It’s no secret that COVID has created plenty of upheavals, especially in college admissions. Over the next few months, we’ll discuss how students should navigate these changes. This month, we’ll go over post-COVID standardized testing changes and FAQs.
The majority of colleges have changed their testing requirements recently, which seems like it’s only caused more confusion! Below is a handy cheat sheet I’ve created that summarizes the different testing policies.
How do I find out a college’s current test policy?
That information should be on the college’s website (check under the admissions page). Unfortunately, every college is not great about specifying whether they fall under the “Test Optional with Caveats” category. If a college on your list does not explicitly state in their website and/or in official emails that they are completely test optional, I would recommend reaching out to your geographic region’s admission counselor to confirm that there are no caveats that would affect you.
If I don’t submit test scores for a test blind or test optional school, how will the admissions counselors evaluate my application?
Don’t forget that there are many other pieces of your application besides test scores! That can include your transcript, essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and even interviews. Admission counselors are trained to use the information they have in front of them. If that information doesn’t happen to include test scores, the other pieces of the application will just hold a little bit more weight during the review process.
It is important to note that many test optional colleges are requiring students to submit additional essays or portfolios if they choose not to submit test scores. That provides the admission counselors with even more information as they evaluate applications. Any additional requirements should be listed on the college’s website and/or their application.
I still haven’t taken an ACT or SAT and all the colleges I’m applying to are completely test optional. Should I still sign up for an ACT/SAT?
In that case, I would recommend that you take a timed full-length diagnostic ACT and SAT. If your results are at least close to the average scores for the colleges on your list (meaning that with just a little test prep you could presumably meet or exceed that average), I would sign up for at least one exam. If you are able to meet or exceed that average, it can only help your application! However, if your diagnostic scores are not close to the average (or you simply don’t want to worry about taking the ACT/SAT right now), don’t worry about it! You should not be disadvantaged at completely test optional schools for not sending in test scores.
What if I’m not able to take the ACT or SAT until after the deadlines have passed?
Discuss this with the admission counselors at the colleges you’re applying to! Certain colleges that are still requiring test scores have announced they are allowing students to submit their applications and receive a “conditional acceptance,” which will become unconditional once the student submits test scores anytime before May 1st.
It can be very confusing to keep track of all these different policies, which is even more of a reason to stay in touch with your admission counselors as needed over the next few months. I expect communication will be more important than ever during this year’s application season. At the end of the day, admission counselors are humans and will hopefully want to work with you as much as possible.
I’m a current junior. Should I take the ACT/SAT?
At this point, I am still having my current juniors take a diagnostic ACT and SAT. We are using those results to decide which test they will be focusing on and come up with a loose testing plan. Generally, I am not recommending that my juniors take the ACT or SAT until early 2021 to ensure that there are enough seats for seniors. However, I am having my juniors plan to take the tests at some point because many of these test optional policies are currently temporary. Not to mention that the public colleges and state scholarship programs in Georgia and Florida are still requiring test scores. Since we’re not sure what the future will bring, I try to have my students prepared for anything!
Do you have a specific question about testing requirements or college admissions? Contact us today!