Chloe Reidy, Reporter
@creidycourant22
During this time of uncertainty, colleges have decided to become test optional due to the cancellations of schools, SAT or ACT testing, and college tours. Colleges and universities that are becoming test optional are not focusing on the applicant’s standardized test scores, but rather analyzing the academic and extracurricular achievements. There are mixed emotions between stress and relief about this new approach for some students based on their experience with testing.
College and career center coordinator Susan Carroll said colleges will be more interested in student’s course selections and grades, than ACT/SAT results. “In general, colleges that develop a test optional program are saying to students, “we think your scholarly self is more than what you do on a three hour standardized test. We are more interested in seeing how you show up each day in school and how seriously you take your schoolwork,” Ms. Carroll said. “For most students, this is a benefit.”
School counselor Linda McGann said there is no data that suggests not submitting scores would hurt a student’s application. “If a student is qualified, and that is evident through the transcript and other interests, and does not submit scores, then a college will make a decision based upon what is available,” Ms. McGann said. “Admissions will continue to follow the guidelines of identifying which courses our high school offers, the appropriate classes a student took advantage of, the strength and rigor of the course load, and the student’s performance in the classes.”
Regarding SAT and ACT tests, there are options to continue taking them in the upcoming summer and fall. The upcoming dates are June 13th for the ACT and June 6th for the SAT. In addition to studying for either test, the act.org is offering online webinars and blogs that can assist students with learning resources. “With the cancellation of many test administration dates in the near future, this may bring relief to some juniors who may not have the opportunity to take the SAT or ACT before they apply in the fall of their senior year,” Ms. McGann said. “However, I would imagine that most of our students will be taking at least one of these exams in the fall, if they are available. If a school is test optional, a student may still choose to submit his or her scores if they highlight the student’s abilities in a positive way.”
Colleges are also adapting to virtual learning alongside students. Colleges are hosting virtual tours and zoom meetings for prospective students who are interested in their schools. There are some popular colleges that have become test optional, including Tufts University, Tulane University, Texas Christian University, University of Richmond, Wellesley College, Santa Clara and many more. You can find the test optional list on fairtest.org featuring more than 1,160 colleges and universities in alphabetical order.
Even without having standardized test scores on student’s applications, there are other ways that students can distinguish themselves from others including their transcripts and extracurricular activities. “I think this approach is better for students that have had good progression throughout their high school grades and those that have been able to keep up,” junior Ellie Luciano said. “Although many colleges claim to already be giving a very holistic review, I think now especially more than ever, having optional test scores will be the new approach.”
