What Does Test-Optional Mean?

act college admission college planning sat Jul 01, 2024

3 Key Takeaways

Many colleges have moved to test-optional policies, especially since COVID-19, but some schools have had these policies for years.
Whether to submit test scores should depend on how they compare to the 50th percentile range of admitted students at each college.
A personalized, school-by-school strategy is essential for optimizing college applications, taking into account the specific policies and a student's strengths.

When it comes to college admissions, one of the most common questions I hear from parents and students alike is about test-optional policies. Should students submit their scores? Do colleges view applicants differently based on whether they submit scores or not? Today, we’re diving into what test-optional really means and how it affects your college application strategy.

What Does Test-Optional Mean?

The term “test-optional” can be confusing. Essentially, it means that a college does not require students to submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) as part of their application. This shift gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic when many test centers were closed, but it’s worth noting that some colleges were already test-optional or even test-blind before then. For example, Smith College has long evaluated applicants based on criteria that do not include test scores.

Historical Context and Policy Differences

Even before the pandemic, several schools adopted test-optional or test-flexible policies. Schools like New York University have allowed students to submit a variety of scores, including AP scores, in place of the SAT or ACT. These institutions are adept at assessing the holistic picture of an applicant, considering essays, letters of recommendation, and other achievements instead of just test scores.

Should You Submit Your Test Scores?

One of the critical strategies we employ at Anja Education Consultants is to analyze the mid-range (50th percentile) SAT scores of a college’s previous freshman class. If your score is at or above the upper end of that range, it’s usually beneficial to submit it. Conversely, if your score is at the lower end or below, it might be best to withhold it. This tailored approach helps our students optimize their applications for each specific school.

Test-Blind Colleges

It’s also important to understand the difference between test-optional and test-blind colleges. Test-blind schools do not consider test scores at all, even if you submit them. The University of California system, including UCLA and UC Berkeley, has adopted a test-blind policy. For these institutions, sending your scores will not impact your admission chances as they won’t be reviewed.

Evaluating Holistic Applications

Many colleges are proficient in evaluating the various aspects of a student’s application beyond standardized tests. High achieving students who may not perform well on multiple-choice tests still have ample opportunities to shine through their grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations.

Preparing for Standardized Tests

Despite the growing trend towards test-optional admissions, I still recommend that students prepare for standardized tests. The admissions process is like a puzzle where each piece, including test scores, can potentially enhance your application. At Anja Education Consultants, we start by giving our students a diagnostic test to determine whether they would score higher on the SAT or ACT. Based on the results, we then tailor their test preparation.

Our Personalized Approach

Every student is unique, and so should be their college application strategy. At Anja Education Consultants, we meticulously evaluate each school’s policies and a student's strengths. We avoid a one-size-fits-all approach because what works for one student may not work for another. This careful, individualized strategy is a cornerstone of our approach and a significant factor in our clients’ success.

Test-Optional Does Not Mean Test-Oblivious

While the trend is moving towards test-optional, this does not imply that standardized tests are obsolete. In a competitive admissions landscape, strong test scores can still be a valuable asset. However, the focus has rightly shifted towards a more holistic evaluation of a student's capabilities and achievements.

Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions

Understanding the nuances of test-optional admissions is essential for making informed decisions about your college applications. Each college’s approach can vary significantly, and what may be advantageous for one student could be different for another. At Anja Education Consultants, our goal is to guide you through these complexities, ensuring that your application highlights your strengths and aligns with the specific requirements of your target schools.

Navigating the college admissions process can be challenging, but with the right strategy and support, you can achieve your educational goals. Remember, it’s not just about whether to submit your test scores, but how to present the best possible version of yourself to the admissions committees. Let’s work together to unlock your potential and secure your place at one of your top-choice schools.

By integrating these insights and strategies into your college application process, you can confidently navigate the test-optional admissions landscape. At Anja Education Consultants, we are committed to helping you achieve success and reach your academic aspirations.

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Video Transcription

(Anjali Maazel): "A lot of parents and students ask me about what test optional means. Should students submit their scores? Are colleges looking at scores and applicants who submit scores in a different way? So the first thing you should know is that even before COVID, when many schools became what's called test optional because test centers were not open or able to offer students enough sittings of the test. Even before that, some colleges were already test optional or even test blind. Schools like Smith College who have had a history of evaluating applicants based on other criteria that don't involve test scores. Now these schools historically test optional or test flexible like New York University that have been open to having students submit a variety of different scores including AP scores instead of the SAT or the ACT. These schools are very familiar with how to look at the different aspects of a student's application, essays, letters of recommendation, and other aspects that will help them decide which students to admit into their freshman class that year. So I would distinguish between the schools that have just recently become test optional and the ones that have a history of this. In terms of what it means for a student, I always recommend that you look at the 50th percentile, that's the mid-range of the SAT scores that the college's previous freshman class has had. So if a previous freshman class mid-range or the 50th percentile of the scores falls between two numbers and your student is toward the top of that or beyond the top of that, then it's a good idea to send the scores. If a student's scores are at the bottom or below that 50th percentile for each school, of course, we're talking about a different 50th percentile, then for that school, it's not usually wise to submit the test scores. Now, there are colleges who historically have been test blind. That means that even if a student sends the scores, they won't be looking at them. And now, some schools have been added to that. So for example, the University of California system, UCLA, UC Berkeley, et cetera, these schools are no longer using the SAT or the ACT as part of their evaluation process. So even if you send the score into a school like that, that is test blind, they won't even look at it. So the whole process really, it needs to be done carefully, school by school. That's how I work when I work with my students. We don't just kind of blanket either send the scores to all schools or not send the scores to all schools. It's school by school, depending on that 50th percentile. And then, you know, there are some students, the reason that colleges have historically, some have been historically test optional, is that there are some students that simply do not test well. They are high achieving students, they may have very good GPAs and strong in all other areas, but multiple choice standardized tests are not their strong point and colleges recognize that. The trend is toward becoming test optional. However, until we are in an admissions landscape where, you know, most colleges are either test blind or permanently test optional, I still recommend that students prep for these tests. And the reason is that the list of criteria for admission is like a puzzle, right? And we want to optimize every single small part of that puzzle. So the way that I start with students is I give them a diagnostic to see whether they would score higher on the SAT or the ACT. And then based on the results of that, I have them either prep for the ACT or the SAT. There's no reason to take both."

Anjali Maazel

Founder and CEO of Anja Education Consultants

At Anja Education Consultants, we pride ourselves on the exceptional expertise of our Founder and CEO, Anjali Maazel. With over 15 years of experience as an alumna interviewer for Princeton University, our team, led by Anjali, brings a wealth of knowledge in college admissions. Our interdisciplinary approach, which melds arts, international education, and public relations, allows us to provide unparalleled guidance in college planning. The cornerstone of our success is the proprietary Talent Development 3D Process™, a unique strategy that has achieved a remarkable 100% success rate in securing admissions for our clients to at least one of their top three preferred schools. As a respected Ted Talk speaker and a sought-after authority in college admissions, we are frequently invited by high schools across the globe to share our insights and strategies, empowering students to reach their full potential in the competitive world of college admissions.

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What Does Test-Optional Mean?

3 Key Takeaways

What Does Test-Optional Mean?

Historical Context and Policy Differences

Should You Submit Your Test Scores?

Test-Blind Colleges

Evaluating Holistic Applications

Preparing for Standardized Tests

Our Personalized Approach

Test-Optional Does Not Mean Test-Oblivious

Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions

Video Transcription

Anjali Maazel

Founder and CEO of Anja Education Consultants

Interested in a FREE strategy session?Book now.

SPEAKING REQUESTS

Interested in a FREE strategy session?
Book now.