TEST OPTIONAL?

Why Are Colleges Going Test Optional?

Due to Covid-19, many testing centers offering the SAT or ACT in the Spring closed and pushed their testing dates to the Fall.  Unfortunately, with the Coronavirus still a threat to health and safety, many of those centers have decided not to open.  With less available testing sites, students are now scrambling to find centers that are geographically close and may have to travel great distances to find an available site (one of my students had to go three hours away and stay in a hotel).  Due to the outcry from many parents, students, and college admissions representatives, university systems around the country moved to a test optional application process.

What is Test Optional?

According to the College Board, test optional means a college or university will allow students to decide if they wish to submit their ACT and/or SAT scores as part of their application.  If a student decides not to submit his or her score, they will not be penalized and it will not be considered in the application review.  Instead, colleges will look more closely at other parts of the application including GPA, rigor of course, extracurricular activities, admission interviews, and college essays.  Also, test optional does not mean test blind.  Test blind is the policy of not looking at the ACT or SAT as a factor for admissions.  

Should Your Students Take the ACT or SAT if they have an opportunity?

If possible, they should consider taking one or both tests.  There are several advantages of taking either the ACT or SAT.

1.  These policies are temporary and could change.  Even though many testing centers may be closed, there are new sites constantly being opened and new testing dates added.  In fact, on a webinar with College Board this week, College Board announced partnerships with organizations that are willing to host a test like businesses, convention centers, and hotels.  To see what dates are added, refer your students to College Board or ACT. 

SAT Dates

ACT Dates

2.  Since colleges still consider test scores, it may benefit a student in the college admissions review to test, especially if they score well.  Even if the score is not high enough for the college, if the score is high for the school or community, the student can stand out among his or her peers in the college application process.

3.  Taking the ACT or SAT is more than just about college admissions, but there are other benefits associated with taking these test.  One benefit is college scholarships as many scholarships require an ACT and/or SAT score to qualify.  Also, in my home state, our lottery funded Zell Miller Scholarship still requires the ACT or SAT to qualify for 100% tuition.

4.  Scoring well on the ACT or SAT can offset a low GPA.  Colleges definitely see a high ACT or SAT as a strength for college success. 

5.  Applerouth advocates taking the test at least three times to see gains in your school.  Of course, this comes with diligent preparation.  

1.  Choose a test.  Either the SAT or ACT (see below)

2.   Practice, practice, practice!

3.  Take a timed practice test.

4.  Plan on three official tests.

*Information shared from "For High School Counselors" Blog