Coronavirus and the College Search

High school seniors applying to college this fall face unique and, in some cases, challenging circumstances. But college consultant Jamie Gossels points out that there are also fundamental similarities to the “usual” process, along with some silver linings. Here Gossels gives the rundown of the college search during the coronavirus.

The Big Picture

What’s the same (as other years)? High school seniors are applying to college.

What’s Different? COVID-19

What to do?

Most important, students shouldn’t add stress by lamenting these unusual circumstances. They should focus on what they can control and remember that every applicant is facing similar restrictions with respect to spring semester grades, standardized testing, extracurricular activities, college visits, and more. College admissions will review every application holistically (considering all parts of the application) in the specific context of these limitations for each student. Admissions representatives also understand that students have faced emotional loss during this time and will review applications with grace, compassion, and humanity.

And now to specifics:

Standardized Testing

What’s the same? Not much! Some students have standardized test scores to report, but many do not.

What’s different? Many students have not had an opportunity to take an official SAT or ACT. Some students do have official scores from last fall or winter, but those scores might not represent their best abilities, as scores are likely to improve over time. But in response to the limited access to testing, just about every college is test optional (or test blind) this year.

What to do? If a student believes, based on practice tests, that their standardized test scores will positively impact their application, they should continue to try to take the test this fall, despite frustrations with last minute cancellations. However, students should not put their health at risk or travel unreasonably for this purpose. Take colleges at their word; when they say tests are optional, they mean it.

If students do have test scores, should they submit them? The guideline is that if the scores are above the national average for a given college, students should submit. These data are often available on the college’s website, and can also be found on the school’s common data set (search College X common data set).

The silver lining: Assuming students are able to take a standardized test, they have control over the role the scores play in their application. And if they haven’t taken one, they won’t be penalized.

Creating the College List

What’s the same? Students have to create a balanced list (with respect to admission likelihood) of colleges that are a good fit. Some colleges are looking for students to demonstrate interest/engagement. And some colleges encourage interviews.

What’s different? Most college campuses have been closed to in-person visits.

What to do? Use other resources to research colleges. Virtual college programming, while not the same as a live visit, can provide additional insights beyond tours and information sessions, such as student panels and academically oriented sessions. For colleges looking for demonstrated interest, these virtual visits “count” just as an in-person visit would. Students can also contact admissions representatives directly. Regional representatives are often identified on the college’s website; if not, questions can be directed to the general admissions office. Interviews are also now conducted virtually. For each college of interest, students should register online and/or follow via social media. Not only does this demonstrate interest, but the student is notified of events which could be of interest. Other resources for research include college websites and social media, college guidebooks and search websites, and personal connections. Check out the college LinkedIn page to learn more about student outcomes.

The silver lining: College visits, interviews, and admissions representatives are easily accessible for all.

Jamie Gossels is the owner and principal of JGossels College Consulting. Click here for more of her tips on navigating the college selection and application processes.

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Mock ACT/SAT Test Dates with a Live Virtual Proctor 

VHES offers online mock SAT and ACT tests Saturdays at 9:00 am through Lessonspace, a teaching platform that enables our proctors to oversee virtual exams and gauge students' test readiness. Upon registering for mock tests, students will receive a test packet in the mail that includes the following: 

• ACT/SAT answer sheet

• ACT/SAT test booklet 

• ACT/SAT essay prompt 

• Four pages of lined paper 

• Testing instructions     

The ACT/SAT essay is optional. Students interested in taking the essay will continue with the test after the final multiple-choice section (ACT Science or SAT Math). Please sign up no later than Monday during the week of the mock test. The day before each test, students will receive an emailed link to join the virtually proctored test.

Upon completion of the test, parents and students receive a 9-page diagnostic report showing how the student is performing in each dimension of the SAT or ACT. This detailed report is used to establish a baseline score, is the basis for test-prep planning, and is instrumental in helping us customize a tutoring program that addresses the most pertinent test sections. For students taking both the ACT and SAT, we also provide a concordance chart with test recommendations. See what our baseline test reports look like: ACT and SAT. There is a $25 test registration fee. 

Register for a mock test by clicking on a specific test date below.

Mock ACT test dates:

October 24, 2020

November 21, 2020

December 5, 2020

January 30, 2021

February 27, 2021

March 27, 2021

April 10, 2021

May 8, 2021

Mock SAT test dates:

November 7, 2020

December 19, 2020

January 16, 2021

February 13, 2021

March 13, 2021

April 24, 2021

May 22, 2021

Visit our Mock Testing page to learn more. 

ACT Test Updates and Mock Test Dates

ACT Postpones Online Testing for Fall ACT National Testing

Due to COVID-19 disruptions and required social distancing guidelines in test centers, ACT has made the decision to postpone the planned launch of online testing for national ACT test-takers. ACT is focused on adding additional testing capacity for students in need of full ACT scores for admission and scholarship applications. This decision will ensure ACT can build additional capacity for fall testing at national test centers and allow test centers to focus on providing a successful paper administration of the ACT test.

ACT's continued focus for fall testing is to expand test center capacity for students in need of scores from the full ACT test, while reducing complexity in testing for its customers, test center network, and education advocates and stakeholders.
 

“We were technologically on track—as in 26 miles into a 26.2 mile marathon—to launch online testing at national test centers this fall, but the world has changed, and so too must our plans and timeframe for launching this enhancement,” said ACT CEO Janet Godwin. “We’re going to focus our efforts on doing what we we’ve done well for 60 years and implementing what we can, when we can, safely and with confidence. That said, we will continue to build out this capability from a technology standpoint so we can be ready to deliver it when the market is ready.”

Additional Fall National Testing Updates

ACT recently added new test dates to give students more opportunities to take the ACT test this fall, and still plans to offer a remote proctoring solution, allowing students to take the test online, at home, or at other safe and convenient locations in late fall/early winter. This option will improve students’ test-taking experience and increase their opportunities for college admissions and scholarships, while setting the stage for the future release of section retesting and online testing.

Beginning in September 2020, ACT will offer the option to report a superscore for students who have taken the ACT test more than once, and will offer four fee waivers to qualifying students (double the number previously offered) to take the ACT test for free.

At this time, ACT plans to launch online testing in 2021 but will continue to monitor the impacts of COVID-19 on test center capacity to prioritize safe and equitable access to testing.

States and districts will still have the option of offering online testing as part of their in-school testing programs. Students who test outside of the U.S. will continue to take the ACT as a computer-based test.

Students can sign up to be the first to know when registration for the fall test dates opens.

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CONTACT US FOR A FREE PRACTICE TEST PACKET AND DIAGNOSTIC REPORT (VIEW SAMPLE STUDENT REPORTS: ACT, SAT, SSAT, ISEE, AND HSPT).

Vint Hill Educational Services offers mock tests for the ACT and SAT. These are taken in a group setting to simulate the testing environment. For the ACT and SAT, we will review the scores to see which test the student is scoring higher on. Since all colleges and universities accept both tests, it's beneficial to know if your child is scoring higher on the ACT or SAT. Check out our ACT versus SAT comparison chart for test differences. Sometimes the difference is like night and day, and for others, it may be a hairline higher on one versus the other. The student won't know which test is better, unless the individual takes one of each. We'll use our score concordance chart in order to make a test recommendation.

2020-2021 MOCK ACT/SAT TEST DATES  

AS OF AUGUST 2020, WE WILL BE PROCTORING TESTS VIRTUALLY ON SATURDAY MORNINGS AT 9:00 AM. UPON REGISTERING FOR A VIRTUAL MOCK TEST, YOU’LL RECEIVE A TEST PACKET VIA USPS MAIL.

PACKET INCLUDES:

• ACT/SAT ANSWER SHEET

• ACT/SAT TEST BOOKLET

• *ACT/SAT ESSAY PROMPT

• FOUR PAGES OF LINED PAPER

• TEST INSTRUCTIONS

  *THE ACT/SAT ESSAY IS OPTIONAL. STUDENTS INTERESTED IN TAKING THE ACT/SAT ESSAY WILL CONTINUE ON WITH THE TEST AFTER THE FINAL MULTIPLE-CHOICE SECTION (ACT SCIENCE OR SAT MATH).

PLEASE SIGN UP NO LATER THAN MONDAY DURING THE WEEK OF THE MOCK TEST. BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR ADDRESS DURING REGISTRATION, SO THAT WE CAN MAIL YOU A TESTING PACKET.

ALL ACT/SAT TESTS WILL BE PROCTORED VIRTUALLY THROUGH LESSONSPACE. THE DAY BEFORE EACH TEST, STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE AN EMAILED LINK TO JOIN THE VIRTUALLY PROCTORED TEST. THE TEST INSTRUCTIONS CAN BE USED SHOULD A STUDENT LOSE CONNECTION TO THE TESTING LOBBY.

ACT

Register for a mock ACT by clicking on a specific test date below. 

Mock ACT test dates:

• August 15, 2020

• September 26, 2020

• October 24, 2020

• November 21, 2020

• December 5, 2020

• January 30, 2021

• February 27, 2021

• March 27, 2021

• April 10, 2021

• May 8, 2021

SAT

Register for a mock SAT by clicking on a specific test date below.  :

Mock SAT test dates:

• August 29, 2020

• September 12, 2020

• October 10, 2020

• November 7, 2020

• December 19, 2020

• January 16, 2021

• February 13, 2021

• March 13, 2021

• April 24, 2021

• May 22, 2021

We also offer one-to-one mock testing at our offices. This consists of a full-length practice test for your child. Tests include: ACT, SAT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE, HSPT, and SAT Subject Tests. We provide the test booklet, essay booklet, answer sheet, testing timer, calculator, and pencils. 

We can send parents a practice test as well, to administer to their student in-home. We will send out a free practice test packet along with proctoring instructions. Parents must send the answer sheet back to us via email or mail. 

Mock ACT and SAT (Group Testing)

TESTS INCLUDE

ACT and SAT

$25 Registration Fee (1 Mock Test: ACT or SAT) Includes test scores comparison

Mock testing for the ACT and SAT, held in a group setting. Parents will receive a diagnostic score report and phone consultation. View sample student score reports: ACT and SAT. 

For the ACT and SAT, we will compare scores in order to determine which test is better for the student to take. See virtual mock test dates above for the 2020-2021 school year.

In-Office or In-Home Testing (One-To-One) 

TESTS INCLUDE 

ACT, SAT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE, HSPT and SAT Subject Tests

$125 Standard Test (In-office)

$175 Special Accommodations (In-office)

FREE Parent Administration (In-home)

One-to-one testing at our offices or in-home testing proctored by a parent. A perfect fit for students that need to get acclimated to the test format, structure, and timing. This can help to relieve nervousness and anxiety. Parents have the option of administering the test to their child for free. They can also choose to drop their student off at our offices and we will administer the test to the student. Parents will receive a diagnostic score report from our testing software. View sample reports: ACT, SAT, SSAT, ISEE, and HSPT. An individual test scores comparison chart is provided for the ACT and SAT. 

SAT / ACT Reading List

Suggested SAT Reading List

Students with excellent reading and comprehension skills find the verbal sections of the SAT much easier to attack. Classic literature offers you a chance to practice reading typical SAT passages and to expand your SAT vocabulary. Carry a book with you at all times, reading whenever you have a few spare minutes, such as during a break at work, in the doctor’s waiting room, or at the pool. While reading, mark any unfamiliar words and define them when you return home.

The College Board provides a long list of suggested reading on its website. Below is an abbreviated version of that list, based on the easiest and most interesting books as recommended by tutors and instructors. We’ve also included the most recent movie version for you to view after completing the novel.

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2019-2020 MOCK ACT/SAT TEST DATES  

VIENNA, VA AREA:

Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below. 

ACT - 7/27/2019, 10/12/2019, 1/18/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020

SAT - 8/3/2019, 9/28/2019, 11/30/2019, 2/15/2020, 5/23/2020 

WARRENTON, VA AREA:

Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.  

ACT - 7/20/2019, 9/28/2019, 11/9/2019, 1/11/2020, 3/21/2020, 5/9/2020

SAT - 7/27/2019, 9/21/2019, 11/16/2019, 1/25/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020

RICHMOND, VA AREA: 

Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.

ACT - 7/27/2019, 10/12/2019, 1/18/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020

SAT - 8/3/2019, 9/28/2019, 11/30/2019, 2/15/2020, 5/23/2020 

CHARLOTTE, NC AREA:

Click here to register for a mock ACT/SAT or click on a specific test date below.

ACT - 7/20/2019, 9/28/2019, 11/9/2019, 1/11/2020, 3/21/2020, 5/9/2020

SAT - 7/27/2019, 9/21/2019, 11/16/2019, 1/25/2020, 3/7/2020, 5/16/2020

We also offer one-to-one mock testing at our offices. This consists of a full-length practice test for your child. Tests include: ACT, SAT, PSAT, SSAT, ISEE, HSPT, and SAT Subject Tests. We provide the test booklet, essay booklet, answer sheet, testing timer, calculator, and pencils. 

We can send parents a practice test as well, to administer to their student in-home. We will send out a free practice test packet along with proctoring instructions. Parents must send the answer sheet back to us via email or mail. 

One-To-One ACT Prep & SAT Prep: Richmond VA, Henrico VA, & Chesterfield VA

WHY DOES OUR PROGRAM WORK SO WELL? 
We often get asked this question. It’s because we focus on the individual student and not a classroom of students. The largest ACT/SAT score increases are seen when ACT/SAT prep is customized for the individual student. This is also why a baseline test is so effective. Our ACT/SAT practice test score reports are used as a student diagnostic. 

The ACT/SAT tutor will hone in on the specific needs for the individual. The diagnostic report reveals trends such as pacing and themes among certain question types. On the SAT reading section, the student may have the most trouble with command of evidence. For the ACT math section, it might be quadratic equations that need the most attention. Our ACT/SAT tutors will come to students’ homes on weekdays or weekends.

Contact us to started with your customized ACT/SAT prep program. 

ACT/SAT Prep: Richmond VA – 2016-2017 Practice Dates

For the 2016-2017 school year, we will be offering mock ACT and SAT tests in the Richmond VA area. Right after our parent presentation, on the redesigned SAT at Deep Run High School in Glen Allen, we received a significant amount of inquiries about our ACT/SAT mock testing service.

In response to the successful workshop, we have ten ACT/SAT practice test dates booked for the 2016-2017 school year. There are five dates offered for each test. These will take place in a group setting at the American Legion in Mechanicsville. Local high school students from the following areas are encouraged to attend: Glen Allen, Midlothian, Short Pump, Lorraine, Bon Air, Ashland, Mechanicsville, Highland Springs, Varina, Tuckahoe, Dumbarton, Chamberlayne, Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Richmond City, and others

These practice tests are taken in a group setting to simulate the testing environment. We use official ACT and SAT practice tests. Parents receive a free student diagnostic score report that reveals strengths and weaknesses. You can view our ACT and SAT reports to see what they look like. The group practice events give students a chance to try the test out. It’s a great way to prepare for the real thing!

ACT Prep - Practice Dates:

• July 30, 2016 (Sat. 9:00am - 1:00pm)

• August 27, 2016 (Sat. 9:00am - 1:00pm)

• October 10, 2016 (Mon. 9:00am - 1:00pm)

• January 16, 2017 (Mon. 9:00am - 1:00pm)

• April 10, 2017 (Mon. 9:00am - 1:00pm)   

Sign up for an ACT practice test.

SAT Prep - Practice Dates:

• August 13, 2016 (Sat. 9:00am - 1:00pm)

• September 5, 2016 (Mon. 9:00am - 1:00pm)

• November 8, 2016 (Tues. 9:00am - 1:00pm)

• February 20, 2017 (Mon. 9:00am - 1:00pm)

• May 20, 2017 (Sat. 9:00am - 1:00pm)

Sign up for a SAT practice test.

Location:

ACT/SAT Prep – Practice
American Legion Post 175
8700 Bell Creek Rd
Mechanicsville, VA 23116

Some students will move forward and enroll in one of our customized ACT/SAT prep programs. All of our ACT/SAT tutoring services are one-to-one. Therefore, strengths and weaknesses are addressed consistently and without the competition of other students. It consists of more individual attention, less distraction, improved communication, and increased flexibility. Each one of our tutors has a bachelor's degree. In addition, over 75% of our tutors have master's level degrees and over 25% have doctoral degrees.

Can’t make a practice test date? Contact us and we will send you an in-home ACT/SAT testing packet!