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The spring SATs were cancelled, and the spring ACTs were rescheduled. This means that college application requirements are under revision at many schools across the country.

The Current Situation

In the wake of COVID-19, many schools are strongly considering various forms of going ‘test-optional’. Some schools are making changes for the foreseeable future. Others are limiting their new requirements to only the next season or two of applications. The University of California system was one of the first to announce their plans to suspend the ACT/SAT requirement for applicants in the fall of 2020. Though some have emphasized that the change is only for one year, others point out that schools who have implemented test-optional plans in the past have never gone back. Of course, the pandemic situation is relevant here. The statistics may not be as relevant as they seem at first. This past week, both Cornell and Harvard announced their plans for standardized testing requirements. This makes them the first of the Ivy League schools to waive some portion of their application requirements.

So, what does test-optional really mean, and what considerations should students make before deciding to completely skip standardized testing?

Not All Policies Are The Same

First, it’s important for students to read each college’s individual policy. For example, headlines may declare that “both Harvard and Cornell are waiving their standardized testing requirements”. However, Harvard has only said that students will not be penalized for a lack of SAT Subject Tests or AP scores. Not quite the same thing as removing all standardized testing requirements. Cornell has said that, in the absence of standardized testing scores, they will look at applications with “more scrutiny” towards various criteria. There is still good reason to take the test and include it as part of their application. If a student performs well, that will be a point in their favor. It’s not a test-blind policy. Cornell’s statement also indicates that students who do not submit standardized test scores may be asked for supplementary materials to bolster their applications.

Athletes and NCAA Requirements

Another consideration – athletics. According to Cornell’s statement, “Applicants who expect to play on one or more of Cornell’s 37 varsity teams must continue to align their activity with Ivy League policy, which currently requires test submissions.” The NCAA has strong requirements for Division I & II athletes. So far, they have not waived those requirements for students who are planning to start college in the fall of 2021. Even if an individual school has a test optional policy, student athletes still must follow NCAA guidelines in order to play.

Do Your Research

It’s important that students and parents read all information about test-optional policies carefully. Make sure you know exactly what it means for you. Especially with few opportunities to test available! It’s better to be over-prepared and do your best to take and excel on the tests, rather than find out too late that standardized tests are actually required in your situation (or would have benefitted you strongly).

Not sure what these policies mean for you and your applications? Reach out to us! We can help help answer your questions and make sure you’re on the right track.

Additional resources:

Cornell’s Statement on Testing Policies: https://admissions.cornell.edu/news/cornell-university-suspends-actsat-testing-requirement-2021-applicants

Harvard’s Statement on Testing Policies: https://college.harvard.edu/about/news-announcements/special-message-high-school-juniors-applying-harvard

Fairtest.org, a good resource on identifying schools with test-optional policies: https://www.fairtest.org/university/optional