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Is it true that colleges are not looking into SAT or ACT scores?
I struggle with standardized testing. Many of my classmates and students my age are taking the SAT. If I consider going test optional, will that lower my chances to getting into my dream colleges(UCs)?
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James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 => Optimization Of Human Performance: jim.frangos@gmail
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James Constantine’s Answer
An Extremely Good Day To You, Vicky!
Is it true that colleges are not looking into SAT or ACT scores?
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in college admissions policies regarding standardized testing, particularly the SAT and ACT. Many colleges and universities have adopted test-optional policies, meaning that applicants are not required to submit these scores as part of their application. This trend has accelerated since the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted many institutions to reevaluate their admissions processes.
Test-Optional Policies: A growing number of colleges, including prestigious institutions such as the University of California (UC) system, have implemented test-optional policies. For instance, in May 2020, the UC Board of Regents voted to suspend the use of SAT and ACT scores in admissions decisions through at least 2024. This decision was influenced by concerns about equity and access, as standardized tests can disproportionately affect students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Impact on Admissions: While some schools still consider SAT or ACT scores if submitted, many do not weigh them heavily in their admissions decisions. The emphasis is increasingly placed on other factors such as high school GPA, coursework rigor, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. For students who struggle with standardized testing like you mentioned, opting for a test-optional route may not necessarily lower your chances of admission if you can demonstrate strong performance in these other areas.
University of California (UC) System Specifics: The UC system has been particularly progressive in this regard. As of now, they have eliminated standardized testing requirements altogether for admissions purposes and are focusing on a holistic review process that evaluates students based on multiple criteria beyond just test scores.
Considerations for Applicants: If you choose to apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores (test-optional), it is essential to ensure that other aspects of your application are robust. This includes maintaining a strong GPA, engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities, obtaining solid letters of recommendation, and writing compelling personal statements that reflect your experiences and aspirations.
Conclusion: In summary, while some colleges still consider SAT or ACT scores as part of their admissions process, many have moved towards a more holistic approach that does not prioritize these tests. Therefore, choosing to go test-optional should not inherently lower your chances at competitive schools like those within the UC system if you present a strong overall application.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. University of California Admissions Website
This source provides official information regarding admissions policies specific to the UC system and outlines their stance on standardized testing.
2. National Center for Fair & Open Testing (FairTest)
FairTest is an organization dedicated to ending the misuse of standardized tests and provides comprehensive data on which colleges are adopting test-optional policies.
3. Inside Higher Ed
This publication covers news related to higher education and frequently reports on trends in college admissions practices including changes related to standardized testing requirements.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=========================God Bless You, Richly!===========================|
|=========================James Constantine=============================|
|=======================The Little Old Aussie Battler========================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|==========================~ Since 1972!================================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Is it true that colleges are not looking into SAT or ACT scores?
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in college admissions policies regarding standardized testing, particularly the SAT and ACT. Many colleges and universities have adopted test-optional policies, meaning that applicants are not required to submit these scores as part of their application. This trend has accelerated since the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted many institutions to reevaluate their admissions processes.
Test-Optional Policies: A growing number of colleges, including prestigious institutions such as the University of California (UC) system, have implemented test-optional policies. For instance, in May 2020, the UC Board of Regents voted to suspend the use of SAT and ACT scores in admissions decisions through at least 2024. This decision was influenced by concerns about equity and access, as standardized tests can disproportionately affect students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Impact on Admissions: While some schools still consider SAT or ACT scores if submitted, many do not weigh them heavily in their admissions decisions. The emphasis is increasingly placed on other factors such as high school GPA, coursework rigor, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. For students who struggle with standardized testing like you mentioned, opting for a test-optional route may not necessarily lower your chances of admission if you can demonstrate strong performance in these other areas.
University of California (UC) System Specifics: The UC system has been particularly progressive in this regard. As of now, they have eliminated standardized testing requirements altogether for admissions purposes and are focusing on a holistic review process that evaluates students based on multiple criteria beyond just test scores.
Considerations for Applicants: If you choose to apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores (test-optional), it is essential to ensure that other aspects of your application are robust. This includes maintaining a strong GPA, engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities, obtaining solid letters of recommendation, and writing compelling personal statements that reflect your experiences and aspirations.
Conclusion: In summary, while some colleges still consider SAT or ACT scores as part of their admissions process, many have moved towards a more holistic approach that does not prioritize these tests. Therefore, choosing to go test-optional should not inherently lower your chances at competitive schools like those within the UC system if you present a strong overall application.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. University of California Admissions Website
This source provides official information regarding admissions policies specific to the UC system and outlines their stance on standardized testing.
2. National Center for Fair & Open Testing (FairTest)
FairTest is an organization dedicated to ending the misuse of standardized tests and provides comprehensive data on which colleges are adopting test-optional policies.
3. Inside Higher Ed
This publication covers news related to higher education and frequently reports on trends in college admissions practices including changes related to standardized testing requirements.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=========================God Bless You, Richly!===========================|
|=========================James Constantine=============================|
|=======================The Little Old Aussie Battler========================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|==========================~ Since 1972!================================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Updated
Twilio’s Answer
It’s only one small factor in how schools look at a student. Dedication to other activities, grades and other elements all have more weight over time. One factor for some schools is how likely you would be to go to their school if accepted - so enthusiasm for certain programs can also be really important in how you come across in an application.
Updated
Twilio’s Answer
Schools clearly specify if they won’t look/consider SAT/ACT scores or have them as ‘optional’. It’s a bit tricky where they state it as ‘optional’. As I understand these schools would like to get your ‘best’ strengths - so go with what you consider as your strengths, instead of just focussing on SAT/ACT. If that’s (scores) your strength, do submit those.
Updated
Sara’s Answer
Many schools are still test optional, so you should do your best to prepare, and try your best, but know that there are still lots of options for you without high scores. Build the rest of your application resume to show that you are a well rounded student with interesting ideas who would contribute to a college campus.
Honestly, even the schools that are test optional report scores that are artificially high, because only the students who scored well report their scores. Until a school requires all students to submit scores (i.e Ivy Leagues), they won't have a good baseline for evaluating.
Honestly, even the schools that are test optional report scores that are artificially high, because only the students who scored well report their scores. Until a school requires all students to submit scores (i.e Ivy Leagues), they won't have a good baseline for evaluating.
Updated
Katie’s Answer
I also struggled A LOT with standardized testing so I completely understand where you are coming from. When I was applying to college, testing was required and my scores were well below average. I am happy to share that this did not affect my ability to get accepted into a majority of the schools I applied to. However, it's really important to be realistic with your expectations and apply to only a few "reach schools" and apply to a majority of schools that you feel confident you will get accepted.
One recommendation I have for anyone who is not confident in testing or in their test scores is to consider taking an interview if the school offers this. This allows you to put a face to your application and show the admissions office that you are more than just a number and test score. Not every school offers this but some do and I highly encourage it. Also, if the opportunity allows for it, address your struggles with testing in your essay! This is what I did to show that testing is a challenge that I am aware of but I wanted to prove that my writing skills were strong.
On a personal note, I know testing is incredibly stressful and can also be really upsetting. As best you can, try not to compare yourself to your friends or classmates when it comes to test results. There is so much more that admissions offices take into account than just your testing. You got this!!
One recommendation I have for anyone who is not confident in testing or in their test scores is to consider taking an interview if the school offers this. This allows you to put a face to your application and show the admissions office that you are more than just a number and test score. Not every school offers this but some do and I highly encourage it. Also, if the opportunity allows for it, address your struggles with testing in your essay! This is what I did to show that testing is a challenge that I am aware of but I wanted to prove that my writing skills were strong.
On a personal note, I know testing is incredibly stressful and can also be really upsetting. As best you can, try not to compare yourself to your friends or classmates when it comes to test results. There is so much more that admissions offices take into account than just your testing. You got this!!
Updated
Rai’s Answer
Looking ahead to 2024, the weight given to SAT and ACT scores differs from college to college. A number of schools have embraced a test-optional approach, giving students the freedom to decide if they want to submit their scores. Yet, there are still some colleges that take these scores into account when deciding on admissions, scholarships, or placement.
So, if you're aiming for top-tier schools, having impressive scores could give your application a nice boost!
So, if you're aiming for top-tier schools, having impressive scores could give your application a nice boost!
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Yes, not all universities are requiring ACT/SAT scores to be submitted. This requirement changed during COVID years especially. However, there is a trend to reinstate the requirement to submit those test scores (see article here). It seems like schools are realizing that one of the best indicators of a students success at school is in their ACT/SAT scores. So, I think it is important to make sure you put time, effort, and practice to prepare for that testing. Take it 2-3 different times! You can submit your best score overall. Some even take a superset score of the best scores of your different sections.
I didn't score as well as I hoped. I had a dream school whose average ACT was higher than what I scored. But, I was able to showcase other areas besides just grades and ACT score that was valuable to the school in showing I was a well-round person that had initiative. Written essays become a big factor here to show examples of hard work, extracurricular activities, and volunteer and leadership experience. They were looking for well-rounded individuals, and I was still able to get in, even though I didn't have an average ACT score for that school
I didn't score as well as I hoped. I had a dream school whose average ACT was higher than what I scored. But, I was able to showcase other areas besides just grades and ACT score that was valuable to the school in showing I was a well-round person that had initiative. Written essays become a big factor here to show examples of hard work, extracurricular activities, and volunteer and leadership experience. They were looking for well-rounded individuals, and I was still able to get in, even though I didn't have an average ACT score for that school
Updated
Gisele’s Answer
Hello!
Since COVID occurred, many schools opted to be test optional or not require any tests score. My best advice to you would be to take the test at least once. If you end up getting a good score, utilize it and add to your resume. If it's not the score you want, don't add it. When it comes to competitive schools that have low acceptance rates, it most likely wouldn't hurt to have a standardized score.
However, what really comes down to is your college essays and interviews. I know plenty of people who got in to schools with low acceptance grades with no test scores. They just made sure to have a resume that stood out (volunteering, leadership roles, sports, etc.) to help them get an interview with their school. Then, at their interview, they showed why they would be a good fit for the school.
The same goes for graduate schools. GRE's are still required at some schools but at my university (which has a top program for clinical psychology) they accept people with no test scores and many of the graduate students don't have any. How they got in was through experience by working at research labs, conducting personal research and volunteering.
You can go far without tests scores!
Since COVID occurred, many schools opted to be test optional or not require any tests score. My best advice to you would be to take the test at least once. If you end up getting a good score, utilize it and add to your resume. If it's not the score you want, don't add it. When it comes to competitive schools that have low acceptance rates, it most likely wouldn't hurt to have a standardized score.
However, what really comes down to is your college essays and interviews. I know plenty of people who got in to schools with low acceptance grades with no test scores. They just made sure to have a resume that stood out (volunteering, leadership roles, sports, etc.) to help them get an interview with their school. Then, at their interview, they showed why they would be a good fit for the school.
The same goes for graduate schools. GRE's are still required at some schools but at my university (which has a top program for clinical psychology) they accept people with no test scores and many of the graduate students don't have any. How they got in was through experience by working at research labs, conducting personal research and volunteering.
You can go far without tests scores!
Updated
Twilio’s Answer
Yes, not all universities are requiring ACT/SAT scores to be submitted. This requirement changed during COVID years especially. However, there is a trend to reinstate the requirement to submit those test scores. See article here: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/applying/articles/some-colleges-are-requiring-test-scores-again-what-it-means-for-applicants.
It seems like schools are realizing that one of the best indicators of a students success at school is in their ACT/SAT scores. So, I think it is important to make sure you put time, effort, and practice to prepare for that testing. Take it 2-3 different times! You can submit your best score overall. Some even take a superset score of the best scores of your different sections.
It seems like schools are realizing that one of the best indicators of a students success at school is in their ACT/SAT scores. So, I think it is important to make sure you put time, effort, and practice to prepare for that testing. Take it 2-3 different times! You can submit your best score overall. Some even take a superset score of the best scores of your different sections.