How will test optional affect admissions?

A school that is test optional will absolutely still consider a student’s standardized test scores, and those scores can be valuable tools for admissions officers.

What information do universities use to decide who to admit?

Standards are usually based on test scores, GPA, enrollment quotas, and other predetermined criteria. Student applications that move forward then go to committee, where college admissions counselors read applications and determine who gets accepted or rejected.

Is it better to go test optional?

During COVID-19, the policies have greatly expanded and colleges did indeed take great numbers of test-optional applicants in the 2020-21 cycle. Research also suggests that test-optional admits ultimately perform every bit as well in their college careers as their test-armed peers.

Does test optional hurt your chances?

If the college does not require the test, then generally NO, it will not hurt your application. But know that without test scores other parts of your application will become more important. This includes your GPA, your college essay, awards and achievements, references, and any extracurricular activities you include.

Are schools truly test optional?

The University of California will no longer use standardized test scores to evaluate undergraduate applicants. With the suit pending, in May 2020 the California system’s governing board voted to phase out the tests. It would adopt a test-optional policy for two years and then stop using the tests altogether.

What does test optional mean for colleges and universities?

Colleges that are test optional don’t require you to submit SAT or ACT scores but will consider them if submitted. In this guide, we’ll explain what “test optional” means for different schools before providing you with a comprehensive list of test-optional colleges and universities in the US.

What percentage of Boston College students apply test optional?

At Boston College, 39\% of accepted students submitted scores; at UVA 42\% of applicants applied test-optional, but only 28\% of those accepted did not include standardized test results in their application. At Brown University, 42\% of those accepted applied as test-optional applicants.

What GPA do you need to get into test optional colleges?

Specific requirements vary, but you’ll typically need at least a ranking in the top 10\% or a 3.5 unweighted GPA. Well-known schools offering a class rank/GPA substitution policy include UT Austin, Texas A&M, and Washington State University. The final type of test-optional college is a test-blind college.

Where can I find the most up-to-date admission requirements?

Due to many colleges updating admissions requirements as a result of the pandemic, please visit the college’s website for the most up-to-date requirements. Explore the list of test optional schools to find a college that’s right for you.