What is the truth about test optional?

It means that schools don't require test scores for a complete application. This is in contrast to a “test blind” application policy such as that used by the University of California system and California State University system. These schools will specifically not consider your test scores even if you send them.

Is test optional really true?

If a school is test-optional, it means that you can choose whether or not to submit your SAT or ACT scores as part of your application. It's genuinely your choice whether or not to include scores. A lack of scores won't be held against you. The school won't look down on you (we've been asked this question).

Do colleges care if you go test optional?

Schools care about their reputations, which are based in part on the statistics of their incoming classes, including SAT/ACT scores. Because those scores are no longer required, applicants are likely only submitting them if they did exceptionally well, which boosts admissions statistics.

Does going test optional decrease your chances?

Colleges prefer to have more information rather than less information. Your test scores offer an additional data point for schools to consider when making admissions decisions, and their preference for this data is clear: students who don't submit test scores have lower acceptance rates than those who do.

Why are 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.

The SECRET Truth Behind Test-Optional (according to Harvard Admission Officers) | Part 3

What are the cons of 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.

Will not submitting SAT scores hurt 2023?

Students should know the difference between these two policies: Test-Optional: You are not required to submit test scores, but they can still help your chances of admission. Test-Blind: Your test scores make no difference, and submitting them has zero effect on your application.

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.

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.

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.

Should I submit a bad SAT score or go test-optional?

Consider your schools' average scores

However, if you received a score below your school's 25th percentile for either the SAT or ACT, we might recommend not sending this score to test-optional schools – as it may lower your chances of admission.

Why are SATS no longer required?

The effectiveness of the testing has been called into question and many believe the ACT and SAT tests are flawed. “[The SAT's] efficacy as a predictor of college readiness has been challenged by researchers and college admission officers alike,” said Rob Granek, editor-in-chief of the Princeton Review.

What happens if you apply test-optional?

If a school or program has a test-optional admissions process, each applicant gets to choose whether or not to submit their ACT or SAT scores. In other words, submitting your test scores is not a requirement for admissions.

Can submitting SAT scores hurt?

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.

How many 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.

Will colleges remain test-optional 2024?

More than 1,900 U.S. colleges and universities are not requiring SAT or ACT scores for admissions for fall 2024, continuing the proliferation of test-optional and test-free practices.

How many colleges have gone test-optional?

According to FairTest's website, there are 1,843 colleges in the US that offer test-optional or test-free policies. We present the top 100 colleges that are test-optional/free for this admission cycle.

Will colleges be test-optional in 2025?

While most colleges haven't announced their testing policy for the Class of 2025 and beyond, it appears that many that adopted test-optional policies during the pandemic continue to be test-optional.

Why is test optional bad?

If your high school GPA is on the lower side and you elect not to submit test scores, you may lower your chances of an acceptance letter from the admissions office. Con: By not submitting test scores, your GPA is the primary academic indicator.

Is 1200 a good 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).

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.

Is the SAT declining?

According to Collegeboard.org, SAT scores dropped from 1050 in 2022 to 1028 in 2023.

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.

Did Harvard stop requiring SAT?

Harvard on Thursday said it won't require applicants submit SAT or ACT scores through 2026, as the Ivy League institution joins other colleges that are either temporarily or permanently becoming "test optional" for would-be students.

Is 1150 a good SAT score?

The average national SAT score is between 1050 and 1100 every year (on purpose), putting an 1150 at an above-average 67th percentile — that's a score to be proud of! It means that you scored higher than 67% of all other test takers.