What is a test optional essay?

Test optional means just that: it is not mandatory for applicants to submit test scores to be considered for admission. If any of your colleges are test optional, consider the average scores for admitted students (if that college publishes them). If you feel your scores will help your application, send them.

Should I take the optional SAT essay?

If even one school you’re interested in requires the SAT essay, then you should take it, regardless of any other factors. So, if a school you’re interested in requires the SAT essay, your choice is clear: take the essay when you take the SAT. However, what if the schools you’re interested in don’t require the essay?

Is Test Optional really optional?

More than 1,200 U.S. colleges are test-optional, meaning the college doesn’t require test scores, at least not from most students. If you are not a great test-taker or think your test scores don’t accurately reflect your abilities as a student, you might consider applying to test-optional schools.

What is test-optional admissions?

What Does Test-Optional Really Mean? Generally speaking, test-optional means that students can decide whether or not to submit their SAT or ACT scores as part of their applications. If they choose not to, then testing won’t factor into their admissions decisions.

What is the difference between test-optional and test blind?

Test-blind schools offer a contrast to test-optional ones as they are not interested at all in students’ standardized test scores at all. If you submit your score, it won’t be considered, even if you scored 1600 on the SAT or 36 on the ACT. There are very few colleges with test-blind policies.

Which colleges are now test optional?

UPDATED: List of Colleges Extending Test-Optional Policies

School	Test-Optional for:
Anderson University	Permanently beginning in the 2020-21 cycle
Babson College	Extended through Fall 2025 admission
Barnard College	Extended through Fall 2023 admission
Baylor University	Extended through Fall 2023 admission