The Disadvantages of Applying Test-Optional

With over 1,550 4-year colleges and universities going test-optional, students struggling to find time to study for the SAT/ACT between all their other commitments wonder if it is really necessary. To achieve the score you want, preparing for these exams can cost you hundreds of hours of your time, force you to devote several months to test prep, and mean sitting for the exam multiple times! The question of whether it is worth it is therefore an important one to ask. So what does test-optional really mean anyway?

The term refers to a college or university that does not require the submission of an SAT or ACT score in order to be considered for admission. There are other factors that are considered important along with or in lieu of standardized test scores: courses/grades, class rank, personal statements and essays, recommendations, extracurricular activities, and interviews.

The words “require” and “considered for admission” are important. Requirements simply set the minimum; the mere act of being considered for admission does not mean you have a high chance of being admitted. It is more helpful to look at the averages for the admitted classes of a college or university and make sure you are at that level in all parts of your application to have a high chance of being admitted.

Let’s take as an example the University of Chicago. Despite its test-optional policy, between 85 and 90 percent of admitted students submitted an SAT or ACT score in the last admissions cycle. Not submitting a score would therefore set you apart from the majority of the admitted class in a negative way. It would be negative because even though standardized test scores are not required, they are considered and have an impact on a student’s chance at being admitted. Showing you can perform at the level that is standard for the college/university you are applying to matters.

By choosing to do the minimum and not submit scores, a student would be putting themselves in a less competitive spot when compared to students who did submit standardized test scores in the school’s range. Even if he/she is competitive in other areas, applying test-optional negatively impacts the application because it makes the student less competitive. It also means he/she is less likely to be accepted because there are going to be other students with good grades, extracurricular achievements, and memorable personal statements who also submitted a standardized test score.

In addition to becoming less competitive, there are consequences to applying test-optional even after you are admitted into a college/university. Not submitting a standardized test score can be a costly decision. A great many merit scholarships either require or consider standardized test scores. There are also guaranteed scholarships given automatically if you achieve a certain SAT/ACT score.

At my alma mater, Boston University, I was awarded the Presidential Scholarship. This scholarship gave me $25,000 in merit aid each year. On its website, Boston University says that test scores are not required for the scholarship; however, the typical scholarship winner who submitted a score had an SAT of at least 1500 or an ACT of at least 33. By not submitting a score, students are missing out on an important opportunity to be competitive and stand out.

Applying to schools and merit scholarships without an SAT/ACT score is like trying to do everything with one hand tied behind your back. It is certainly possible to make it work successfully, but it makes your life more difficult. Putting in the time and effort to do well on the SAT or ACT is worth the boost it gives to your college application, even if it is to a test-optional college/university.  

Update: I would like to also address the struggles people have had taking standardized exams during the pandemic. Many students have faced cancellations or feel unsafe taking them in person. When you apply to college, you are not judged for what is outside your control. Evaluations are done within the context of your overall situation. If the pandemic prevented you from testing, it would be good to include that in your application. Do note that the other parts of your application will become even more important in the absence of a standardized test score. Not having the SAT/ACT score gives you one less way to stand out, which means you will need to stand out more in other parts of your application.