"Test optional"? Make an informed decision!

Test-optional institutions do not require—but also do not discourage or ignore—scores on standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT. If your student has or is capable of achieving a strong score on a standardized test, you should report the score. A strong score will only ever enhance an application, even (perhaps especially!) when it is not a required component.

The most effective applications tell rounded, compelling stories about a candidate. Think of a standardized test score as communicating something entirely different to an admissions committee from what they might gather from an applicant’s personal statement, list of extracurriculars, or resume.

If you plan to submit a score, keep in mind that depending on the school, your application may be one of a smaller number of student profiles that elect to submit scores, which can send a positive message about a student’s academic success and willingness to complete an optional step of the admissions process. Doing so also emphasizes to a committee than an applicant utilized every resource to prepare a competitive application.

If you plan to not submit a score, this can be a beneficial route if your student struggles with standardized testing. (Consider the places on the application that allow a student to address this, such as the personal statement or in one of the supplementary essays!) Not submitting a score can also increase your student’s chance of admission at “reach” schools—as long as the other components of their application are strong.

Choose the option that is most advantageous for your student. If you have robust numerical data showing the strength of your students academics on their resume, transcript, and other components, a strong score will be less valuable. If your student applies to competitive programs, if they don’t have a robust record of activities on their resume, and/or if their personal statement is not compelling, then you should plan to take and submit an ACT/SAT test with the aim of submitting a strong score.