OP,

As for selectivity, here's U.S. News' criteria.

http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2013/09/09/best-colleges-ranking-criteria-and-weights

A classmate of my child's was accepted to a test optional school. This classmate had good grades and EC's, but didn't score high on the SAT, so he/she didn't submit them.

I would definitely discuss this with your child's school's college counseling staff. If DC scores decently, I'd include test scores.

DC (junior) has a few on the list, including Wake Forest and Sewanee. I have several questions about this. What is the reason some schools have ditched the SAT and ACT, and if it is because they don't think the tests are valid or reliable, why are students still permitted to submit scores? Wouldn't it look bad not to submit them when others are doing so (unless perhaps you have a hook that makes you otherwise attractive)?Also, how does one measure a college's "selectivity" when it it test optional? I still see these schools listed as "more selective" or "most selective"--is that just based on acceptance rate?

I know there is a lot of debate about whether these tests accurately measure aptitude or predict college success. But I am frankly nervous to spend so much money on a school that has no objective way to compare students from different schools and different parts of the country.

Can anyone who knows the research in this area or who has recent experience with a test optional school share information? Thanks.