SAT optional schools: What's the deal?

Hey everyone! I've heard that some colleges have gone SAT optional or test-blind for admissions. Is this a temporary change after the pandemic or are these policy changes here to stay? Also, what are some pros and cons of applying to these schools without submitting my SAT scores?

Hi there! You're right, many colleges have shifted their policies regarding standardized tests like the SAT in recent years. Many of these changes were initially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but numerous schools decided to continue with these policies even after the pandemic situation improved.

SAT-optional schools allow students to choose whether or not to submit their SAT scores as part of their application. Test-blind schools, on the other hand, will not consider SAT scores at all, even if they are submitted. While there are relatively few test-blind schools, you can find a list of them on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/test-blind-colleges.

Different schools may have different timeframes for test-optional policies, with some making them permanent, and others adopting them for a few years to assess their impact. Additionally, in the last few months quite a few notable schools, including Dartmouth College, Brown University, and Yale University from the Ivy League, as well as UT-Austin, have announced they will be requiring standardized tests once more starting in the 2024-2025 application cycle.

Now, let's discuss some pros and cons of applying to SAT-optional schools without submitting your scores:

Pros:

1. Reduced stress: Not submitting scores might alleviate some pressure associated with taking and preparing for the tests.

2. Focus on other application components: You can give more attention to other parts of your application, like your essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations, which might showcase your strengths better.

3. Leveling the playing field: The policy may benefit students who struggle with standardized tests but excel in other areas or have faced obstacles in preparing for the test.

Cons:

1. Less differentiation: Not submitting scores may make it more challenging to differentiate yourself from other applicants, as some students will have an extra data point to set themselves apart that you're lacking.

2. Possible assumptions: Although admissions officers aren't supposed to make assumptions, some may assume that applicants who don't submit scores chose not to because their results were lower than average.

3. Limitations in merit scholarships: Some merit scholarships may still require SAT scores, so not submitting could potentially limit your access to certain scholarship opportunities.

Generally, the decision to submit your SAT scores to test-optional schools should be based on whether or not your scores are a competitive and accurate reflection of your academic abilities in comparison to the school's admitted student profile. If your scores are strong and align with your overall application, it may be beneficial to include them. On the other hand, if your scores are lower than the typical admitted student's scores or don't represent your academic potential, you may want to consider withholding them.

However, if you're applying to highly selective schools, you may want to shift your thinking somewhat. Even if the school is officially test-optional, the margins between applicants are already so thin at these schools that maximizing your chances of acceptance almost always means showcasing your strengths in as many ways as possible, including through standardized tests.

For a more comprehensive breakdown of how to navigate test-optional policies, you can check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which talks you through them in great detail: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/. Good luck with your college process!