Harvard going test optional thru 2026 at least

[Anonymous]

I think DCUM parents can stop obsessing over SATs and ACTs for a good long while.

[Anonymous]

Test optional is not test blind. Still unclear if hurts the average unhooked kid not to submit. I want to see stats as to what percent of unhooked kids are taken without scores versus percent taken with scores.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think DCUM parents can stop obsessing over SATs and ACTs for a good long while.

Should have stopped long ago. The only thing that can guarantee an in is being an athlete or private school in this area.

[Anonymous]

LOL attributed to the pandemic...right. Why don't they just be honest, and say they like the mix of applicants they are getting under test optional.

[Anonymous]

I think this is great. Rich private school parents won't like it though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Test optional is not test blind. Still unclear if hurts the average unhooked kid not to submit. I want to see stats as to what percent of unhooked kids are taken without scores versus percent taken with scores.

^^This is the question. I predict we’ll never see that data until someone sues. It makes an already murky process even less transparent, which is ideal from Harvard’s standpoint. They’re arrogant enough to think it doesn’t matter, but they are slowly spending down their reservoir of credibility and good will.

[Anonymous]

The lawsuit against them for discriminating against Asian American students uses SAT scores as evidence. This is probably part of the decision. They can get the class demographics they want without the discrimination proof.

[Anonymous]

+ one million

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The lawsuit against them for discriminating against Asian American students uses SAT scores as evidence. This is probably part of the decision. They can get the class demographics they want without the discrimination proof.

Absolutely this. No way to track anymore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Test optional is not test blind. Still unclear if hurts the average unhooked kid not to submit. I want to see stats as to what percent of unhooked kids are taken without scores versus percent taken with scores.

Yes I think white/Asian UMC from DMV type areas will be expected to submit scores. URM, first gen, random geographic places not so much. Get the class and demographics they want without the lawsuits from Asians, ability to track affirmative action, etc.

[Anonymous]

The kids I know from the DMV who were admitted to Harvard (3) all took took the SAT and all had scores >1550. These rules don't apply to this area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Test optional is not test blind. Still unclear if hurts the average unhooked kid not to submit. I want to see stats as to what percent of unhooked kids are taken without scores versus percent taken with scores.

Yes I think white/Asian UMC from DMV type areas will be expected to submit scores. URM, first gen, random geographic places not so much. Get the class and demographics they want without the lawsuits from Asians, ability to track affirmative action, etc.

+1 real klassy, harvard!🙄

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The kids I know from the DMV who were admitted to Harvard (3) all took took the SAT and all had scores >1550. These rules don't apply to this area.

I think this is true but it also makes the test weigh less, imo, compared to other factors. Or, another way of looking, makes it more competitive because test optional applicants who might not have gotten in with scores will now get a slot. I personally think the kids most hurt are the 1400-1490/33-34 kids as those scores are better than almost everyone who takes the test but now at the bottom 25% of almost all top 50 universities. I think those scores used to be a bump and now they could potentially hurt you.

As is always stated, tests are no longer necessary or sufficient.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think this is great. Rich private school parents won't like it though.

Talk to a college counselor -- you still need to submit them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The kids I know from the DMV who were admitted to Harvard (3) all took took the SAT and all had scores >1550. These rules don't apply to this area.

I think this is true but it also makes the test weigh less, imo, compared to other factors. Or, another way of looking, makes it more competitive because test optional applicants who might not have gotten in with scores will now get a slot. I personally think the kids most hurt are the 1400-1490/33-34 kids as those scores are better than almost everyone who takes the test but now at the bottom 25% of almost all top 50 universities. I think those scores used to be a bump and now they could potentially hurt you.

As is always stated, tests are no longer necessary or sufficient.

It does not make the test weigh less. Don't kid yourself.