The flood of colleges switching to test optional and “test flexible” admissions began as a trickle in 1969 when Bowdoin became the first college in the U.S. to make the submission of standardized test scores optional. Now, almost fifty years later, over 1000 colleges and universities have followed Bowdoin down the test-optional path. Understanding the test-optional implications on both the student and institutional sides of the equation will enable you to make the correct decision on whether or not to submit your scores.
Why are some schools test flexible, while others are test optional?
There are two main camps in the test-optional world. At institutions like Wake Forest, American University and George Washington University, reporting your test scores is completely optional. At colleges like Middlebury, Hamilton and the University of Rochester they utilize a flexible approach that permits students to choose from AP, SAT Subject Test, and International Baccalaureate (IB) scores in place of SAT or ACT scores. This enables students to put their best foot forward.
Why do colleges switch to test optional or flexible admissions?
The benefits of a test-optional process for the applicant is usually straightforward. A student with a strong record of achievement in the classroom, but test scores that don’t reflect the same level of academic proficiency, can feel confident that their application will be reviewed holistically.
At the same time, there are many less obvious benefits for colleges and universities that choose to switch to a test-optional admissions process. In addition to improving their ability to increase acceptance of low-income, first-generation, and under-represented minority populations, total applications increased by an average of 29% at private institutions and 11% at public institutions. Most college admissions officers will loudly proclaim their disdain for national college rankings, but many of their admissions policies are based on improving their standings on these lists.
If I took the SAT or ACT, shouldn’t I submit my results?
The best advice for students is to meet and discuss reporting options with their counselor. Checking each school’s requirements for merit scholarships is important. Frequently, test-optional schools will still require test scores to qualify for merit scholarships, and test scores may still be necessary for athletes at Division 1 and Division 2 levels.
While many students still carry a sense of apprehension into their respective test centers on test day, the admissions landscape has never been more accommodating to students. Make sure to read each college’s website carefully for the exact details on its policy. The results can help you make an educated decision.
