Going Test-Optional is a Per College Decision and Not an Overall Strategy

SAT and ACT will hold a place in college admissions because they correlate to some extent with college grade point averages, providing a value to predict which students will perform well once they matriculate.

The perpetual debate among higher education professionals on either side of the issue always question accessibility and who the score favors? Is it an accurate measure of college success? The pandemic thrust the test optional admission process into an experimental phase because of accessibility that will continue through the 2022 admission cycle.  Interestingly, data has shown from the 2020-2021 admission cycle, more than fifty percent of applicants submitted test scores. What does that mean?

With colleges in flux, submitting test scores is a decision students make at the time of application. However, your college readiness process should include SAT or ACT test scores, so that you have all the pieces your application will need to allow you to make informed decisions. For instance, if after a first round of prep/test date, you feel that your scores are not an accurate measure for you then your list of schools will be test blind or test optional schools. Your list of colleges may change but your application will place more emphasis on your writing and speaking of experiences that convey your dreams, passions, and intellectual curiosity which is required for every applicant. Students who are accepted with or without test scores have the “holistic” theme that competitive and selective schools are targeting.

All and all, students need to invest in self-discovery to uncover truths and put their academics to the test…SAT and ACT provide that first step in awareness and decision making.