Does Test Optional Really Mean Test Optional?

Back in the day, novice educational consultant and college counselor me spent way too much brain power wondering if “Test Optional” truly meant test optional, or did it mean “Test Optional: wink, wink”? Since I truly believe that our students are so much more than the sum of their best test scores, and that three hours on some random Saturday morning should not be the defining moment in their young lives, I challenged myself to seek out answers from the source: college admissions staff.

Fast forward to now, and I can say with conviction that I do believe that “Test Optional” is just that. I have had more conversations with admissions directors and counselors than I can remember, and with one notable exception, it is clear that test optional policies are designed to allow authentic and holistic reviews of applications and that students are not penalized –academically nor financially—for electing to withhold test scores.

As I help students navigate the first, and hopefully the last round of COVID applications, I feel confident advising them to withhold their test scores if the data do nothing to strengthen a compelling application:
1600 ≠ awesomeness. Awesomeness = awesomeness!

Having finally answered that question to my satisfaction, with the pandemic, new ones have arisen. For example:

•        Which of the 1,450+ colleges who have announced a COVID-19 test optional policy will keep that policy for the long-haul?
•        As more schools accept students who do not submit test scores, how/will the College Board and the ACT maintain their grip on the admissions process?

In uncertain times, it is encouraging that the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) released a statement indicating that more than 400 colleges and universities “affirm that they will not penalize students for the absence of a standardized test score. Together, we strongly endorse a student-centered, holistic approach to admission that will not disadvantage any student without a test score.” Indeed, Test Optional Means Test Optional!

For more information on how to decide when and if to submit test scores, feel free to contact me.

Kathy Griswold Fine, PhD, Educational Studies 

Doctoral Minor, Human Development and Family Sciences

Principal, Fine Educational Solutions

President, Anything's Possible Educational Services

Member Higher Education Consultants Association and the American Psychological Association

This blog is also hosted by Counsel More