Should I apply test-optional?Answered
Applying to a moderately selective (60% accepted), medium-sized public university in my state. I currently attend a good public high school.
My weighted GPA is between the 50-75th percentile of last year's admitted class. My SAT is around the 25th percentile (under half of applicants sent in scores last year). Good extracurriculars (but didn't start a nonprofit to stop the famine). Good recommendations. Visited campus, met with professor, etc. Not an ethnic minority. Not likely a candidate for need-based aid.
Should I go test-optional? Or submit my 25th percentile SAT?
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1 answer
Hi, thank you for asking your question! Our general recommendation is to submit your standardized test score if it is above the 25th percentile for your school of interest. In this case, it seems like you are on the fringe of that definition. Given that you are applying in-state to a school that has a majority of test-optional applicants, have a decent GPA, good extracurriculars and recommendations, I would go ahead and apply without the standardized test.
That being said, make sure that your essays are fantastic to overcome leaving out the standardized test score from your application. I would highly advise you check out our blog posts on the website -- looking for the college essay guide for your school of interest.
Additionally, you can see how your chancing changes with and without the standardized test score by using the chancing engine on our website. Just add/remove the SAT score you have and look at your updated chancing for the school of interest.
Hope this helps!
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