preparing and taking a standardized test makes sense when compared to the other meaningful ways you can spend your time.
Addressing these factors also have many moving pieces, including your schedule and commitments to school and beyond, your aspirations and goals, and your strengths and talents, whether academic, creative, athletic, or something unique to you. While it may feel that this is our seasonal drink for applying to college, doing your homework on the latest shifts and trends on the benefits of testing is essential consumption.
To help you decide where testing fits for you, take note of the sources that are putting out information: a) higher-ed enrollment professionals, b) testing companies, c) mainstream media, and d) colleges, all of which will help you make an informed decision about what your testing plan and path should look like. Recognizing where information comes from and how it applies to you is in your best interest as a student or family. A test score is one data point, yet standardized testing reflects an industry comprised of multiple levels of companies, human resources, and money. It should be no surprise that test companies are revamping their testing formats, creating shorter, digital formats, or partnering with school districts to have them proctor test days on their behalf. Creating the idea of tradition that seems necessary seems no different than thinking fall wouldn’t be a season without a pumpkin spice latte (forgive me, pumpkin spice, as you are a fav).
This comparison chart from Compass Prep may help you begin to figure out the differences between tests as you map out your test plan. For additional resources visit the college.u testing information page.
Looking for more tips and inspiration to help you start your college journey? dream.search.apply.A Field Guide for an Inspired College Journey is packed with insights and resources to help you navigate your college path, and is available to order online and coming soon to your local bookstore.
Know someone starting their college journey? Feel free to share or connect us at dane@collegeu.solutions
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