Anonymous
Post 04/11/2024 13:57     Subject: Question about Test Optional
Anonymous wrote:We are down to the final 2 decisions (both are reach schools). So far, my daughter has been admitted to all of her targets, safeties and low reach. For all of these schools (where she received a decision), she submitted her test scores. However, I just learned that my daughter went test optional for the two remaining schools. Her scores are 10 points lower than the 25% score (per CDS). I know that the traditional wisdom is to not submit scores if you are below either the mid 50% range (or in some cases the average). However, I wonder if it is wise to not submit scores when you score is super close to that mid 50% range? I read somewhere that schools will immediately assume that your score is 200 points lower than it actually is if you go test optional. So if the school has a md 50% range of 1490-1540 and your child's score is 1480, I would still think that you would want to submit your score. I'm just not a fan of test optional and I wish my daughter would have discussed it with me. Anyone have any thoughts?


How did it turn out for your daughter? Now that all is said & done
Anonymous
Post 03/17/2024 15:28     Subject: Question about Test Optional
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:OP here- she's definitely excited (and most likely going to commit to the one low reach she has been admitted to). However, just a little frustrated because like all of us, we want our kids to try their best (even if they get denied). Also, she is not URM. I know that it's too late - but because I didn't learn about it until this morning, it's just on top of my mind.


But it's done. Dwelling on it and second guessing won't do anything but cause you and your child heartache. Move on.


I will move on - I need today to dwell on it and my kid does not know how I am feeling. I just noticed today when I went into her portal. But of course I am not going to make my kid feel bad about it or anything.


HOLD UP! Cannot let this slide by unchecked:
WHAT ARE YOU DOING LOGGING INTO YOUR KID’S COLLEGE PORTALS?

Land the helicopter and get a life. And I say this as a mom of a senior who has been very, very involved in DD’s college application process. Logging into your kid’s portals is not a good look.


Oh, get serious! That’s not helicopter parenting. You obviously have one of the perfect children who made their bed marine-style and organized their clothes Marie Kondo-style as a two year old. The rest of us have very bright, but sometimes ADHD-adjacent, “regular kids” for whom the seriousness of life has not yet kicked in … and thank goodness for that!
Anonymous
Post 03/17/2024 15:11     Subject: Question about Test Optional
If you are close you should submit especially if it is a school where 80% enrolled submitted. I think it is telling you that AO are choosing those with scores. Please don’t believe the URM stuff the same rules apply. My kid URM is getting declined, waitlisted with similar stats.
Anonymous
Post 03/17/2024 14:49     Subject: Question about Test Optional
Although with testing coming back, the mid 50% should be more accurate in the future. One reason why we applied to Florida public schools is that they require tests (never went test optional) so we felt like it was easier to know what to expect. However, even in a situation where testing is required, the test scores still continued to rise- I think there are so many resources these days to help kids with testing (that wasn't available in the past).
Anonymous
Post 03/17/2024 14:42     Subject: Question about Test Optional
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:We were just at Swarthmore and they flat out said don’t submit unless in their printed 25-75% range. To a room of white prep school kids on spring break.


Same at Amherst


So in a few years their 25 percentile will be 1600. I have no doubt that this was said but it’s really dumb.