Test Optional?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:TO will not be a great look for a someone w your DCs stats. Not too hard to bump up sat. I would have him work on that. Superscoring to at least 1500 will be straightforward. Good luck.

+1 With his stats, TO will look like his test scores are not 1500+, especially with 4/5 on all his AP tests. So yes, it will look "fishy" to the AO. So unless you are form a Low income zip code, it will be assumed he didn't do well on the SAT/ACT.

That's the thing, TO is not really TO at most schools. If you are from a zipcode where everyone can easily take the tests, then you should take it and submit

What is your support for this? I would agree if school says "test recommended," but most who say TO are explicit that nothing will be assumed by not submitting, it's just 1 data point.

wrong. human nature assumes the kid is a poor test taker and is hiding something. What is college? Four years of testing. So colleges only want the kids that fit the profile they are seeking (URM, first generation, etc.) for test optional slots. This is obvious. Your public high school counselor might be embarrassed to admit this but ask any private counselor and they will tell you - especially if you are in a tony private - to submit test scores if you can. If you can't, it will be assumed that they are poor and you will not get into top schools

https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/2024/01/26/ycbk-399-how-do-admission-officers-read-an-admissions-file/

In episode 404, the private school counselor talks about how explicitly at Rice the admissions rep said they “don’t expect [all] private schools to submit test scores, because they know they will be strong”, and that there is some hesitancy to submit a test score at the 25th% or below….
Definitely worth a listen

Yes that’s a good episode on test optional. Really good insight.

The private schools have great access to AO and colleges.. it's very obvious when comparing MCPS to Bullis/Holton as an example.
I get it- you're paying 50k+ instead of free, so those kids better be getting in everywhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1470 is still a great score. Totally in line with 5s on APs. It's nuts that the TO environment has made people think that 1470 is subpar.

Bc the 50% is 1550…..that’s the issue.
So yes go TO

Exactly bc then you are not competitive and you are more competitive TO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Isn't if obvious if you go TO, you bombed the test? I mean, if you did well, you submit.

I am unsure how TO helps anyone or doesn't look suspect. I am glad it's an option, but I would submit unless they truly do terrible.

Nope. That’s not how they look at it.

They probably should or it makes no sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:TO will not be a great look for a someone w your DCs stats. Not too hard to bump up sat. I would have him work on that. Superscoring to at least 1500 will be straightforward. Good luck.

+1 With his stats, TO will look like his test scores are not 1500+, especially with 4/5 on all his AP tests. So yes, it will look "fishy" to the AO. So unless you are form a Low income zip code, it will be assumed he didn't do well on the SAT/ACT.

That's the thing, TO is not really TO at most schools. If you are from a zipcode where everyone can easily take the tests, then you should take it and submit

What is your support for this? I would agree if school says "test recommended," but most who say TO are explicit that nothing will be assumed by not submitting, it's just 1 data point.

wrong. human nature assumes the kid is a poor test taker and is hiding something. What is college? Four years of testing. So colleges only want the kids that fit the profile they are seeking (URM, first generation, etc.) for test optional slots. This is obvious. Your public high school counselor might be embarrassed to admit this but ask any private counselor and they will tell you - especially if you are in a tony private - to submit test scores if you can. If you can't, it will be assumed that they are poor and you will not get into top schools

Who's wrong? The admissions offices that say no inferences are made? Because that was my point. What's wrong is you making statements based on nothing more than your own hunches.

Folks, this landscape is perpetually shifting. Find out from tge schools' admissions offices what they think about no score.

[Anonymous]

Thank god we are almost done with this nonsense.. it's so ridiculous now it's a joke.

[Anonymous]

Add Rice to TO list!! Esp if private high school!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:TO will not be a great look for a someone w your DCs stats. Not too hard to bump up sat. I would have him work on that. Superscoring to at least 1500 will be straightforward. Good luck.

+1 With his stats, TO will look like his test scores are not 1500+, especially with 4/5 on all his AP tests. So yes, it will look "fishy" to the AO. So unless you are form a Low income zip code, it will be assumed he didn't do well on the SAT/ACT.

That's the thing, TO is not really TO at most schools. If you are from a zipcode where everyone can easily take the tests, then you should take it and submit

What is your support for this? I would agree if school says "test recommended," but most who say TO are explicit that nothing will be assumed by not submitting, it's just 1 data point.

wrong. human nature assumes the kid is a poor test taker and is hiding something. What is college? Four years of testing. So colleges only want the kids that fit the profile they are seeking (URM, first generation, etc.) for test optional slots. This is obvious. Your public high school counselor might be embarrassed to admit this but ask any private counselor and they will tell you - especially if you are in a tony private - to submit test scores if you can. If you can't, it will be assumed that they are poor and you will not get into top schools

Who's wrong? The admissions offices that say no inferences are made? Because that was my point. What's wrong is you making statements based on nothing more than your own hunches.

Folks, this landscape is perpetually shifting. Find out from tge schools' admissions offices what they think about no score.

The schools HAVE to say that being TO since they are making hundreds of thousands more dollars being TO. Doesn't mean that don't make inferences. It's human nature as someone said. No one would go TO if they scored well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:TO will not be a great look for a someone w your DCs stats. Not too hard to bump up sat. I would have him work on that. Superscoring to at least 1500 will be straightforward. Good luck.

+1 With his stats, TO will look like his test scores are not 1500+, especially with 4/5 on all his AP tests. So yes, it will look "fishy" to the AO. So unless you are form a Low income zip code, it will be assumed he didn't do well on the SAT/ACT.

That's the thing, TO is not really TO at most schools. If you are from a zipcode where everyone can easily take the tests, then you should take it and submit

What is your support for this? I would agree if school says "test recommended," but most who say TO are explicit that nothing will be assumed by not submitting, it's just 1 data point.

wrong. human nature assumes the kid is a poor test taker and is hiding something. What is college? Four years of testing. So colleges only want the kids that fit the profile they are seeking (URM, first generation, etc.) for test optional slots. This is obvious. Your public high school counselor might be embarrassed to admit this but ask any private counselor and they will tell you - especially if you are in a tony private - to submit test scores if you can. If you can't, it will be assumed that they are poor and you will not get into top schools

https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/2024/01/26/ycbk-399-how-do-admission-officers-read-an-admissions-file/

In episode 404, the private school counselor talks about how explicitly at Rice the admissions rep said they “don’t expect [all] private schools to submit test scores, because they know they will be strong”, and that there is some hesitancy to submit a test score at the 25th% or below….
Definitely worth a listen

WashU rep said something similar at a meeting last year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:TO will not be a great look for a someone w your DCs stats. Not too hard to bump up sat. I would have him work on that. Superscoring to at least 1500 will be straightforward. Good luck.

+1 With his stats, TO will look like his test scores are not 1500+, especially with 4/5 on all his AP tests. So yes, it will look "fishy" to the AO. So unless you are form a Low income zip code, it will be assumed he didn't do well on the SAT/ACT.

That's the thing, TO is not really TO at most schools. If you are from a zipcode where everyone can easily take the tests, then you should take it and submit

What is your support for this? I would agree if school says "test recommended," but most who say TO are explicit that nothing will be assumed by not submitting, it's just 1 data point.

wrong. human nature assumes the kid is a poor test taker and is hiding something. What is college? Four years of testing. So colleges only want the kids that fit the profile they are seeking (URM, first generation, etc.) for test optional slots. This is obvious. Your public high school counselor might be embarrassed to admit this but ask any private counselor and they will tell you - especially if you are in a tony private - to submit test scores if you can. If you can't, it will be assumed that they are poor and you will not get into top schools

Who's wrong? The admissions offices that say no inferences are made? Because that was my point. What's wrong is you making statements based on nothing more than your own hunches.

Folks, this landscape is perpetually shifting. Find out from tge schools' admissions offices what they think about no score.

The schools HAVE to say that being TO since they are making hundreds of thousands more dollars being TO. Doesn't mean that don't make inferences. It's human nature as someone said. No one would go TO if they scored well.

But it’s working. Kids are getting into T25 as a TO candidate.
And you are pissed - Tiger mom - that it’s working. Why?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:TO will not be a great look for a someone w your DCs stats. Not too hard to bump up sat. I would have him work on that. Superscoring to at least 1500 will be straightforward. Good luck.

+1 With his stats, TO will look like his test scores are not 1500+, especially with 4/5 on all his AP tests. So yes, it will look "fishy" to the AO. So unless you are form a Low income zip code, it will be assumed he didn't do well on the SAT/ACT.

That's the thing, TO is not really TO at most schools. If you are from a zipcode where everyone can easily take the tests, then you should take it and submit

What is your support for this? I would agree if school says "test recommended," but most who say TO are explicit that nothing will be assumed by not submitting, it's just 1 data point.

wrong. human nature assumes the kid is a poor test taker and is hiding something. What is college? Four years of testing. So colleges only want the kids that fit the profile they are seeking (URM, first generation, etc.) for test optional slots. This is obvious. Your public high school counselor might be embarrassed to admit this but ask any private counselor and they will tell you - especially if you are in a tony private - to submit test scores if you can. If you can't, it will be assumed that they are poor and you will not get into top schools

Who's wrong? The admissions offices that say no inferences are made? Because that was my point. What's wrong is you making statements based on nothing more than your own hunches.

Folks, this landscape is perpetually shifting. Find out from tge schools' admissions offices what they think about no score.

Very true. This will be a strange cycle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:TO will not be a great look for a someone w your DCs stats. Not too hard to bump up sat. I would have him work on that. Superscoring to at least 1500 will be straightforward. Good luck.

+1 With his stats, TO will look like his test scores are not 1500+, especially with 4/5 on all his AP tests. So yes, it will look "fishy" to the AO. So unless you are form a Low income zip code, it will be assumed he didn't do well on the SAT/ACT.

That's the thing, TO is not really TO at most schools. If you are from a zipcode where everyone can easily take the tests, then you should take it and submit

What is your support for this? I would agree if school says "test recommended," but most who say TO are explicit that nothing will be assumed by not submitting, it's just 1 data point.

wrong. human nature assumes the kid is a poor test taker and is hiding something. What is college? Four years of testing. So colleges only want the kids that fit the profile they are seeking (URM, first generation, etc.) for test optional slots. This is obvious. Your public high school counselor might be embarrassed to admit this but ask any private counselor and they will tell you - especially if you are in a tony private - to submit test scores if you can. If you can't, it will be assumed that they are poor and you will not get into top schools

Who's wrong? The admissions offices that say no inferences are made? Because that was my point. What's wrong is you making statements based on nothing more than your own hunches.

Folks, this landscape is perpetually shifting. Find out from tge schools' admissions offices what they think about no score.

The schools HAVE to say that being TO since they are making hundreds of thousands more dollars being TO. Doesn't mean that don't make inferences. It's human nature as someone said. No one would go TO if they scored well.

Except now what is considered a good score is much higher than it used a be. A 33 ACT is no longer good - you need a 35 or 36 to stand out. So a lot of kids who scored scored well (like a 33) won't send it in. So it's all kind of meaningless now. Before test optional, you would have been proud to send in that score.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

wrong. human nature assumes the kid is a poor test taker and is hiding something. What is college? Four years of testing. So colleges only want the kids that fit the profile they are seeking (URM, first generation, etc.) for test optional slots. This is obvious. Your public high school counselor might be embarrassed to admit this but ask any private counselor and they will tell you - especially if you are in a tony private - to submit test scores if you can. If you can't, it will be assumed that they are poor and you will not get into top schools

This doesn't match the results we've seen in this cycle. High stat white kids from DMV private and public schools admitted TO to a number of T30 schools and I won't be surprised to see many more TO acceptances on Ivy Day. Our private counselor said since current reported test scores are skewed to the higher end of the range, close to 50% of kids are successfully going TO.

What school? That isn’t what we are seeing (kids getting in T20 using scores) and a full third of the class has some type of national merit honors. Not seeing any unhooked students outside this group getting in most selective schools. We are in Maryland.

Both our school and private counselor encouraging use of test scores.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

wrong. human nature assumes the kid is a poor test taker and is hiding something. What is college? Four years of testing. So colleges only want the kids that fit the profile they are seeking (URM, first generation, etc.) for test optional slots. This is obvious. Your public high school counselor might be embarrassed to admit this but ask any private counselor and they will tell you - especially if you are in a tony private - to submit test scores if you can. If you can't, it will be assumed that they are poor and you will not get into top schools

This doesn't match the results we've seen in this cycle. High stat white kids from DMV private and public schools admitted TO to a number of T30 schools and I won't be surprised to see many more TO acceptances on Ivy Day. Our private counselor said since current reported test scores are skewed to the higher end of the range, close to 50% of kids are successfully going TO.

What school? That isn’t what we are seeing (kids getting in T20 using scores) and a full third of the class has some type of national merit honors. Not seeing any unhooked students outside this group getting in most selective schools. We are in Maryland.

Both our school and private counselor encouraging use of test scores.

Clarifying that my kids attend private schools known for their academic rigor in Maryland.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:TO will not be a great look for a someone w your DCs stats. Not too hard to bump up sat. I would have him work on that. Superscoring to at least 1500 will be straightforward. Good luck.

+1 With his stats, TO will look like his test scores are not 1500+, especially with 4/5 on all his AP tests. So yes, it will look "fishy" to the AO. So unless you are form a Low income zip code, it will be assumed he didn't do well on the SAT/ACT.

That's the thing, TO is not really TO at most schools. If you are from a zipcode where everyone can easily take the tests, then you should take it and submit

What is your support for this? I would agree if school says "test recommended," but most who say TO are explicit that nothing will be assumed by not submitting, it's just 1 data point.

wrong. human nature assumes the kid is a poor test taker and is hiding something. What is college? Four years of testing. So colleges only want the kids that fit the profile they are seeking (URM, first generation, etc.) for test optional slots. This is obvious. Your public high school counselor might be embarrassed to admit this but ask any private counselor and they will tell you - especially if you are in a tony private - to submit test scores if you can. If you can't, it will be assumed that they are poor and you will not get into top schools

Who's wrong? The admissions offices that say no inferences are made? Because that was my point. What's wrong is you making statements based on nothing more than your own hunches.

Folks, this landscape is perpetually shifting. Find out from tge schools' admissions offices what they think about no score.

The schools HAVE to say that being TO since they are making hundreds of thousands more dollars being TO. Doesn't mean that don't make inferences. It's human nature as someone said. No one would go TO if they scored well.

But it’s working. Kids are getting into T25 as a TO candidate.
And you are pissed - Tiger mom - that it’s working. Why?

Lol tiger mom? Do you know me? I'm happy to have TO. We aren't applying to T25 so don't care and I said it's obvious kids who don't submit did poorly. I would always submit 33 unless it was ivy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

wrong. human nature assumes the kid is a poor test taker and is hiding something. What is college? Four years of testing. So colleges only want the kids that fit the profile they are seeking (URM, first generation, etc.) for test optional slots. This is obvious. Your public high school counselor might be embarrassed to admit this but ask any private counselor and they will tell you - especially if you are in a tony private - to submit test scores if you can. If you can't, it will be assumed that they are poor and you will not get into top schools

This doesn't match the results we've seen in this cycle. High stat white kids from DMV private and public schools admitted TO to a number of T30 schools and I won't be surprised to see many more TO acceptances on Ivy Day. Our private counselor said since current reported test scores are skewed to the higher end of the range, close to 50% of kids are successfully going TO.

What school? That isn’t what we are seeing (kids getting in T20 using scores) and a full third of the class has some type of national merit honors. Not seeing any unhooked students outside this group getting in most selective schools. We are in Maryland.

Both our school and private counselor encouraging use of test scores.

Clarifying that my kids attend private schools known for their academic rigor in Maryland.

Why not MCPS?