More and more colleges and universities are becoming flexible on their use of standardized test scores as a determinant for admission. Recent College Sage reviews of Wake Forest and Wesleyan piqued our interest in exploring some others. Many schools now believe it should be the applicant’s decision whether he or she feels that their test scores are a true indication of their ability and Wesleyan goes so far as to state “We do not believe that test score results accurately reflect the college potential of all students; we believe that students have the power to choose whether or not standardized test results represent their academic achievement and future potential.”
Once the policy of relatively small liberal arts colleges such as Bates and Smith, the test-optional or flexible movement has expanded to larger metropolitan campuses such as George Washington University and New York University.
The George Washington University's test-optional policy went into effect on August 1, 2015, so if you are thinking of applying for freshman or transfer admission you are not required to submit standardized test scores, except in select circumstances (with which the College Sage can assist.) This policy aligns with GW’s admissions philosophy of holistic review, supports the university strategic plan on access, and reflects the most current data analysis regarding the use of testing in admission. According to their website, they feel the best indication of whether a student will be successful at GW is their performance in high school—the grades they earn and the rigor of their coursework (a theme we keep seeing.) And at NYU, applicants can choose from a menu of various options to submit instead of standardized tests, a test-flexible policy which is becoming more popular each year.
Bowdoin College in Brunswick ME was the first liberal arts school to abandon submission of scores as a requirement for admission and they started the policy back in 1969. Along with similar colleges such as Bates (who went “t-o” in 1984) they present years of compelling research that t-o applicants fare just as well academically as other students. The reasons for a college or university to go t-o are fairly consistent and are, for them, yielding positive results.
Smith, a highly selective women’s college in western Massachusetts, adopted a test-optional policy in 2008. The college cited “evidence of correlations between race, household income, and test performance” as one of the reasons for the policy.
Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem NC has been test-optional since 2008 and the school is very happy with the results. The University states “Ethnic diversity in the undergraduate population increased by 44 percent from Fall 2008 (the final year in which scores were required) to the Fall of 2014. Furthermore, there has been no difference in academic achievement at Wake Forest between those who submitted scores and those who declined to do so.” Pitzer College in Claremont CA also touts their significant increase in diversity, number of applicants, and student retention since going test-optional.
The application credentials to be submitted for admission in lieu of test scores vary widely amongst the schools and can be fulfilled in a variety of ways. Some examples are: an academic portfolio of writing samples, scores of AP tests, supplemental essays, samples of scientific or quantitative work, and academic recommendations. Homeschooled and international applicants may apply using the test-optional portfolio path at some but not all t-o schools.
If you are interested in navigating the multiple and significant opportunities offered by the increasing number of test-optional schools, contact the College Sage for personal guidance and advice.
Photo credit: http://parentingsquad.com/act-test-tips-for-high-school-students-and-parents
