Why are colleges staying test optional?

One of the biggest benefits of a college adopting a test-optional admissions policy is the same benefit that these policies were adopted in the first place: they allow students who cannot or do not feel safe taking a standardized test in a public space to still have a complete college application and be considered for ...

Why are colleges really 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.

Will most colleges stay test-optional?

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.

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 “ ...

Will colleges be test-optional for 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.

Where Early Decision (or Restrictive Early Action) Matters in College Admissions

Is SAT still required for 2024?

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.

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.

Does test optional hurt your chances?

Does applying test-optional hurt your chances? Test-optional colleges do not penalize applicants who choose not to submit test scores. If you forgo standardized tests, we recommend enhancing your application with other information that showcases your strengths and achievements.

Is the SAT declining?

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

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.

Will test-optional go away?

Since then, hundreds of colleges and universities have extended their test-optional policies for the subsequent admissions cycle, and, in some cases, longer. Harvard applicants through the class of 2030 can omit test scores.

Is test-optional a disadvantage?

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.

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.

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.

Is test-optional worth it?

There are pros and cons to this. A pro is that colleges will now take a more comprehensive and in-depth look at a student's application beyond their test scores. A con is that colleges may not consider or acknowledge a student's test scores, which could be a major strength of their application.

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.

Why is MIT not test optional?

MIT says SAT/ACT is a helpful tool

He also argued that MIT's research shows that standardized testing helps to accurately predict student success at MIT, particularly in math. He noted that this could be because the university requires students to take calculus and calculus-based physics.

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.

What GPA is required for Harvard?

The GPA requirements for Harvard University are between 3.9 to 4.1. You will need an incredibly high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top of their class in order to get into Harvard University.

How good is a 1200 SAT?

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).

How long will colleges stay test-optional?

Now, more than 1,900 colleges and universities in the U.S. are extending their test-optional policies through the 2023-24 application cycle, with some making the move to test-optional even longer or permanent.

Which top schools are test-blind?

List of test-blind colleges 2023. Below is a list of test-blind schools for 2023. Some of the best test-blind colleges include California Institute of Technology, Pitzer College, University of California (Berkeley), University of California (Los Angeles), and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Can I graduate without my SAT?

Yes. First of all: ACT/SAT and AP are Collegeboard tests- a private company. They have no bearing on high school graduation. Now, I'm going to assume, though, that you are seeing others take the exam and APs and are wondering about going to college or a career without doing these.

Does class of 2026 need SAT?

Many schools, like Harvard University, have committed to staying test-optional for the next few years. Some schools, like those in the University of California system, have even committed to remain test-blind for the foreseeable future, while Columbia University has implemented a permanent test-optional policy.