Why are colleges really going 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.

Why are colleges becoming test-optional?

By eliminating the pressure to produce perfect SAT or ACT scores, test-optional colleges are allowing greater opportunity for students to focus on academic performance and, to take it a step further, pursuing courses and activities that match their interests.

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 “ ...

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.

What are the cons of test-optional colleges?

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

When did test-optional become a thing?

The test-optional movement began at Bowdoin College in Maine in 1970 and spread through academia, gaining traction in the 2000s amid concerns about equity.

Why is Harvard removing SAT?

Harvard officials cited concerns about the pandemic's continuing threat to testing access as a reason for the extension. Harvard left open the possibility that a testing requirement could resume for fall 2027, but the chances of that happening could diminish with each passing year.

Is the SAT becoming obsolete?

Is the SAT Still Important in 2023? Yes, the SAT is still important; many schools still consider SAT to be a reliable measurement in evaluating the academic aptitude of applicants. Although many schools are test-optional, admissions officers will review your SAT scores if you decide to submit them.

Is the SAT declining?

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

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 colleges be test-optional?

Recently, more schools have adopted test-optional or test-blind admissions policies. In fact, more than 1,900 schools will not require applicants to submit scores for fall 2024 admission, according to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, a nonprofit advocacy group commonly known as FairTest.

Is SAT still required for 2024?

ACT/SAT-Optional, Test-Free Admissions Movement Expands Again: Record 1,900+ Schools Do Not Require Scores For Fall 2024 Entrance. school graduates seeking to enroll in Fall 2024. are expected to remain test optional. choose to apply without submitting scores.”

Will class of 2025 be test optional?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Are Ivy League schools really 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.

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.

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 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).