Can we talk about the optional standardized test score reporting situation?

Answer 1

This has been a hot topic ever since the standardized test requirements were relaxed during the pandemic. Now, in 2023, many schools have opted for a "test-optional admission policy". What does this mean for students? I would say this depends on each student's specific profile.

1. If you are a star at taking standardized tests or have had a lot of practice and know you can score well...then go for it! It is another opportunity for you to prove your current academic ability as well as future potential in your portfolio. So, why not??
2. If you are not the best test-taker and you feel that the amount of practice you would need could be better allocated working on other areas of your application...you have an opportunity to opt out of reporting scores, an opportunity that many students before you did not have so I would encourage you to use it wisely and to your advantage!

Colleges are announcing that you will not be penalized for opting out of reporting official scores. They will be looking at applications holisitically and will use other materials to gauge your success at their institution.

Again, I would like to emphasize that every student is different and a one-size-fit-all approach is NOT going to work. For example, if you do not submit test scores then other areas of your application will somehow have to indicate academic promise. This makes it more challenging for students who don't demonstrate GPAs (or challenging educational projects outside of coursework) that are in the target range of what a particular universities may typically consider. In many ways the standardized tests are a way to make up for the lower GPAs (or downward trends) and showcase that despite this, the student IS actually quite prepared for a rigorous college-level education since they performed well on the test.

There are so many different cases and so many different factors to consider!!!!

Just to give you all some idea of the real world statistics based on the Common Application report, I will share the percentages of students who opted to report their scores below:

1. 2019-2020 = 74%
2. 2020-2021 = 40%
3. 2021-2022 = 44%
4. 2022-2023 = 43%

This means that over half of the application body DID NOT report their scores last year. So take note of your individual circumstance, reflect on your overall performance as a student/individual, formulate your goals, and decide what would work best for you! Happy to be of assistance in the decision process:)