Elizabeth LaScala, PhD
In the post-pandemic era of college admissions, changes in standardized testing requirements have incited many questions about how to best approach applications. After test-optional cycles for the past few years, many private schools, such as Caltech, Harvard, Stanford, and MIT, have recently reinstated testing requirements. Some schools follow the lead of these Ivy Plus schools, while others do not. So, how should you, an undergraduate applicant, decide whether to submit test scores?
If you decide to take the test, prepare to do your best. Having a score helps you to decide how to use your test results when you apply to colleges.
What schools are requiring test scores?
The available research says that the decision to submit scores depends on the school. Currently, only 7% of colleges require SAT/ACT scores, while 25% have temporary test-optional policies, and 59% have indefinite test-optional policies. However, many schools are trending back toward test score requirements, and top-tier universities are the leaders of such trends. The wisest thing you can do is to carefully read a college’s guidance and ask questions directly of the school to clarify as needed. Look for phrases like ‘our suspension was temporary,’ ‘those with scores are encouraged/welcome to submit them,’ and ‘test scores are considered in the application.’ Such language probably suggests that a school wants to see your scores.
Will submitting my scores help or hurt me?
Generally, applicants who submit test scores have a higher likelihood of admission than those who do not submit scores. From 2021-2023, many top-tier schools have exhibited over two-fold higher admit rates for score submitters. An important consequence of test-optional policies is that schools mostly receive scores from their strongest applicants. Students are more likely to submit scores if they have high scores, and high scores tend to correlate with high grades and stronger applications. So, we can’t say that submitting scores alone confers an advantage for admissions. We can say that competitive scores given a college’s applicant pool are likely to confer an advantage.
What if I think my score is too low?
Keep in mind that when students withhold low scores, admissions committees may assume they are concealing much lower scores than in fact is the case. Test scores slightly below average will still show that a student is qualified, especially if the average scores for that school have been inflated by optional score submitters. Due to these factors, the best practice is generally to send in test scores. Even if you think your score is lower than desirable, it might be high for your school district or geographical area.
Does it depend on the school?
No generalization can be made about how schools value test scores, so decisions must ultimately be made on a case-by-case basis. For schools with single digit admit rates, you must find a way to stand out. High scores will likely blend in with the highly qualified pool, while no submission will blend in with all the other non-submitters. In these cases, the admit rates suggest that it is better to submit scores. For moderately selective schools, strong test scores can help, but in my view will not make or break the application. In such cases, aim to submit scores that can strengthen an application. For schools that accept most applicants, admissions committees just want to see that you have the capacity to succeed, whether that is through test scores, GPA or other criteria. Test scores are the least important in this final category of colleges.
No matter what you decide, make sure to always do your own research and seek expert guidance to make the best decision for you.
