Should I Apply Test Optional?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Generally speaking,

test-optional

means that students can decide whether or not to submit their SAT or ACT scores as part of their applications. If they choose not to, then testing won't factor into their decisions. … And, while not the primary motivation, going test-optional also attracted positive publicity.

Is test Optional really optional?


False

. A school that is test optional will absolutely still consider a student's standardized test scores, and those scores can be valuable tools for admissions officers. … We would encourage any student who has achieved a score in or above the average range of admitted students to submit scores.

Are you applying for test optional admissions?

A test-optional policy does not mean that ACT and SAT scores are not factored in as part of the admissions decision,

only that they are not a prerequisite for submitting an application

. In other words: test-optional does not mean test-blind. Test-blind schools do not accept or consider standardized test scores at all.

Is it better to apply without SAT?

Applying without submitting your scores may give you the mental freedom of your score not being factored into the decision. However, without standardized test measures to show your potential to succeed in college, you will have

to balance

your application with impressive credentials.

Is it bad to apply test optional?

Generally speaking,

test-optional

means that students can decide whether or not to submit their SAT or ACT scores as part of their applications. If they choose not to, then testing won't factor into their admissions decisions. … And, while not the primary motivation, going test-optional also attracted positive publicity.

Are colleges test optional for 2022?

As admissions offices have rolled out their plans for next year, the majority of colleges and universities that were test optional for the class of 2021 have announced that

they will remain so for the class of 2022

.

What is a good ACT score?

You'll need to aim for

around 20

on each ACT section if you're hoping to hit the median. An ACT composite score above 20 can be considered a good score, as it means you did better than the majority of test takers. The higher your ACT score, the higher your percentile ranking will be.

What is the difference between test optional and test blind?

What does “test blind” mean? Some students assume that when colleges and universities go test optional, SAT/ACT scores are entirely removed from the equation. However, that's actually only the case at schools that are test blind:

they don't factor test scores into admissions decisions even if students

submit scores.

Are most colleges test optional?


72% of colleges and universities adopted

test-optional policies last year, and now, according to Fair Test, 65% of four-year colleges and universities in the US are test-optional for the 2021-22 application cycle.

Are SAT really optional?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic,

more colleges have decided to make the SAT test-optional

. This means that colleges will no longer require students to submit their SAT scores as a part of their college admissions process.

Should I not submit my test scores?

Applying test-optional could also impact potential scholarship money. Many colleges use test scores to award merit-based scholarships, so not submitting them might put you at a disadvantage.

Always check with each college website for specific information

.

How many colleges are test-optional?


More Than 700 Colleges

Test “Optional” | FairTest.

Is Harvard test-optional?

“Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, Harvard College is extending our standardized testing policy through the 2021-2022 application cycle,” the announcement reads. “We

will allow students to apply for admission without requiring ACT or SAT test results

.”

Is the SAT or ACT easier?

Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other.

Neither the SAT or ACT is harder than the other

. Different students tend to do better on one test over the other.

Can I get into college without taking the SAT or ACT?

If a college utilizes a “test-optional” admissions process, as many schools have opted to do for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle, that means that

students do not have to submit an ACT or SAT score

in order for their application to be reviewed and receive an admissions decision.

Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.