Test-optional has become a staple vocabulary term in the world of higher education. But what does test-optional mean, and how do you determine if it’s the right college application style for you?
Read on to learn what test-optional means, some similar (but different) terms you might find along the way, and how to determine if you should apply test-optional or not.
What is test-optional?
Test-optional means you, as the applicant, decide if you want to submit an ACT or SAT score along with your college application.
Sometimes, depending on the rest of your application, you still need to submit scores, regardless of your GPA. This most often applies to homeschooled students and international students, as well as certain dual-degree program paths that combine a bachelor’s degree with a master’s degree. Always double-check your program application requirements to make sure you submit your scores if you need to.
What is test-flexible?
Sometimes, if a school offers a test-flexible option, you will have to submit test scores, but you can choose if it’s the SAT, ACT, or AP Exam scores.
What is test-blind?
Test-blind means that even if you submit your test scores, they will not be looked at.
What if the school is test-optional or test-blind for admission, but requires scores for enrollment?
If this is the case, you do not need to submit scores when you apply, but by the time you put down your tuition deposit to commit to your school, you need to send in scores. Keep an eye on your school’s admission requirements, because if they are test-optional to apply but required for enrollment, you don’t want to miss your chance at scholarships, course placements, or research opportunities.
What does it mean to apply test-optional?
Let’s say you took the ACT and earned a composite score of 21, but the schools you’re looking at have an average composite ACT score of 26 or higher. With test-optional, since your hypothetical score is below the averages of the schools you’re looking at, you don’t have to send them in.
This means that other aspects of your application will be weighed more heavily. Did you get good grades throughout high school? Did you participate in extracurricular activities? Did you earn awards or honors during your time as a student? How strong was your college application essay? These are all factors that offset the test scores, so by submitting them, you’re taking less weight off and providing one more thing to look at and consider.
If a school says they’re test-optional, are they really test-optional?
Yes. If a school is test-optional, that means the choice to send in your test scores is entirely yours to make.
When should you submit scores, and when should you opt out of sending them?
If your school has a regular test-optional application, there are times when it’s still smart to submit your scores. Do some digging online and see what the average test scores are for the colleges you’re looking at. As a reminder, the only time your scores will not be looked at is if the school is test-blind.
So, should you submit your test-optional scores?
If you’re proud of your scores, then yes, always submit them, regardless of the average. At the end of the day, an average means there are scores higher and lower, so you will not automatically be denied if your score is below that average range.
For more information on starting the college application process, and what to consider, check out the article “Ready to apply to college: Here’s what you should know”.