If all these colleges are test optional, why are tests still important?
You've probably been reading post after post of big name colleges and universities continuing to be test optional for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. At last count 1,540 schools have declared they are test optional, if you want to check a school's status, Fair Test has a complete list. Some notable schools however require tests, the University of Florida and University of Georgia being two of them. Conversely, the University of California has declared that they are test blind and not accepting test scores.
Certainly as a result of Covid-19 colleges recognize that tests may not be indicative of student success in college and that it really is difficult for some students to take the test, and for others to retake tests to improve their scores.
But, if you have the ability to take the test, and do well, should you take them anyway?
YES!!!
There are several compelling reasons:
Improved Acceptance Rates - If you score at or above the 50th percentile they will benefit your chances of acceptance.
Merit Aid - Many schools who offer merit aid may continue to use test scores to determine the amount of aid. If aid is a component of your financial requirements for college make sure you contact financial aid offices to see how test scores will play into their aid packages before making your decision to test or not to test.
Distinguish yourself - Despite schools committing to holistic reads of your application, reviewing all your activities and qualifications, a strong test score will stand out, and could put your application in the accept pile if there's a question.
Continue to prove yourself - If your school switched to pass/fail for junior year, test scores could help show that you will excel in college where simple Pass (we hope) grades may not.
Honors college - If you are applying to a school with an Honors College, acceptances to these special programs are often based partially on test scores. Again, check with colleges before deciding to test, or not to test.
Certain majors and programs may still require them - If you're interested in STEM majors, engineering or business programs, some schools may still require test scores.
If you decide not to submit test scores, my advice is to make the other aspects of your application outstanding. Create amazing work for your visual arts portfolio, film submissions or auditions, fully explain your extra curricular activities, research supplemental prompts and write convincing essays on why you'll be an exceptional candidate for each school, write an authentic application essay that shows the admissions committee who you are and why they should want you on their campus. You can make your application shine without test scores, but you might have to work a bit harder at it.
Need help deciding if taking the test, or reporting your scores, will help or hurt your application? Be in touch, here's my calendar, schedule an appointment to talk today.