Does Test Optional Really Mean Test Optional

[Anonymous]

I have recently noticed that some schools, while remaining test optional, have a sentence on their websites stating that students should take the tests and submit the results "if they are able." Thoughts on what this means? It's concerning because with the test optional policies only kids with the highest scores are submitting. Is it crazy to apply without taking the test?

[Anonymous]

If you are not FGLI/URM, yes it is crazy. If you are Asian, it is completely crazy.

[Anonymous]

My DD applied test optional and so far has gotten into all the schools that had early action and she received top merit at all of them. The schools were not T-10, but more like T50-75. She had a 3.9/4.6W and a lot of very good EC's, so that helped. In her case, I don't think she would have gotten as much merit if she'd submitted her decent, but not stellar test scores. If you are looking at more competitive schools, it may be a different story.

[Anonymous]

I was told that tests mattered less for URM students but is that still the case after the SCOTUS decision?

[Anonymous]

Don’t listen to the above poster. It varies by college but plenty of regular old white kids have gotten in TO to top schools, even in the early round so far this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD applied test optional and so far has gotten into all the schools that had early action and she received top merit at all of them. The schools were not T-10, but more like T50-75. She had a 3.9/4.6W and a lot of very good EC's, so that helped. In her case, I don't think she would have gotten as much merit if she'd submitted her decent, but not stellar test scores. If you are looking at more competitive schools, it may be a different story.

what is "Decent but not stellar" -- 1460? 1360? 1260?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DD applied test optional and so far has gotten into all the schools that had early action and she received top merit at all of them. The schools were not T-10, but more like T50-75. She had a 3.9/4.6W and a lot of very good EC's, so that helped. In her case, I don't think she would have gotten as much merit if she'd submitted her decent, but not stellar test scores. If you are looking at more competitive schools, it may be a different story.

what is "Decent but not stellar" -- 1460? 1360? 1260?

1400

[Anonymous]

Probably depends on the school, right? At the top schools, it seems you need to be in the 98th or 99th percentile these days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD applied test optional and so far has gotten into all the schools that had early action and she received top merit at all of them. The schools were not T-10, but more like T50-75. She had a 3.9/4.6W and a lot of very good EC's, so that helped. In her case, I don't think she would have gotten as much merit if she'd submitted her decent, but not stellar test scores. If you are looking at more competitive schools, it may be a different story.

This is true at least from some of the data on College Confidential. Kids were getting Honors College offers and large merit awards TO but those with similar stats who submitted tests didn’t receive the same offers with SATs lower than 1500. It was surprising to me and seemed even the less competitive schools are using the 1500 benchmark now 😬

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Probably depends on the school, right? At the top schools, it seems you need to be in the 98th or 99th percentile these days.

Because only kids with top scores submit, the average goes up every year. So while 1400 may have been in the 50th percentile a few years ago, it is now in the 25th. And if you report your scores, the schools have to use them in their average which may not be to your advantage.

[Anonymous]

So it's better not to take them even if the college advises applicants to take them if they are able to do so?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So it's better not to take them even if the college advises applicants to take them if they are able to do so?

You might as well take them. Just don't submit if they won't help your application.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have recently noticed that some schools, while remaining test optional, have a sentence on their websites stating that students should take the tests and submit the results "if they are able." Thoughts on what this means? It's concerning because with the test optional policies only kids with the highest scores are submitting. Is it crazy to apply without taking the test?

Which schools say this? Because some are definitely still saying “when we say test optional, we really mean it — we will consider them if you send them but we have lots of other factors to consider about you if you don’t send them.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t listen to the above poster. It varies by college but plenty of regular old white kids have gotten in TO to top schools, even in the early round so far this year.

Top schools? Like T-10? T-20? I don't think so.

[Anonymous]

Auburn University. Says they’re test optional, but only for those who are unable to submit scores. They don’t clarify what that means but make no mistake- they’re not really test optional. If you have circumstances where you can’t afford to take the test or you can’t get to the test that’s one thing. If you took the test and want to get into Auburn, you better submit your score.