Test-Optional Colleges

As mentioned in a much earlier post, there are many schools that are test-optional. What does this mean, you may be asking? The answer is certain colleges do not require that a student submits their testing scores (either SAT or SAT). If the student chooses not to send in their scores, then admissions will review the applicant and make a decision based on their transcript, extra-curriculars, essay, and support files (recommendations). Test-optional schools is a hot topic these days with discussions on the validity of testing in general in predicting college success, and the chances of students being accepted who do not submit scores. The first issue will takes years and years to truly understand, however, admissions consistently say that students will be reviewed equally who do or do not submit scores.

So who is the test-optional route really for? Unfortunately, if you are a student with low testing scores and a low GPA, this may not be the best way to apply. Admission counselors generally want to see a competitive GPA for students who do not send in their scores. Remember, if you do not send in your scores, then they are primarily focusing on the transcript to make their admission decision. So if you are a student with a good GPA, but you struggle on standardized testing, going test-optional may work for you.

Choosing what to do with test-optional schools can be a difficult decision, so please consult your college counselor before deciding to do this. It may be best to take this on a college by college basis, so please communicate with your counselor early enough to make an informed decision.

For a complete list of the schools that currently have the choice of going test-optional, please visit FairTest, which is a website with an up-to-date list. When you visit the site, please go to the top tab ‘University Testing’ and then click on ‘Optional List’. As always, please direct any questions towards your college counselor.


-Joseph D. Korfmacher, MA

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