Test Optional- Is it Really Optional?

When test centers around the country and world were shut down in 2020, colleges had no other choice but to allow students to apply without standardized test scores. This was a major shift in the admission process and one that has changed the face of admissions. While there are many upsides to this this policy, it often leaves students confused about how they should navigate this new process. Below are a few helpful recommendations to consider as you work through the college search and application process.

1. WHICH SCHOOLS ARE TEST OPTIONAL? Fairtest.org maintains an updated list of all test policies. These policies are also on the college websites under admission requirements.

   
   

2. Question 1: WHAT IS YOUR GPA? The most important thing to consider when deciding to be test optional is what test score you need to achieve in order to match your GPA. For instance, if you have a 4.2 weighted GPA, your SAT or ACT score needs to be pretty darn high to reflect the merit of that GPA. While there is no exact science to this, I would imagine colleges expect a student who earns a 4.2 GPA to get at least a 1350 on their SAT. If you take your PSAT and an SAT and are scoring around an 1100 with a 4.2 GPA, you might consider putting your energy into other areas like your essay or extra-curriculars, rather than studying for the SAT. This is not because an 1100 isn't good; rather it is because your GPA is a stronger metric than an 1100 SAT so if given the choice, I advise students to choose test optional.

   
   

3. Question 2: What is the average SAT score at the college? After comparing your SAT/ACT scores to your GPA, your next step is to see where your score compares to the average score at the college. Remember- colleges are reporting ONLY the test scores that were sent. And students who chose to send their scores, likely have higher scores than the average of the college. Therefore the test averages of most schools are skewed to a higher scale.

   • Example: Two students- One student earned a 1040 on her SAT and the second student earned a 1500. Guess who sends their scores? The one with the 1500!

   • As for deciding to send based on the average, my advice is that the SAT has to trump your GPA AND also be at least the higher end of their average. For instance, if the average GPA of a school is 1380-1500, you would want to have at least a 1430 to send.

     
     

4. So do I still test? With all of this information, you are probably wondering if you should even take these tests. My recommendation is yes and there are a few reasons why:

   • Some schools require an test score and you will not have a firm list until after you have missed the window to test. It would be a shame to not test and then later find out that a school you really like requires test scores.

   • Some scholarships or special academic programs still require test scores. You might find out that your schools do not require test scores for admission, BUT they do for a limited enrollment program (nursing, computer science, engineering) or for a scholarship. It's better to be safe than sorry and just have the test score.

     
     

5. Fatal flaws of the process: One of the most important tasks of the college application is to DESIGNATE on each application whether you choose to be test optional or not. It is very possible that you choose test optional at one school and you choose to not be test optional at another. Each test optional school provides a space for you to make this choice. If you choose NOT to be test optional, then the college will expect you to send your test scores. If you do not, then your application is incomplete.

   
   

   The top takeaways:

   1. Students must select test optional on EACH college application.

   2. Students should weight how impactful their GPA is to their application. If it is a very strong GPA, and you haven't scored great on your PSAT, then consider applying test optional. Also, remember to compare your scores with the average of all students.

   3. There are currently over 2100 schools that are test optional. For all of those students who just don't perform great on standardized tests, this gives you a chance to showcase your talents from the classroom and other areas of your life!