Is a “Test-Optional” College Application Really Optional?

For decades, every hopeful university student knew that the ACT and the SAT were just part of the application process. In many cases, admission or denial rode on your scores.

Gradually, however, a new trend emerged: A lot of high-profile schools started to consider the idea that not everybody with academic talent does well on standardized tests. They started to make applications for admission “test-optional.” When the pandemic hit, that trend accelerated, to the point that many Ivy League and top-tier schools have also adopted test-optional policies.

Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Get Too Excited About the Idea of Test-Optional Applications

In short, it comes down to one thing: “Test-optional” and “test-blind” are not the same thing. If a student proudly submits their fantastic SAT and/or ACT scores with their application to a college, the admissions board will see those scores, and they will consider them as part of the student’s overall application.

That very likely means that students who opt out of standardized testing are at an automatic disadvantage. Standardized tests were long considered the best predictor of a student’s academic success, and old beliefs don’t fade overnight. Recent data from Command Education shows that schools still tend to show preference to students that take and submit their test scores when they apply.

What Really Happens When You Go the Test-Optional Route?

First, you can expect all other parts of your application to be heavily scrutinized, perhaps unfairly so. The school does want to learn everything they can about you before offering you a spot in their next class. Without the standardized testing, your class grades, your AP test scores, your class rank, and your extracurriculars or independent studies may take on additional importance.

Second, the reality is that, when weighing near-identical applications for admission by two students, the one that included their SAT or ACT scores with their application is automatically going to have an edge on the one that didn’t. (There may even be unspoken questions in the back of an admissions officer’s mind about why you chose the “test-optional” route.)

When the Competition for Admission Is Fierce, You Can’t Afford to Opt Out

When you have your heart set on attending an Ivy League or top-tier school, you have to remember that there are thousands of other gifted students out there who are also in the same position. These schools get far more applications than they have spots in their classes, so they can afford to be extremely selective.

In other words: You need every advantage you can get, and you need to take every opportunity to differentiate yourself from your peers. You don’t want to opt out of your SAT and ACT tests unless you really think they will weaken your case for admission. (Remember, too, that there are ways to improve your scores with practice and coaching.)

The journey to a top-tier or Ivy League education starts very early. The sooner you begin thinking about how to make your academic merit clear on your applications, the better.