Navigating the Test Optional Landscape: Insights and Strategies from Coach Art

In recent years, the college admissions landscape has undergone significant changes, particularly concerning standardized testing requirements. Coach Art from Eagle Lock offers an insightful training session that demystifies the concept of "test optional" admissions policies, explains their origins, and provides practical strategies for students and families to make informed decisions about submitting SAT or ACT scores. Here, we distill the key points from Coach Art's comprehensive discussion to help you navigate this evolving terrain.

Understanding Test Optional: What Does It Really Mean?

The term test optional means that colleges will review your application with or without SAT/ACT scores. You can choose whether to submit your test scores, and ideally, you won’t be penalized if you don’t. However, it’s important to understand the nuances:

• Test Optional: Scores can be submitted but are not required. They may be considered if submitted.
• Test Blind: Schools do not consider test scores at all, even if submitted (e.g., University of California system).
• Test Flexible: Some schools accept alternative standardized measures like AP or IB scores instead of SAT/ACT.

Despite being test optional, many colleges prefer that applicants submit scores, especially when awarding merit scholarships or for competitive majors. This preference is often not transparent, so students should carefully research each school’s policies.

Why Did Test Optional Policies Become Popular?

The shift to test optional policies accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic due to:

• Reduced Test Access: Testing centers closed or limited availability, making it difficult for many students to take standardized tests.
• Increasing Applications: Removing test score requirements boosted application numbers, helping colleges appear more selective.
• Equity Goals: Schools aimed to reduce barriers for under-resourced students or those who felt standardized tests were biased.

While test optional policies support access and equity, they also serve as a marketing strategy to attract a broader applicant pool.

Test Required vs. Test Optional Schools

• Test Required: Applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores for their applications to be considered complete. Many prestigious private universities (Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford) and some large public universities (UT Austin, Georgia Tech) still require scores.
• Test Optional: Applicants decide whether to submit scores. Scores are considered if submitted but not mandatory.

Even at test required schools, admissions are holistic, meaning test scores are one part of a broader evaluation that includes GPA, coursework rigor, essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars.

When Should You Submit Your Scores?

Coach Art emphasizes a data-driven approach:

• Submit scores if your SAT/ACT is at or above the school's middle 50% range. This range can be found through resources like the Common Data Set, College Board’s Big Future, or fairest.org.
• Avoid submitting scores below the middle 50% range, as this can weaken your application.
• For example:
• USC’s middle 50% SAT range is 1440-1540. Submit if your score is 1450 or higher.
• University of Oregon’s range is 1170-1370. Submit if your score is 1250 or higher.

Additionally, AP scores of 4 or 5 can complement your application but do not replace SAT/ACT requirements at test required schools.

Strategies If You Choose Not to Submit Scores

If you decide against submitting test scores (or if the school is test blind):

• Maximize course rigor. Take challenging courses such as honors, AP, IB, or dual enrollment classes.
• Showcase strong grades and academic growth. Admissions officers look for year-over-year improvement.
• Build a compelling profile through extracurriculars and leadership. Aim for significant weekly involvement (20-35+ hours depending on school competitiveness).
• Craft powerful essays that reveal your personality, intellectual curiosity, and voice.
• Obtain strong letters of recommendation from teachers who know you well.
• Consider submitting additional materials if allowed (e.g., portfolios for creative fields).

Important Tips on Testing and Preparing

• Plan to take your first SAT/ACT by spring of junior year to allow time for retakes.
• Use official practice tests and free resources like Khan Academy or ACT Academy for efficient prep.
• Research each school’s score reporting policies (e.g., super scoring, score report deadlines).
• Don’t rely solely on test scores; holistic factors are critical.
• Avoid taking excessive test attempts—most improvements occur within the first two tests.

Final Takeaways

1. Do your homework: Research each school’s test policies and middle 50% score ranges.
2. Decide by school: You might submit scores to some schools but not others.
3. Submit if competitive: If scores are within or above the middle 50%, submitting can enhance your application.
4. Don’t submit if low: Scores below the middle 50% can harm your chances.
5. Focus on the whole application: Strong essays, recommendations, leadership, and course rigor matter greatly.
6. There is no shame in going test optional. Many students succeed without submitting scores.
7. Use data: Make decisions based on research and your own academic profile.

Helpful Resources to Research Score Ranges and Policies

• Common Data Set: Google “School Name + Common Data Set” and check section C9 for test scores.
• Big Future (College Board): Offers score ranges and test policies.
• Fairest.org: Lists detailed test optional policies by school.
• Naviance: Many high schools provide access to scattergrams showing past students’ scores and admissions results.

Conclusion

Coach Art’s training offers valuable clarity in a confusing admissions environment. By understanding the true meaning of test optional, recognizing when scores help or hurt, and building a strong holistic application, students can confidently navigate their college admissions journey.

If you would like personalized guidance, Eagle Lock offers free 15-minute consultations with admissions counselors to discuss your unique situation.

Whether you submit your test scores or not, remember that your entire application tells your story. Approach the process informed and strategic, and you can maximize your chances of admission success.

For more expert advice and training, stay tuned to Coach Art’s sessions and explore Eagle Lock’s resources.