Standardized Testing for the Class of 2022 - Is It Truly Optional?
Here is the standard question, “they say test-optional, but do they mean it?” Ask two people, and you may get two different answers. I am going to attempt to create some clarity about testing policies and college admissions. However, no matter what, you need to review the policy for each of the schools on your list. In some instances, state legislatures will mandate that submitting scores is a requirement, and public institutions in that state will have to follow suit. A great resource is FairTest, the National Center for Fair and Open Testing. They do a great job of aggregating school policies, but you still need to check on your own for confirmation.
Test policies are clear, but the truth about institutional priorities is the part of the admissions process we will never know about with clarity. So, what that means is, as with all parts of the application, you, the applicant, get to decide what to do. As with your transcript, essays, letters of recommendation, activities, and art supplements, you will submit the data that adds important context to your application. In the end, colleges are looking for evidence that you are ready to be an undergrad. Sometimes, test scores help to support the idea that you are prepared for the rigor of a college education.
Here are my recommendations based on a litany of webinars and articles where admissions officers and college counselors try their best to give the definitive answer to the testing question. As with so many issues in college admissions, if you ask a question, most often, the answer is “it depends.”
Try to sit for an ACT or SAT once. That means you should prepare to familiarize yourself with how the questions are asked and the pacing of the exam. Some great resources exist online for preparation for the SAT and the ACT.
Send test scores individually. by sending your test scores on their own rather than opting to send them when you register for the test. This gives you the chance to review your test scores before and decide if you would like to submit them.
If your scores fall in the middle 50% of a school’s admitted student profile, you’ll likely want to submit scores. However, if your scores fall below the 25% range, you are better off not submitting your scores. I suggest rather than sitting for multiple tests, you should choose to devote time to other activities that are meaningful to you.
And, now for some feedback from the colleges. Kathy Phillips from Duke University feels they have attracted a more diverse class without test scores. They valued the quality of the writing and didn’t consider the scores in their admissions decisions for the Class of 2021. And, in a recent webinar, Dylan Keene from Emory emphasized that there was no bias against applicants who did not submit scores. After doing a bit more digging, the “it depends” response still holds true. At MIT, they admit that although they support their decision to remain test-optional, they did see that “considering performance on the SAT/ACT substantially improves our ability to predict subsequent student success at MIT.” That means that college admissions decisions are difficult, and without test scores, schools have to work even harder to assess preparedness. Columbia University remains test-optional and is quite clear that “applicants will not have an advantage in the admissions process by submitting ACT or SAT results.”
As with all college application considerations, it is essential to know the school’s mission and try to understand any preference they may have. Before making any final decisions regarding whether you will submit your test scores, a great place to begin is by reading the school’s mission readily available on their website. That will give you the context you need to make an informed decision. And remember, it isn’t about “What do I need to do to get in?” It matters much more “Who has what I want?”