What Does it Mean When a College is Test Optional?
Spend less time on test prep and more time pursuing your passions with test optional college applications. Qualify for scholarships and receive a fast admissions decision without having to stress over standardized tests.
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Not long ago, national standardized tests were one of the most important aspects of many college applications.
However, in recent years, a growing number of schools have become test optional, meaning that they no longer require SAT or ACT scores in order to receive an admissions decision.
Instead, universities have placed greater emphasis on academic transcripts, interests outside of the classroom and the material contained within the expansive Common App.
By removing the SAT and ACT requirements for college admission, many more students have gained access to higher education who would have otherwise been discouraged from applying.
Test optional college admissions can be confusing, as it is new to many applicants and their families, so let’s break down what it means to apply and how you can still use your test scores if you choose to.
What Are Test Optional College Applications?
SAT and ACT test scores were historically used to determine a student’s ability to succeed in college, acting as perhaps the largest indicator of their academic abilities.
But in recent years many colleges have come to understand that your strengths and passions exist outside of these standardized tests, and have begun to deprioritize them in admissions.
Most test optional schools, Pacific included, don’t require completion of the ACT or SAT anymore in order to submit your application, and your chances of getting accepted are not impacted by omitting test scores from your admissions materials.
This means that your college journey isn’t derailed by a poor score, freeing you up to pursue your purpose and strengthen your college application with things that highlight your interests.
After all, an SAT score only determines how good you are at taking the SAT, and not the impact you could make upon starting your career and bettering your community.
Is There Anything I Can Do With My SAT or ACT Scores?
While test optional colleges don’t require you to submit your scores, you can still do so if you have already taken either the SAT or ACT and have a result you think will enhance your application.
You might think about submitting your scores if:
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You’ve already taken tests for other colleges. Some colleges still require standardized test scores, so you may have them on hand already.
Submitting scores can be done at any time, and not only when you submit your Common App, so retakes are an option for all students.
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Your GPA is right at or below the minimum requirement. Much more important than test scores are your GPA and academic transcripts.
If your GPA is at the cusp or just below Pacific’s 3.0 minimum requirement, a high test score can help make up some of that difference and improve your admission chances.
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Your test scores are exceptionally high. An average or below-average test score will have no impact on your admissions or scholarship chances.
However, high scoring applicants can create a stronger overall application by including their exceptional scores.
Connecting with your dedicated admissions counselor is the easiest and fastest way to determine whether or not you should submit your scores to test optional colleges.
Admissions counselors will be able to weigh your results against the rest of your application and let you know if potential test retakes or score inclusion will help your admissions packet in a meaningful way.
Do Colleges Prefer One Standardized Test Over Another?
Generally, colleges do not place special emphasis on either the SAT or ACT, and accept both or either to help support your application.
If you have taken both tests, simply submit whichever score is higher, even if that means using a superscore (average of your best scores from each subject).
If Test Scores Aren’t Required, What Do I Need to Apply?
Colleges that don’t require test scores prioritize other facets of your application to determine your admissions decision.
Primarily, these include your official academic transcripts and the content pulled from the Common App, including short answer and essay questions.
By using both of those things together, admissions team members can get a holistic view of each student and how their passions will translate to learning valuable skills in the classroom.
Importantly, the individual aspects of your application (including test scores) do not need to be submitted at the same time.
Being able to submit your admissions materials separately means that you can make each part of your application perfect, taking the time you need to craft each piece to best highlight your successes and interests.
Submitting your Common App as soon as you are ready is the easiest way to ensure you are considered for scholarships and financial aid, which are the most available at the beginning of the admissions process.
How Can I Boost My College Application in Ways Other than Test Scores?
For many, standardized test scores have been a way to supercharge their college applications.
However, as the admissions landscape changes to include a bigger and more diverse applicant pool, what makes a successful application has changed as well.
A few things that colleges look for beyond test scores include:
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Demonstrated passions. Curious about engineering? Tinker with 3D printing. Astronomy? Join a local stargazing club. Want to be an anthropologist? Trace your family tree.
Examples of ways you pursue your passions are key to placing students into programs and schools that will enable them to thrive.
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A drive to help others. A university education doesn’t just award a degree, but rather prepares students to give back to their communities through the skills they’ve gained.
Demonstrating through the Common App short answer and essay questions how your degree will empower those around you speaks to one of the primary goals of higher education.
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Learning outside of the classroom. Taking steps to expand your knowledge through extracurricular activities like clubs, honors societies or through local organizations shows great dedication to following your passions.
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Career interest. Whether shadowing experts in fields that interest you or speaking with thought leaders in your community, explaining your readiness to pursue a career and make a difference can speak volumes on a college application.
Have test scores you want to submit? Use Pacific’s SAT code (4601) and ACT code (3488) and send your scores anytime during the application process.