What schools are test optional?

With everything going on, I'm worried about my standardized test scores. Are there any reputable colleges that are test optional? How might not submitting test scores affect my chances of admission?

There are numerous reputable colleges and universities in the United States that are test-optional. In fact, many colleges have made the shift to test-optional admissions in recent years, partially due to the pandemic but also in response to growing concerns about the fairness and accuracy of standardized tests.

Some well-known test-optional schools include the University of Chicago, Wake Forest University, Bowdoin College, American University, and all the Claremont Colleges. The entire University of California system is also test-blind, meaning they do not consider SAT or ACT scores in their admissions process at all. Keep in mind that these are just a few examples, and there are many other test-optional institutions across the country.

Not submitting test scores for test-optional schools generally will not adversely affect your chances of admission. These institutions understand that some students may not have had the opportunity to take the tests, or they believe that standardized test scores do not accurately represent a student's abilities. Instead, they will place a greater emphasis on other aspects of your application, such as your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

However, it's important to note that if you do have strong test scores, submitting them can still boost your application at test-optional schools. In such cases, including your scores may help to demonstrate your academic strengths and ability to handle college-level coursework. If you're unsure whether to submit your test scores, compare them to the middle 50% of admitted students' scores at the schools you're applying to. If your scores fall within or above that range, you might consider including them in your application.

To find out if a college you're interested in is test-optional, consult the school's admissions website or use resources like FairTest, which maintains a comprehensive list of test-optional institutions. You can find a complete list of test-optional schools on FairTest's website, which is updated frequently. Always double-check with the college's admissions page to confirm their current testing policy, as policies can change from year to year.