As of 2024, about 80% of the nation’s colleges and universities are now test optional schools. This shift in expectations has caused some confusion and uncertainty for prospective students and their families.
Now, besides worrying about ACT or SAT testing itself, families must worry about making other big decisions: to test or not to test, and whether to report scores or withhold them from the application.
Applying To Test Optional Schools: The Flying Colors Point Of View
Even when applying to test optional schools, we maintain that test scores are best used as one piece of a college application portfolio. Test scores add further support for a student’s GPA and other qualifications. But, unlike a GPA, test scores can be improved in a relatively short period of time.
When there is a discrepancy between a student’s GPA and test scores, good test prep can help a student close that gap and improve scores to better reflect their academic abilities.
Strategies For The Test-Optional Environment
If your student will be applying to some test-optional schools, here are a few things you should know:
- Test Optional Does NOT Mean Test Blind.
- Test-optional schools let students decide whether they want to submit test scores with their application. When scores are submitted, they will be included in the application assessment process.
- Test blind colleges will not consider test scores, even if submitted.
- Click here to access a list of test-optional colleges.
- Absolutely Send Your Scores If They Strengthen Your Application.
- In general, if your ACT or SAT scores are in the bottom 25% for a college, your application will NOT get a boost by sending them.
- If, however, your scores are in the school’s top 25%, by all means, send them as they’ll be a positive factor in your application.
- Knowing your chosen schools’ typical test score ranges will help you with your decision.
- Many Merit Scholarships Are Still Tied To Performance On The ACT And SAT Tests.
- Many colleges and universities tie the provision of merit scholarships to a student’s ACT or SAT score. Here are some examples:
- At Texas Christian University, for example, a 30 on the ACT will yield a $16,000 per year scholarship; a 34 will deliver a full four-year scholarship.
- A 33 on the ACT or a 1450 on the SAT will produce a $10,000 per year scholarship at the University of Missouri.
- For students targeting Iowa State, a 3.3 GPA and a 24+ on the ACT will net you $9,000 per year.
- As you can see, even with scores in the mid- to upper-20s, students can reap some very attractive financial rewards.
- Many colleges and universities tie the provision of merit scholarships to a student’s ACT or SAT score. Here are some examples:
Conclusion: Exam Scores Still Help, Even With Test Optional Schools
Despite what may feel like uncertain territory with the new test-optional admissions model, good grades supported by good test scores remain among the best ways to achieve success in the college application process – whether or not you’re applying to test optional schools.
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