If you are considering taking advantage of the no-test-required options offered by some schools, we should definitely talk. I have described some of the issues below, but as you can see, it's not as simple as it might seem. Contact me and we can discuss your options.
For as many years as I can recall, I have worked with students whose grade point averages superseded their test scores. This evident gap careened their self-esteem and made them far less competitive in the eyes of college review committees. The frustration of four diligent years of effort during high school paired with a four and a half-hour achievement test left many feeling thwarted by an unjust academic system. Additionally, the roots run deep when considering the accessibility to test prep which some families have found more affordable than others. This inequity only added to accentuate the problem. Ultimately, it has taken a global pandemic to level the playing field. However, what many may perceive as a “free ride” is, nevertheless, a conundrum. The “test-optional” terminology is not a one size fits all solution. Many applicants are unaware that the term is merely an umbrella for a category with several caveats, namely, additional designations including “test-blind” and “test-flexibility.” Consequently, students and parents need to be astute in deciphering the differences and determining how each affects their opportunities for acceptance.
“Test-optional” policies do not require students to submit scores, however, will review scores as an integral part of a profile if a student wishes to submit them. Therefore, for students possessing strong scores, they can be advantageous. For students choosing not to submit, it is a nullifier which eliminates one more category of potential consideration while simultaneously permitting them to apply. For these students, their strengths in other categories of consideration will be paramount. “Test-blind” policies level the playing field by eliminating the review of any test score consideration across the board. “Test-flexible” policies have had proponents, such as NYU, for a number of years. This policy permits a student options in selecting the test score the student wishes to submit as evidence of the highest level of demonstrated performance. Therefore, a student can provide SAT, ACT, Advanced Placement, Subject Test Scores, or evidence of International Baccalaureate accomplishment to substantiate college readiness.
Moreover, beyond these three designations lie additional caveats. For example, perusing the 1250 plus test-optional schools located at www.fairtest.org, one notices the key at the bottom of the page that alludes to exceptions at some schools such as test scores still being required for out-of-state applicants, or required for specified programs only, or if the minimum GPA and/or class rank are not met. Further, there are institutions that may require a placement test or school-specific test if SAT or ACT scores are not submitted or if a student does not meet a specific Admission/Eligibility Index calculated by a given school.
Furthermore, there are some schools that allow test-optional policies to apply to admission but require test scores for scholarship consideration which muddies the waters for candidates seeking both opportunities. Last, and most recently, is the fact that some schools are implementing test-optional policies on a temporary basis until the pandemic subsides, others on a trial period of one to two years with a re-evaluation to follow, and others that have been and will remain test-optional regardless, leaving the future of test-optional schools an open book. The advice is to carefully read the requirements of all schools before assuming that the elimination of test scores at one school is synonymous with the requirements at another. The bottom line is to do your research and read the fine print rather than rely on assumptions because currently the term “test-optional” is not a universal construct, rather, it possesses a myriad of interpretations, school by school.
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