At first, there were a few test optional colleges. Then, the pandemic hit, and test optional admissions became more common. Now, some colleges are reversing those policies with the possibility of more changes ahead. Looking back over the last several years, it’s evident that test policies at colleges and universities throughout the country have been in flux. For students looking ahead, however, these ever evolving policies can make planning their testing and their applications more challenging. To make better sense of what has occurred and to make better plans for what’s ahead, let’s reflect on the cause and impact of test optional policies before figuring out how to navigate testing in the months ahead.
Test Optional Defined and Debated
Background
Suspecting that standardized tests, like the SAT and ACT®, were flawed and put certain students at a disadvantage, colleges initially became interested in altering test score policies as a way of leveling the playing field. The hope was that dropping or changing testing requirements would promote greater access and diversity. The result was a steep increase in submitted applications and thus competition among applicants. Moreover, without test scores, other aspects of the application, such as a student’s activities and essays, began to hold more weight.
Although colleges can have a range of policies related to test scores—some are test blind, some are test flexible, and some are test optional—by far the most popular policy has been test optional (learn more about each of these policies here). To be test optional, a college won’t require an SAT or ACT® score; they leave the choice up to you whether to submit your scores for their consideration. About a thousand colleges were test optional prior to the pandemic, and the rate of colleges adopting such policies accelerated since then. The trend has begun to reverse recently, however, with first Dartmouth and then other selective colleges, like Harvard, MIT, and most recently, Stanford, returning to requiring test scores for the Class of 2025.
Controversy
Since several years have passed, colleges and academic studies have had a chance to assess if test optional policies have been beneficial. The results have been mixed, and the recent reversals by many Ivies has reignited the debate about the merits and future of test optional policies. Those against test optional policies argue that standardized tests are better than grades—many of which can be inflated or impacted by individual high schools’ policies—at measuring and predicting a student’s academic skill, and that one’s socioeconomic background can affect essays and extracurriculars too. Those in favor of test optional policies maintain that standardized tests are flawed measures and are unfair to those who lack the time and resources to prepare.
Making Sense and Making Plans
Without a consensus on the appropriate testing policy, it’s up to students to educate themselves about the testing policies of prospective colleges and to plan their test preparation accordingly. To begin, determine your potential score, your college(s) policies, and other key requirements.
- What is my potential test score? For a good estimate of your score potential, you should first take a diagnostic practice test SAT, as well as a practice ACT®. A+ offers free proctored exams, score reports, and consultations! Add somewhere between 80 and 200 points to get an idea of the range of potential scores you could achieve by doing some form of test prep.
- What colleges are test optional? You can learn what a college’s policy is in a few different ways. The most direct way is to visit the college’s website and locate information about test score requirements. Note both whether a college requires scores, is test optional, test blind, or test flexible, and what the average score was of recently accepted applicants so you’ll know if the college needs a score and what score you need to earn. You can also use the FairTest database’s regularly updated list of colleges and their policies, but you should still verify this information with the college directly.
- Are scores required for anything else? Even if a college is test optional, it’s possible the academic program (major) you’re applying for isn’t, especially if it’s a more competitive major (e.g. computer science). Likewise, you may need scores if you plan to play a sport or want to earn merit-based financial aid. Many merit aid scholarships are in part based on test scores.
Ultimately, a college’s test optional policy isn’t what decides whether you prepare for and take tests. You do. If your scores are average or higher than a typical applicant’s, it’s likely worth it. If you have a great GPA, recommendations, activities, and essay, then you may not need scores to stand out. It’s an important decision, so it’s always a good idea to talk to your counselor or college admissions coach about whether to test.
How A+ Can Help
Due to the recent reversal of test optional policies at some selective universities, and the likelihood others will follow their lead, it’s a good time to refamiliarize yourself with these testing policies and prepare yourself for what’s ahead. Fortunately, A+ Test Prep and Tutoring is here to help. Take one of our free proctored exams to get a sense of what, and if standardized tests are right for you, then consider one of our test prep programs to help improve your score. A strong essay will help your application regardless of whether you submit a score, but it’s especially important if you aren’t submitting them. So, also consider our College Essay services. Finally, if you would like guidance and support throughout the admissions process, work with one of our College Admissions Coaches. Whatever your needs, A+ has got you covered.
At A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, our practices are based on the latest developments in educational theory and research. We have an excellent team of tutors who can help you with standardized testing, executive functioning, or achievement in any other school subject. If you want to find out more about our services, contact us here.
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