What are test-optional college admissions policies? And should you still take the SAT and/or ACT?

Test optional college admissions policies are admissions policies that allow applicants to choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT) as part of their application. Under test optional policies, students are not required to submit their scores, but may choose to do so if they feel their scores accurately reflect their academic ability and potential.

The main purpose of test optional policies is to promote greater access and equity in college admissions. Advocates argue that standardized tests may disadvantage certain groups of students, such as low-income students, students of color, and students with disabilities, who may not have access to high-quality test preparation or who may face other barriers to performing well on standardized tests. Test optional policies seek to reduce the impact of test scores on admissions decisions and provide more opportunities for students to showcase their academic achievements in other ways.

The specific policies vary by institution, but some colleges and universities may require additional application materials in lieu of test scores, such as additional essays, interviews, or graded writing samples. Other institutions may place greater emphasis on other factors in the admissions process, such as GPA, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.

While test optional policies may help promote greater equity in admissions, they also have potential drawbacks. Critics argue that test optional policies can make admissions decisions more subjective and less predictable, as admissions officers may need to rely on other factors to make their decisions. Additionally, some students may still feel pressure to submit test scores, particularly if they believe that their scores will strengthen their application. Finally, some institutions may require test scores for certain programs or scholarships, which can create confusion for students who are trying to navigate the application process.