In August 2020 when I authored Does Test Optional Really Mean Test Optional? I felt confident in relaying the National Association for College Admissions Counseling’s (NACAC’s) message indicating that upwards of 400 colleges and universities “affirm that they will not penalize students for the absence of a standardized test score.” While I still want to believe in this sentiment, the reality is that following two Covid-19 admissions cycles, it is clear to me that admission to elite schools vis-à-vis test scores is more nuanced.
Overall, test-optional admissions have been positive for the elite institutions who had record applications, rejected the vast majority of applicants, and thus seem more prestigious than ever. Not to mention the robust revenue stream in the form of application fees.
Students on the other hand, due to the sheer volume of applications, are at a disadvantage and must adapt their college application process accordingly: test scores may be “optional,” but are they really? While the negatives may seem daunting, it is important to remember that you are not powerless!
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Positives |
Negatives |
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More students feel empowered to apply to elite schools |
Median scores have gone up |
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A potential window of opportunity for poor test-takers |
Highly selective colleges reject more students |
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Compelling stories may carry more weight in holistic application reviews |
Students must earn even higher test scores AND apply to more schools |
Bottom line: College applicants hoping to gain admission to elite schools will have to submit more applications and really look at the data when deciding whether or not to submit test scores. As a result, students will likely face increased anxiety and stress, spend more money, and face more rejections from schools proudly touting single and low double-digit acceptance rates.
What Can You Do? Four Steps to Navigate Test-Optional Admissions
Don’t despair. Spending time evaluating options, understanding the data, and making a plan—one that considers the role of test scores—will help students identify and end up at good fit colleges: colleges where they will achieve their academic, social, and professional goals.
STEP ONE: Define Your Goals and Objectives
High school is a great time to consider what you want to do and why so that you can best position yourself to achieve your goals—in college and beyond.
Don’t let the tail wag the dog. What YOU want to get out of college should dictate where you go to college. Identify a few professions that you are interested in and use those as a starting point. If you are not sure how, click HERE for access to free tools.
STEP TWO: Ensure that Your Goals and Objectives are Realistic
If an elite college is right for you, go for it! If not, there are PLENTY of oustanding schools where you can meet your goals. It’s much less about where you go and more about what you do while you are there. Be honest with yourself. If you can’t/don’t perform consistently at a high level in advanced classes—regardless of test-optional admissions—elite schools will be tough to access.
STEP THREE: Create a Short List of Good Fit Colleges
Be objective and strategic. Think about your interests, grades, test scores, finances, and the type of environment in which you will thrive. Focus less on status and more on fit: there are many phenomenal colleges that don’t reject most applicants! Stick to the facts. Consider your sources as you evaluate “facts.” Resist the temptation to allow emotion to dictate your process.
STEP FOUR: Assess the Pros and Cons of Submitting Test Scores
Consider your context. If everyone around you is submitting test scores to the type of school you want to attend, ask yourself how that will impact your application (hint: it will).
Bottom line: if an elite college is right for you and you are capable of earning a competitive test score, do the work! Just because you don’t want to do the test prep and give up three hours on a Saturday morning does not mean that test optional is your best course of action. If a competitive test score is achievable, do the work. If not, resist the temptation to overwhelm yourself by applying to uber competitive schools: just because you can doesn’t mean you should!
Conclusion: Test-optional admissions resulting from the pandemic have made access to elite schools more challenging. If you have a solid plan, resist shortcuts, stay grounded in the facts, and execute your plan, you can and will be admitted to colleges where you can thrive.
For more information on how test-optional admissions policies impact your application process, how to decide whether or not to submit test scores, and how to make the college application process less stressful and more efficient, drop me a line at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com
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