LibGuides: College 101: What’s going on with Standardized tests?

What's going on with standardized tests?

Trending towards less standardized tests

The majority of higher ed institutions suspended or permanently discontinued testing requirements during the pandemic, and many schools still do not require students to submit SAT or ACT scores,” according to EAB’s Dean of Enrollment Management, Madeleine Rhyneer. 1

1 Survey of 5k Gen Z Students Highlights DEI Impact of Test-Optional Admissions

FAQs

Do I need to take the SAT or ACT in order to apply to college?

No. However, some schools and programs may require or look favorably on the submission of these test scores. Whether or not you might choose to submit scores is dependent on the school or program to which you are applying.

Why might I need to submit a test score?

If the specific program (eg. Computer Science or Engineering at UW) is highly selective, and your SAT scores are higher than the schools average or reported scores, then it might be worthwhile to submit the SAT or ACT scores to add additional evidence of your academic success to the application materials.

Will I need to take an SAT prep class?

No. If you want to improve your scores, becoming familiar with the question types is a great way to start - and taking free practice tests is also a good way to practice. You may want to take a preparation class if you are aiming to submit scores to a specific program, and you want to improve your scores.

What is the difference between “test-optional” and “test-blind”?

Schools and programs that are “test-blind” don’t look at test scores at all. Programs that are “test-optional” will consider scores if applicants choose to submit them.

Test Optional and Test Free Colleges - FairTest.org

2000

Accredited, Bachelor’s Degree granting colleges and universities with ACT/SAT optional or test-free admission policies for students seeking to enroll in Fall 2024 ordeyond

1900+ ACT/SAT Optional institutions and 80+ Test-Free Institutions*

*Data from FairTest.org

Test Optional and Test Free Colleges
This list includes bachelor degree granting institutions that do not require all or most recent U.S. high school graduates applying for fall 2024 to submit ACT/SAT results before admissions decisions are made. As the restrictions column indicates, some schools only exempt applicants who meet minimum grade or class rank criteria; others use ACT/SAT scores solely for course placement. Please check with individual schools for details.

Learn More

Reconsidering Standardized Testing
This article gives recommendations to high school students on when to take standardized tests for college admissions, even for "test-optional" schools.. Author: Julie Kampschroeder, writing for SCOIR; November 10, 2020.
Test Optional vs. Test Blind or Test Free
A discussion of the differences Test Optional vs. Test Blind or Test Free college admissions policies and how it affects the admissions experience of high school seniors. Updated August 10, 2021.
A guide to test-optional and test-blind admissions
The article explains the the difference between test-optional and test-blind colleges and the impact test-optional policies have on admissions. The article concludes with recommendations for students. Author: Dr. Michael Nietzel, writing for Degree Choices; published October 4, 2021; updated April 6, 2022.

(Webinar Video) What College Admissions Looks Like in 2022 (3.23.2022)

In this panel session the College Essay Guy talks with three college admission reps on a wide range of topics, including standardized testing in the era of test optional, what surprised them this past year about the admissions process, and what current students can do to prepare for the college admissions process. Check out the recording of this conversation with Deanna Dixon (Dean of Admission, Smith College), Rick Clark (Director of Admission, Georgia Tech), and Gigi McGuire (Asst. Dir. of Partnerships & Initiatives, Cal-State Northridge).