What are the downsides of going test-optional?

It May Cost You Merit Aid While many colleges have reduced the value standardized tests have on college admissions, they still play a prominent role in how many colleges award merit aid. By not submitting test scores, you may disqualify yourself from receiving merit aid or limit your opportunity to win a scholarship.

Is there a disadvantage to applying test-optional?

Test Scores Might Be Required for Merit Scholarships. Many test-optional colleges look at test scores when awarding merit scholarships, so not submitting them might put you at a disadvantage.

Does it look bad to go test-optional?

The school won't look down on you (we've been asked this question). But it's important to note- if you decide not to submit your scores to a test-optional school, more weight will be placed on other parts of your application.

Why should colleges not be test-optional?

Make no mistake: the SAT and ACT still have value, and those who test well should flaunt it (more on that below). In general, however, the main allegation against test-optional colleges is that the institutions themselves are using this change to drive up admissions numbers and become even more selective.

Does applying test-optional lower your chances?

If the college does not require the test, then generally NO, it will not hurt your application. But know that without test scores other parts of your application will become more important.

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What happens if you go test optional?

If a school is test optional, that means you get to decide if you want to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you submit them, they'll be reviewed as part of your application, but if you don't, you won't be at any disadvantage compared to applicants who did submit test scores.

What percentage of students go test optional?

More than 80 percent of U.S. colleges and universities do not require applicants to take standardized tests like the SAT or the ACT.

What are 2 disadvantages to test optional blind admissions?

The Disadvantages

Critics of test-optional or test-flexible admissions claim these types of policies are geared more toward the institution than the student. Institutions with test-optional policies can often attract (and reject) more applicants, which lowers their acceptance rates and makes them appear more selective.

What is the truth about test optional colleges?

Colleges experience at least two changes when they go test optional: average test scores rise and admission rates decrease. Average test scores rise because students who are lower-scoring do not report their scores, so the overall average rises for the incoming class.

Why should SATS be banned?

Both tests are considered by most colleges a valid assessment. However, other sources beg to differ. These dissenting sources would most likely support the view that standardized tests, such as the ACT and SAT, should be abolished because they lack reliability, perfectly consistent administration, and content validity.

Is test-optional a trick?

You might be wondering whether the test-optional option is a trick of some kind. Maybe you're thinking that you'll be less likely to be admitted if you don't submit your scores even though the university says they're not required. Rest assured: it's not a trick.

Why do people go test-optional?

One of the reasons we made the decision to go test-optional is that it provides students the ability to decide if they feel the test is an accurate reflection of their academic ability. About 60 percent of our students choose not to submit a test score.

Should I submit a 1200 SAT score?

The average SAT score is a 1040, so a 1200 is above average. A 1200 SAT score is between the 71st and 80th percentile of test takers, meaning that you scored above 71-80% of other students. A score of 1200 opens a wide range of college options, assuming you have comparable grades (mostly A's and B's).

Should I submit test scores if optional?

Even though test-optional colleges maintain that they do not view applications without standardized test scores in a negative light, many admissions experts suggest that submitting SAT/ACT scores can ultimately add value to a student's application.

Why are so many schools going test-optional?

For many colleges that have gone test-optional over the years, not requiring SAT or ACT scores aims to fulfill the goal of greater access. Well-qualified students who may have been discouraged from applying previously because of their poor test scores might now consider a wider range of schools.

Do test-optional students get in?

The University of California system as well as the California State University system are officially now test-blind. This means that you do not have the opportunity to submit SAT/ACT scores for consideration with your UC application.

Is Harvard truly test-optional?

When you apply for admission, you can choose whether or not our review of your application will include your standardized test scores (SAT and ACT). If your scores already are on file before you apply and you choose at the time of your application to proceed without scores, we will not consider those scores.

Are any Ivy Leagues test-optional?

Let's take a look at each of the Ivy Leagues and what their current testing admissions policies are: Brown University: Test-Optional for 2023. Columbia University: Test-Optional for 2023 and 2024. Cornell University: Test-Optional for 2023 and 2024.

What do test-optional schools look for?

Test-Optional for Certain Applicants

Some test-optional schools require SAT/ACT scores from students who fall below a certain GPA or class rank threshold. For example, prior to the pandemic, the California State University system used an "eligibility index" to determine which applicants must submit test scores.

Why are colleges getting rid of SAT?

In an October 2022 webinar called “Preparing for a Supreme Court Decision Involving Race-Conscious Admissions,” NACAC officials similarly advised college admissions officers to “eliminate consideration of applicants' ACT and SAT scores because they reflect a variety of biases related to race and ethnicity” as well as “ ...

Do colleges prefer ACT or SAT?

You may have heard that colleges in some states prefer the ACT while others gravitate towards the SAT®. This is a common misconception. Colleges don't have a preference between the SAT or ACT so it's important to know how to choose the test that's right for you.

How long will test optional last?

According to FairTest, that number represents 83% of four-year U.S. schools. In addition to the fall 2023 tally, FairTest also reported that 1,783 institutions- equal to about 78% of four-year colleges and universities - have already extended their test-optional/test-blind policies at least through fall 2024.

Should I send my SAT scores to test optional schools 2023?

Test-optional schools don't require applicants to submit test scores as part of their application. If students decide to submit test scores, the admissions office will consider those scores in making admissions decisions. But if students don't want to submit their scores, they don't have to.

Is 800 a good SAT score?

With scores ranging from 400 to 1600 and more than 1.7 million students nationwide taking the SAT each year, the average score range is between 1000-1100. A score of 800 falls significantly below that national average and is about the 8th percentile of all test takers, which means that 92% received a higher score.

Is a 900 a good SAT score?

Is 900 a good SAT score? A “good” SAT score is one that makes you a competitive candidate at a majority of colleges, including your ideal college. A 900 doesn't give you as many college options as we'd normally like students to have, so raising your score closer to that national average (1150-1100) is encouraged.