Carly Altman | Head Editor
October 24, 2024
While standardized testing used to be a mandatory component of applying to college, the past few years have marked a stark shift in the role testing plays in admissions. As a combined result of COVID-19 impacts and equitability concerns, many institutions have adopted test-optional policies regarding SAT or ACT score submission. However, as testing policies continue to adapt and change across the country, most universities have developed their own requirements for standardized testing. Generally, these requirements fall into one of four categories: test-optional, test-blind, test-flexible, or test-required.
Test-optional
Most U.S. universities have opted to extend test-optional policies for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle. Test-optional simply means that you are provided the option to either submit or not submit test scores without penalization. However, this policy leads many students to question whether their test scores are adequate enough for consideration. Ultimately, deciding whether you will or will not submit test scores depends entirely on the universities you intend to apply to. “It is nice to have the option to either submit or decline to submit test scores,” explained senior Hannah Ellinger. “This policy allows me to really consider how my test score will contribute to my application.” A good rule of thumb is to submit your SAT/ACT score if it is within a school’s middle 50% score range. This data can generally be found on a school’s website or within their Common Data Set. If you feel that your score will either fail to add anything or hinder your application, opt to not have your scores considered.
Test-blind
Test-blind policies entirely eliminate SAT and ACT scores from applications, not considering any standardized tests in the admissions process. Most notably, the entire University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems are completely test-blind. “Many students don’t take the SAT or ACT at all anymore,” explained senior Isabella Noble. “If you are only applying in-state, there isn’t really a need unless you are applying to private schools.” If you are applying to test-blind institutions, it is crucial to focus on other aspects of your application such as your grades, extra-curriculars, and personal essays.
Test-flexible
While uncommon, there are several schools that have implemented unique test-flexible policies. For example, Yale University considers itself test-flexible, mandating a test submission but allowing applicants to choose between SAT, ACT, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) test scores. While New York University remains strictly test-optional, they similarly allow applicants to submit AP or IB test scores in lieu of traditional standardized tests. These policies provide students with a more diverse array of options regarding the testing component of their application.
Test-required
Recently, several top universities have begun to reinstate standardized testing as an application requirement. This includes competitive institutions such as Harvard University, Brown University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Georgetown University. In addition, several public schools in Georgia and Florida have also mandated the submission of standardized test scores. These policies do not allow for any flexibility and require SAT or ACT score submission for admission consideration.
Overall, with the ambiguous future of standardized testing, it is crucial to look into the testing policies at each university you intend to apply to. While many schools appear to be moving towards reestablishing standardized test scores as a required aspect of the college admissions process, several universities stand by upholding their own unique policies.
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