Think Twice Before Deciding on “Test Optional”

What do the eight Ivy League schools have in common with M.I.T., Stanford, Duke, Northwestern, University of Chicago, University of Michigan, Georgetown, Carnegie Mellon, Notre Dame, Johns Hopkins, and University of Southern California? Yes, they are all extremely competitive institutions. They are also “test optional,” meaning students are not required to submit SAT (or ACT) scores with their applications.  But before students toss their SAT prep book, there are a few points that need to be considered. 

The term “test optional” does not mean that a college will not look at SAT or ACT scores.  It just means that test scores are not required.  It’s notable that some colleges reporting to be test optional actually ask students, on their application, why they are not submitting test scores.

Applicants who submit impressive SAT or ACT scores obviously stand out. Those who don’t, and hope to gain admission to an elite university, need to have stellar grades in an extremely rigorous curriculum (perhaps 10 to 15 AP courses) and a remarkable “passion project.” One of my former students, for example, developed a medical app that was featured at a White House Science Fair.  She was accepted to MIT and seven Ivy League Institutions.

The reason so many colleges went test optional for the high school graduating class of 2021 was that COVID caused the mass cancellation of SAT exams.  It was important for colleges to attract as many applicants as possible, so they could be as selective as ever when choosing who to admit or deny. Most colleges more than succeeded at meeting that goal, actually reporting a record number of applications.  

Therefore, many colleges are continuing the “test optional” policy for the high school graduating class of 2022.

Even when not required, achieving impressive SAT scores is often one of the easiest ways to attract the attention of college admission counselors.  These scores are also a key criterion for most merit-based scholarships, as well as a resource for testing out of college placement exams.

All colleges will look at test scores, if submitted, with the exception of a limited number of schools that are “test blind,” most notably the University of California. 

Susan Alaimo is the founder and director of Collegebound Review that, for the past 25 years, has offered PSAT/SAT® preparation and private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362