Test-Optional Schools are Impacting the College Application Process

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For years, applying to colleges have included the requirement of taking standardized tests such as the SAT and the ACT. These tests were a factor that college admissions officers greatly considered when admitting a student. Recently more colleges have moved away from requiring standardized tests, and have made them optional to submit when applying to schools. This adjustment will bring about change in the way students prepare for college. As more colleges and universities are switching to being test optional schools, high school seniors are experiencing a different application process compared to the traditional way students have been applying to colleges.

With the influx of more test-optional schools, patterns in student preparation for applying to colleges may begin to differ. In the following years, less students may choose to opt out on taking either the SAT or the ACT, creating a drop in standardized test attendance. A decline in test taking will increase the score average for these standardized exams, but will also increase the amount of applications colleges receive. A 2014 study done at the University of Georgia claims that, “Dropping the SAT/ACT requirement typically increases applications- an additional 250 on average.” Through this change, schools will theoretically become more selective in choosing applicants because of the absence in an additional benchmark.

As more schools are switching to having standardized tests as optional, students that that find issues taking the tests may benefit. Many have argued that taking the SAT/ACT is a measure of family income because these tests do not come without a price. The ACT can be priced anywhere from forty dollars to fifty-seven dollars, and the SAT can range anywhere from forty-three dollars to sixty-seven dollars. Traditionally, families that could not afford to pay theses standardized test prices would refrain from applying to colleges because they lack a requirement. Now that less colleges require the SAT/ACT, those that were not able to take a standardized test due to finances will be able to apply to schools. Additionally, students that do not find test-taking their strong suit will find the college application process easier.Ithaca’s President, Thomas Rochon, believes in standardized testing, but he also believes in test-optional because “‘some students really struggle with standardized testing, and scores don’t reflect their abilities.’” Seniors will not have to stress over colleges viewing their unsatisfactory test score if the school is test-optional.

Without standardized test scores, colleges will have to consider additional information and resources from the student. Those who choose to apply to without sending in SAT/ACT scores are held to a higher standard in terms grades and well roundedness. The Executive President from Augustana College, W. Kent Brands, writes that, “Test-optional colleges will place a much greater emphasis on a student’s academic record to that point, including the quality of curriculum and the grades earned.” Refusing to send standardized test scores is not an easy way out of the college application process. It is imperative that if students choose to not send in their scores that they are confident that their grades, transcripts, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and essay supplement are strong.

College demographics are also being affected as a result of more schools becoming test optional. Taking away the requirement of the SAT/ACT increases minority admissions. In a story published by the New York Times, Natalie Casimir, a Haitian-American student, obtained a 4.0 GPA and a 1580 (out of 2400). Cornell University, her dream school, and Davidson College are both schools that rejected Casimir and also require test scores. Although, Wake Forest gave her a full-ride without seeing her SAT scores. Wake Forest found that in a span of six year, as a result of becoming a test-optional school, their amount of underrepresented minorities went from making up twelve percent to eighteen percent of the freshman class.

Refusing to send in standardized test scores also comes with a risk. In addition to schools becoming more selective, students may also miss out on opportunities such as merit aid awards, and it will be difficult for colleges to determine class placement. UsNews.com also recognizes the opportunities a student may be missing out if he or she chooses not to submit his or her standardized test scores stating that, “if a good financial aid package is important, check school policies to be sure you won’t lose out by holding back.” Whether a senior decides to chose test-optional schools or not, it is beneficial for a student to know the different choices he or she has when applying to college because it affects the college application process.