Test Optional/Test Flexible/Test-Blind/Test-Free Admissions

What does Test-Optional Mean?

When a college or university is "test-optional," it means that they don't require ACT or SAT scores from applicants in order to be considered for admission. While many colleges require ACT or SAT scores as part of the application process, the list of colleges/universities in the United States that do not require standardized test scores of any kind continues to grow. Each school's test-optional policy is different, so it's important to do your research to make sure if a school is truly test-optional, or if there's some circumstance that will require you to submit ACT or SAT scores in order to be considered for admission.

Click HERE for a list of colleges/universities that are test-optional. 

Examples include: All public universities in both Illinois and Iowa, Indiana University-Bloomington, Marquette, and many many others.

What is Test-Flexible?

Not all colleges with varying testing requirements are truly "test-optional." Many are considered "test-flexible", which means that they may require certain test scores from certain applicants, or that even though test scores are required as part of the application they're not weighed as heavily in the application evaluation process. Examples include requiring ACT or SAT scores for out-of-state applicants, certain majors within the college or university, or if minimum GPA is not met. It's critical for students to do thorough research on testing requirements when building a balanced college list, espeically if they struggle with reaching their goal score on the ACT or SAT. 

What Does Test-Blind/Test-Free Mean?

Test-Blind/Test-Free institutions offer a contrast to test-optional ones as they are not interested at all in students' standardized test scores. If you submit your score, it won't be considered, even if you scored a 1600 on the SAT or 36 on the ACT. The most notable test-blind/test-free institutions are the universities in the University of California and California State University systems.

Sending Official Score Reports

If a college/university requires an official score report of an ACT or SAT score, students will need to send this information ON THEIR OWN. Carmel Catholic High School DOES NOT send standardized test scores to schools.

Students can order a copy of their score report directly on ACT's website or on The College Board's website for SAT.

*Note: Each score official report costs $18 (ACT) and $12 (SAT) to send to the colleges.

*Be sure to give at least 2 weeks prior to the anticipated college application deadline for a score report to arrive.

Q: Does my college need an official score report from ACT/SAT if I want my scores considered with my application?

A: It depends. The best place to locate this answer is on each college's individual websites, usually under a list of requirements needed for a complete application. If you have trouble finding this information on the college websites, Compass Prep has compiled a list of schools that will accept self-reported test scores.

Many colleges will review either an ACT or SAT score for admission. Most schools will take either or both. It is the student's responsibility to know which test(s) each college requires. pleae check the college's website for this information.

ACT:

• The writing test is optional.

  • • The writing portion is taken after the multiple choice tests. 

    • It does not affect the composite score. 

    • Writing section policies: www.compassprep.com/act-writing-and-sat-essay-requirements 

• You will receive two scores, if you take the writing test. 

  • • Scale of 1-36 as your total composite score.

      • Average of your English, Math, Science, and Reading subscores.

    • Scale fo 2-12 as your writing score.

• Students must register for the test at www.MyACT.org before the test day. 

  • • When registering, students must upload of photo of themselves or their test registration will be canceled. 

SAT:

• Scale of 400-1600 for your total score. 

  • Based on the test scores from the "Evidence-based Reading and Writing" and "Math" sections.

• Students must register for the test at www.collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register before the test day.

• **This test is completely digital. This means it is taken on a device (i.e. Chromebook) and not paper & pencil.

General Testing Information:

• Fee waivers: If you think you meet the economic eligibility requirements, see your counselor or Mrs. Nowaczyk for a fee waiver.

  • ACT Fee Waiver eligibility - Click HERE

  • SAT Fee Waiver Eligibility - Click HERE

• Reporting scores:

  • Students are responsible for reporting scores. 

  • Scores are NOT on the official Carmel Catholic transcript.

  • Score reports can be sent by going to the testing agency's website.

  • For each ACT or SAT test you take, you can send your score to four schools for free (at the time of registration).

  • Each additional school has a fee involved. 

    • An increasing number of institutions are allowing for self-reported test scores. Click HERE for a good resource for the most up-to-date list.

• Special accommodations: 

  • Students with professionally diagnosed and documented disabilities may request extended time for testing. 

  • Any extended time must be approved by ACT or The College Board several months in advance of the first test a students wishes to take.