What does “Test-Optional” Really Mean? Your 4 Major Questions Answered
The test-optional movement started almost 50 years ago at Bowdoin College, but in the past few years, more and more colleges have joined along.
Recently, diversity concerns may have led to more colleges deciding to go test optional. According to a news release, University of San Francisco shares, “More than 1,000 accredited four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. that are now test-optional, according to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing.”
The list of recent test-optional policies includes: Bucknell University, Creighton, DePauw, Fairleigh Dickinson and Ferris State Universities; Evergreen State College; and the Universities of Denver and of Minnesota at Crookston, University of San Francisco, Springfield College.
There are a number of reasons a college goes test-optional - from closing the achievement gap to implementing a more holistic admissions approach. Now more than ever, public and private institutions alike are opting for test-optional or test-flexible. Find out more about what this means for your college search below.
History of Standardized Tests
Standardized tests for college admissions were developed as a means to help narrow down and select high school student applicants. However, there are a number of factors that the test doesn’t take into account, which means the test isn’t ultimately telling an adequate story or providing a context for an individual’s test scores. For example, race and socioeconomic status aren’t taken into account when reporting a student’s test score.
As Colorado College shares, “studies in recent years around standardized testing have increasingly made clear the cultural, social and economic biases of test design. This also includes access to preparation materials such as study guides and prep courses. Such design and preparation strategies can have a significant impact on scores, with the results being standardized test scores tend to be higher for wealthier students and for white students.”
Addressing the achievement gap entails a more holistic approach to admissions. Recently, a survey by Inside Higher Ed found that “Seventy-five percent of admissions leaders said they were concerned by the "persistent gaps" in SAT and ACT scores by race and ethnicity.” While the SAT’s new adversity score aims to address the persistent gaps, many colleges have decided to opt for a test-optional or test-flexible option to provide more opportunities for students of color, first-generational students, students with disabilities, and more.
4 Frequently Asked Questions about “Test-Optional”
What’s the difference between Test-Optional and Test-Flexible?
Test-Optional means exactly what you probably expect: it is your choice whether to take the test, and whether to submit scores from an SAT or ACT test. As US NEWS puts it, test-optional “typically means that a university will treat standardized test scores as additive to the student's profile rather than required.
Meanwhile, Test-Flexible means that you get to choose which specific scores colleges consider. In some cases, the college requires 3 scores, and you might pick two SAT Subject Tests and your quantitative score from SAT test.
But, keep in mind, sometimes specific programs have different standards than the overall admissions department. If you’re applying for a Math major, for example, you might find that the department requires an SAT Subject test. Always make sure you double check with admissions.
Why should I consider test-optional schools?
There’s no right or wrong answer for deciding to apply to test-optional schools. Maybe you’ve got a strong GPA, but suffer from severe test anxiety, so you know your application will be stronger without it. Maybe you spent the last year juggling your volunteer responsibilities and helping your parents pay the bills with your part-time job, and your standardized test scores didn’t reflect your academic capabilities. Apply to a mix of test-optional and standard admissions colleges if that makes sense for you circumstances. Consider your situation and what works best for you.
Why would I take the SAT or ACT if I don’t have to take it?
Chances are, you’ll be interested in a variety of colleges and not all of them will be test-optional. It’s a great idea to take the SAT or the ACT so you aren’t limited in the colleges you decide to pursue.
What else should I include in my application in lieu of standardized test scores?
Some colleges give the option to submit additional supplements to your application, especially in the case of test-optional admissions. You may have space to submit a portfolio, record a quick introduction, or write additional essays. At the University of Chicago, “Instead of exam scores, applicants can submit a video profile or additional academic or creative work, be it an artistic portfolio, a business plan or a scientific research project.”
If you're not submitting any test scores, be sure to provide as many supplements as admissions allows. The more they know about you, the more likely they’ll be able to determine your fit for their college.
# Schools that are Test-Optional or Test-flexible
1. University of San Francisco
The University of San Francisco cited research indicating that the single best way to predict first-year college success is grades in college preparatory courses - Inside Higher Ed
2. University of Chicago
Some applicants may feel that an SAT or ACT score does not fully reflect their academic preparedness or potential. If this is the case for you and you are a domestic first-year applicant, you may select UChicago's test-optional method of application and not supply SAT or ACT scores with your application. We welcome any student regardless of testing plan to submit additional material (detailed in the Supplements section) that they feel best highlights their skills, talents, and potential contributions to UChicago. - UChicago Admissions
3. Bowdoin College
Bowdoin offers applicants the option to record a short, spontaneous video response to supplement their application materials. The video response is completely optional and affords you the opportunity to add a different dimension to your application. - Bowdoin College Admissions
4. Wesleyan University
Applicants have the option to select some score types and not others and will indicate on the Common Application which, if any, test results they would like to include as part of the application review. For example, a student might elect to include SAT subject tests, but not SAT or ACT. - Wesleyan University Admissions
5. Bucknell University
The principle point for going test optional was to provide greater access to Bucknell...We are looking for ways to open our doors to more students and by going test optional, we're making sure students aren't letting a single test score dictate whether they consider Bucknell. -Kevin Mathes, dean of admissions.
