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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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8 answers
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!!
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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!
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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
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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.