The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Student

What is ‘Test Optional’?

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By Alan Sheptin

As the coronavirus reared its ugly head, we all retreated. My rising juniors, who were working hard to get ready for exams, saw their efforts evaporate. During this time, many American colleges and universities told rising seniors that testing was optional. Some of these colleges are among the most competitive nationally. The new ‘Test Optional’ means that a student can choose not to submit scores. If a score is submitted, it will be considered as part of the application, regardless of result but scores are de-emphasized. It differs from Test Blind, which means that scores will not be viewed, even if a student submits a 1600 SAT and a 36 ACT. Conversely, in some state universities, test optional means that as long as a student has a threshold GPA, an SAT or ACT is not required. Even though a university may go test optional, certain programs at those schools may still require testing. Very selective programs, such as BA/MD or Engineering may require some form of testing.

Why do schools decide to go test optional?

In this current day, many students may not have access to testing. Shuttered schools will not open on a Saturday morning for a three-hour test. Historically though, schools have gone test optional to encourage lower socioeconomic and first-generation students to apply.

What happens when a school goes test optional?

Studies have shown there to be a sizable increase in applications, sometimes as much as 20-25%! The number of offers a school can make will not change, so the selectivity increases. Often, if a school does not see a score, all the other parameters must be that much stronger, namely grades, recommendations and personal statements.  Finally, if your student has a score that is at least at the 50th percentile for that school, submit it. Any other testing that is available (AP scores, Subject Tests), should be submitted. The more data available, the better. The pressure is on to get a test done imminently. However, please do not criss-cross the northeast in search of a test center. Do the best you can.  However, if you get a test site, we urge students to get back in the saddle and prep. My team and I are happy to help both the rising juniors and seniors with diagnostics and to devise a fall testing plan.

Visit sheptin.com or call (914)232-3743 to learn more about Sheptin Tutoring Group.

The Chappaqua PTA: Enriching Student Education

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The Chappaqua PTA is a parent-run, volunteer organization that operates on a district-wide level, as well as in all six Chappaqua public schools. The PTA works with parents, teachers and administrators to enrich the education that Chappaqua students receive. Through its 16 district-wide and nearly 175 school-based committees, the PTA sponsors numerous programs and special events. The PTA welcomes new families and encourages parents to get involved; PTA activities are a terrific way to meet new people and have fun!

The following is a small sample of PTA- sponsored activities:

IMG_4638District-Wide: Learning to Look art appreciation program, Young Writers’ Workshop, the Chappaqua STEM Fest, parent education programming & R21K (Raising 21st Century Kids), special education programming and advocacy related to public education.

Elementary Schools: Author’s Days, book fairs, Bookpack programs, publishing centers, family movie nights, picnics/BBQs and seasonal fairs, sustainability and philanthropic efforts, cultural enrichment, After School Enrichment and theater programs.

IMG_3272Middle Schools: Cultural enrichment, grade level social events, theater programs, special school events such as International Day, Career Day for 8th Graders and talent shows, as well as support for school clubs.

IMG_3251Horace Greeley High School: Annual Art Show, Community Service Expo, support for student activities such as the SHARE Blood Drives and Midnight Runs; Freshman Orientation, trips/socials, Freshman pasta dinner, Sophomore & Junior events such as New Driver’s Orientation and College Night, Senior Year activities such as Senior Barbeque, Beach Day, Health Day, Color Wars, Graduation Party and Annual Reunion.

For more information, please visit: chappaquapta.net

A Young American Visits Paris, Oxford, and Tuscany

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By Lindsay Hand

Yes, there is a world beyond Chappaqua.

While many of us here in town, including myself, have had the opportunity to travel with family to vacation spots, this summer I explored and studied in Europe with my peers. The exposure to other cultures, other people, and their history has had a profound impact on me, as well as on my view of the world.

I recognize how fortunate I was to have the unbelievable opportunity to travel to Europe for a month. I finally saw the world beyond New York, without my family, for the first time.  While I had spent summers in sleep away camp, I had never been so far away from home without my parents to guide me; I experienced “self discovery” along with world discovery in a way I never thought possible. I explored cities on my own with friends, falling in love with those cities in the process. One month in England, France and Italy brought to life the incredible artistic, political and cultural history of those countries. I felt the sheer massiveness of the world, and started to comprehend how much there is out there to discover.

Studying for countless AP European History tests last year, I often found myself wondering why we really needed to memorize all of the events leading up to the French Revolution and the reason why the Duomo is considered such an amazing architectural feat. Why I had to know all about the importance of Shakespeare during the Elizabethan Age and the ways Mussolini changed Rome. But when I celebrated Bastille Day in Paris (they don’t actually eat cake, by the way), the centuries-old excitement and spirit of the people was palpable.  Climbing the Duomo afforded me a close-up look at the impeccably and intricately detailed dome ceiling, forcing me to acknowledge the astounding technical and artistic accomplishments of the Renaissance. The past came alive; I began to truly appreciate the depth of history in Europe. The people of these countries take pride in their past and antiquities, and want the rest of the world to value them as well.

My other travels to Israel, Alaska, the Canadian Rockies and the canyonlands of the American West have similarly opened doors to the wonders of nature and history. The way my view of the world expanded defies explanation. I appreciate the diversity of the world, both physically and culturally, and how even our own little piece here in suburban New York is an integral part.

Mark Twain once said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Twain’s words come close to expressing what I feel in my heart. I discovered my true interests, and found a group of people who shared them.

These new friends in turn opened my world to new things to enjoy, from movies and television to music and literature.We all helped each other grow, expanding our horizons together. I forgot about being shy, I forgot that I was an entire ocean away from home; I threw off the restraints I had subconsciously put on myself over the years, assumed new responsibilities and respect, and discovered my true self.

From the spires of Oxford, to the boulevards of Paris, to the hills of Tuscany, every second I spent abroad was magical. I expected to learn, sightsee, and have and incredible time, but did not anticipate that I would encounter people who would become what I know will be lifelong friends. That I would become more responsible and independent. One of the most rewarding things about traveling the world is beyond the obvious experience of seeing the sights and meeting new people; it is discovering yourself in the process.

Lindsay Hand is a junior at Horace Greeley High School, and has written numerous articles and served as last September’s “Guest Editor” for Inside Chappaqua.