Will going test optional hurt you?

Alyse Levine of Premium Prep College Counseling adds that it makes sense to take the SAT or the ACT even if you're planning to apply to a test-optional school since "it cannot hurt you." After all, you can always withhold scores that come in lower than you wished, or you can use a high score you receive to bolster your ...

Does test optional put you at a disadvantage?

Applying test-optional doesn't hurt your chances if you've got an outstanding application and are as strong or stronger than the other applicants.

Does going test optional hurt my 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 test optional worth it?

The more holistic admissions process resulting from test-optional policies is beneficial if you're particularly strong in a specific area but noticeably weak in other areas. More holistic admissions allow you to better emphasize your unique talent and skills—bolstering your odds of college admission.

Should I submit my scores if a school is test 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.

Test Optional: Who Does it Hurt?

What happens if you go 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. Usually, this policy applies broadly to all applicants.

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.

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.

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).

What is the truth about test optional?

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.

Do test optional students get in?

Many colleges with test-optional policies still encourage students to submit their scores, but they don't require all students to do so for admission. Students can and should make the decision that will best help their admission chances.

Should I take the SAT if it's optional?

Should I still take the SAT if it's not required? Even if you're planning to apply only to colleges that don't require the SAT, you should still consider writing the test. Writing the SAT can make you eligible for merit scholarships, financial aid, or even increase your chances of admission if you have a low GPA.

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.

Is 1300 a bad SAT score?

A 1300 SAT score puts you at the 87th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 87% of all other test takers.

Did Harvard go test optional?

In December 2021, the College announced that all applicants through the Class of 2030 may submit applications to Harvard without standardized test scores should they choose to do so.

Why are SATS no longer required?

Why don't universities require ACT or SAT standardized tests for college admissions anymore? The ACT and SAT are seen by some as being unfair, racist and not a true determiner of a student's academic capability. These are just some of the reasons that standardized tests have been made optional.

Is submitting a low test score better than submitting none?

As you can see, you should only withhold test scores if you are below the college's 25th percentile. And, even then, it can actually be borderline whether or not to submit. For example, Yale's middle 50% score range is from 1460 to 1580. If a student has a 1400-1450, though, then I would still submit it.

Is 950 a low SAT score?

The scoring scale runs from 400 to 1600, with the average test taker receiving a composite result between 1050 and 1100. A 950 falls in the 31st percentile, short of what most colleges and universities would like to see on applications for admission.

Is 900 a low SAT score?

An SAT score of 900 is the lower rank. It places you in the lowermost 22nd percentile nationally out of the 1.7 million candidates who take the SAT admission test.

Is 650 a bad SAT score?

A good SAT score will not only open doors to college acceptance, but also to merit aid at a vast majority of colleges and universities. A good score is in the range of 1300 to 1500 (Math: 650 to 750, Reading/Writing: 650 to 750).

Is there a downside to taking the SAT?

Cons of the SAT and ACT:

Test Anxiety: For some students, the pressure of the SAT and ACT can be overwhelming and may not accurately reflect their true abilities. Test Optional: More colleges are adopting test-optional policies, which allow students to apply without submitting test scores.

Did Harvard make SAT optional?

Harvard first lifted its testing requirement in June 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, allowing the Class of 2025 to apply without submitting scores. Harvard then removed the requirement for the Class of 2026 in January, citing continued difficulties presented by the pandemic.

Do colleges prefer ACT or 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. Both tests are widely accepted across U.S. colleges—including those that are test optional.

Are top schools really test optional?

Yes, it is possible for international students to get into top universities without submitting standardized test scores. In recent years, a growing number of universities have adopted test-optional policies, meaning that they do not require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores.