Offering the ACT to SMUHSD Seniors (Class of 2021)

Due to the cancellations of all SAT and ACT testing in Northern California since March 2020, the SMUHSD is planning on administering the SAT to all Seniors on October 14th.

While the move to provide SAT testing to Seniors is a step in the right direction, the SMUHSD should also plan to offer the ACT in the same manner. The SMUHSD should not be in the position of selecting which test to administer, but instead, should be offering both tests as a service/resource to its Seniors. To ONLY offer the SAT to our Seniors would be biased towards the College Board vs the ACT, and would also be highly unfair to those who prepared for the ACT vs the SAT (In 2019, the split was about 55% SAT, 45% ACT).

While all colleges in the U.S. accept either the SAT OR ACT, students typically prepare for one of the exams. ALL of our Seniors in the District should be given equal opportunity to select and take the test they have prepared for. At the August 25th SMHS General PTO Meeting Dr. Skelly stated that he would “look into” hosting the ACT for our Seniors. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqK7degH1-k&feature=youtu.be&t=990

Why testing is important

Although the UC’s and CSU’s have stated they will be “test-optional” in considering applications for Fall 2021, there are over 3000 colleges in the U.S. to apply to, and the UC’s and CSU’s together represent only about 1% of the total number of colleges. SMUHSD students will be at a clear disadvantage if they do not have test scores available with their applications.

In addition, students wishing to apply for Merit Scholarships are at a clear disadvantage in our District as they will be without both grades (our District gave credit/no credit for the second semester for school year 2019-2020) as well as test scores.

Making it happen

The ACT offers the test to school districts to be administered on Oct. 6th or Oct. 20th. Mills High School is an established ACT test site, just as SMHS is an SAT established test site. Personnel at both schools understand how to manage and proctor these tests.

In terms of fairness and equal opportunity, the SMUHSD MUST give EACH AND EVERY SENIOR THE SAME OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE the SAT or the ACT. If the SMUHSD had selected the ACT to be administered initially, the same argument would be made to also offer the SAT.

Time is of the essence to make this happen with the ACT and schedule the testing for October 2020. If you agree with this, please sign our petition. Thank you.