The Accolade

VIRAL IMPACT ON SAT, ACT: Pandemic spurs ‘test-optional,’ ‘test-blind’ trend in college admissions

Kyuwon Han, Spotlight Team Reporter • April 3, 2025

This is one of a series of five-year, COVID-19 pandemic anniversary articles The Accolade’s Spotlight team has expanded from its original print version that appeared in the Monday, March 24, issue. Science...

NEWS ANALYSIS: WHY TEST-TAKERS CHEAT? Sociology professor, students provide insight into the phenomenon that caused the uptick in Advanced Placement exam score cancellations this summer

Christine Yoo, Managing Editor • September 28, 2024

Because of the sensitive nature of this article, names of student sources will remain confidential, and generic pseudonyms will be used instead. Note cards. Apple Watches. Arms. Several anonymous...

I spent thousands of dollars on SAT practice, and it looks like it’s going all to waste because College Board keeps canceling SoCal test dates

Daniel Kong, Business Manager • January 19, 2021

The third time wasn’t the charm. On Dec. 2, I was supposed to take my SAT at Harvard-Westlake High School in Los Angeles, but unsurprisingly, College Board canceled the administration of the test. That...

It’s worth the time to improve SAT scores

Lira Jeong, Feature Editor • October 15, 2019

After three to four hours of taking the SAT, students feel the relief of getting the test over with. This standardized test that students struggle to do well on is the best way of getting admitted to college. Because...

Hey Pomona, Williams! I’m more than my SAT/ACT score

Lauren Kim, Copy Editor • September 24, 2019

The SAT and ACT – three- to four-hour tests that hover over students’ heads, heavily stressing them out for much of their high school experience. While in high school, students develop intellectual...