SAT Test Optional Colleges?

Hi guys! With everything going on, I'm not sure if I'll be able to take the SAT this year. I've heard some colleges have gone test optional. Which colleges are currently SAT test optional, and do you think more will follow in the future?

Hi there! Yes, many colleges have indeed gone test-optional due to the pandemic, and it seems the trend is continuing. Test-optional colleges allow you to apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores, although you still have the option to submit them if you feel they would strengthen your application. Some popular schools that are test-optional include the University of Chicago, NYU, and many of the Ivy League schools such as Harvard, Columbia, and Brown. However, this list is by no means exhaustive, and the number of test-optional schools is quite extensive. You can access a full list on FairTest's website, which is frequently updated with new information.

As for whether more colleges will go test-optional in the future, it's difficult to predict with certainty. However, the trend does seem to be moving in that direction. More and more colleges have been making the switch to test-optional policies as they recognize the limitations and barriers that standardized testing can create for some students. Additionally, test-optional policies have generally been well-received by both applicants and the institutions themselves, as it allows colleges to make their admissions process more inclusive and holistic, so it's possible that many of these schools will keep these policies permanently.

It's always a good idea to research the specific colleges you're interested in to find out whether they require or recommend submitting test scores. While test-optional policies are more common now, not every college follows the same approach, so it's useful to have this information on hand when planning your application strategy.