Trending Topic: SAT/ACT and Test-Optional Applications
After the pandemic made it difficult for students to register for SAT/ACT standardized testing, most colleges across the nation adopted “test-optional” policies. Simply put, it meant that standardized test scores were an optional component of the college application.
But do admissions officers, especially top-tier universities, really mean “test-optional”?
Based on statistical data from the Class of 2025 and our experience, the answer is: YES and NO. It certainly is possible for test-optional (choosing not to submit a score) applicants to be admitted without a test score and many have been accepted to highly selective universities.
With that said though, statistical data has shown that with more selective universities, applicants who submitted a test score have had a *slightly* higher chance of being admitted.
What does this mean for you?
We’d suggest that if you feel your score is representative of your academic abilities, then feel free to submit it (don’t worry if the score is a little lower than expected). If you feel the score isn’t fully representative or if you think you can do better, you don’t need to submit the score or you can try retaking the exam.
In most scenarios, your score will only add to your college application. For students applying test-optional, college admissions officers will gauge a sense of their academic background through analyzing other factors, such as recommendation letters, transcripts, and supplemental essays.
Have more questions? We can help! Reach out to our 4S representatives and see if we could provide the guidance you need for college applications and admissions.
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