The Test Optional Conundrum
In recent years, the landscape of college admissions has undergone a significant transformation. The traditional emphasis on standardized test scores as a criterion for evaluating applicants has been challenged by the rise of test optional admissions and test-free policies.
While these policies aim to provide greater equity and access to higher education, the nuances surrounding test optional, test free, and tests required designations have created confusion among prospective students. Here at College Flight Path, we know it is crucial to provide information to our students in hopes of navigating the complexities of this process in order to help everyone make informed decisions about next steps.
Understanding Test Optional:
Test optional schools have garnered significant attention in recent years. These institutions allow applicants to decide whether they want to submit their standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT scores) as part of their application.
However, it is important to recognize that test optional does not mean test blind. Many colleges still consider including test scores as an additional factor in their evaluation process and encourage students with strong scores to submit them. In such cases, submitting test scores may positively impact an applicant's chances of admission.
For example, if students' scores are in the middle 50th percentile or higher for a particular college or university, then it is wise to consider applying with their test scores. However, if a student is below this threshold, then we need to determine if it is better to withhold testing altogether.
The Rise Of Test Free:
While test optional has gained popularity, a smaller subset of institutions have adopted a test-free approach. These colleges and universities genuinely do not consider standardized test scores in their admissions process. Their intention is to remove any perceived barriers that testing might pose, acknowledging the limitations and biases associated with standardized exams.
In the absence of test scores, test-free colleges place greater emphasis on other aspects of an applicant's profile, such as GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. For example, the entire UC and Cal State systems are test free.
The Preference For Testing Under Test Optional:
Despite being labeled as test optional, some colleges do exhibit a preference for testing. Admissions officers at these institutions may subtly indicate that submitting test scores can benefit an applicant. This preference stems from the belief that standardized tests provide a standardized metric to evaluate applicants from diverse educational backgrounds.
Additionally, strong test scores can serve as a differentiating factor, especially in highly competitive applicant pools. Therefore, in the case of particular test optional colleges, it is prudent for students with strong scores to submit them. This is where having a conversation with College Flight Path is vital, we can help you navigate this cohort of schools especially this list shifts in each application cycle.
Test Optional As A Genuine Alternative:
On the other hand, there are colleges and universities that fully embrace the principle of test optional. These institutions genuinely believe that a student's potential for success in higher education cannot be solely determined by test scores. They recognize that a student's achievements, character, personal qualities, class rank, and commitment to their interests and community may be better reflected in other parts of their application.
Consequently, these schools place greater emphasis on essays, extracurricular activities, interviews, and holistic evaluation methods. Wake Forest University (since 2008), University of Chicago (since 2018), Dickinson College (since 1994), and Bowdoin College (since 1969) have all embraced test optional policies and they have found that through holistic review they can build incredible incoming classes.
Understanding the nuances of test optional, test free, and tests required designations is crucial when assisting students with their college applications. While test optional colleges may prefer testing, others genuinely do not require standardized test scores as part of their admissions process.
College Flight Path recommends that all students take one standardized test at some point in their high school career so they have an insurance policy for when they build their list. With that said, if testing is not right for the student, accommodations have been denied or anxiety may impact a student’s process then it is clear that the student should not to test.
Ultimately, assessing students' academic and extracurricular history will help us choose a path that best fosters individual success and whether or not testing will support a student’s application.
