BestColleges

NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Data Summary Check Less than half of students (47%) say that the use of standardized test scores to assess applicants in college admissions is fair. Check Among students who submitted standardized test scores to a college, 56% say their score may have helped their chances of getting accepted to the school of their choice.

Standardized Testing 52

Standardized Testing Testing Test Prep SAT 52

Berkeley² Academy

MARCH 15, 2024

Some ,, big changes are coming to UT Austin admissions in 2024—today we’ll go over important details regarding their standardized testing policy, essay prompts, application deadlines, and more. Under the former test-optional policy, over 40% of UT applicants elected to have the university consider their SAT or ACT test scores.

Policies 52

Policies Testing Standardized Testing Letters of Recommendation 52

BestColleges

MARCH 20, 2024

It's also important to remember that your standardized test score is just one factor that schools will consider in your overall application. However, a recent study conducted by Harvard University-based research group Opportunity Insights has administrators rethinking their test-optional policies.

SAT 94

SAT Standardized Testing Ivy League Test Prep 94

Top Tier Admissions

JUNE 14, 2024

C ollege Private Counseling Develop an organized and effective application strategy that leverages your academic and extracurricular experience to stand out. None of the UCs offer early admission or consider standardized test scores. and an overall out-of-state acceptance rate of 13%.

Acceptance 104

Acceptance Ivy League Standardized Testing Out-of-State 104

Shemmassian Academic Consulting

JULY 9, 2023

This became especially true in 2020, given changes in test administration and colleges’ testing policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two years later, colleges continue to update their testing requirements, with some extending their test-optional periods and others opting for permanent changes.

Testing 98

Testing Applications Admissions Standardized Testing 98

Great College Advice

JULY 25, 2023

One of the most-oft questions I get from families is some version of this: “Which is more important — grades or extracurricular activities? Grades are more important than your extracurricular activities. But there are some other things that are also super-important–more so than your extracurricular achievements.

Extracurricular 52

Extracurricular Transcripts GPA Standardized Testing 52

Solomon Admissions

DECEMBER 8, 2023

According to Forbes , many of these schools did so to help combat the effects of COVID, but as COVID cases have been on a drastic decline schools are standing by this policy for a multitude of reasons. These universities recognize that standardized tests alone do not fully represent a student’s abilities, talents, and/or potential.

Testing 84

Testing Standardized Testing Letters of Recommendation Test Prep 84

Simply Admissions

AUGUST 13, 2020

This month, we’ll go over post-COVID standardized testing changes and FAQs. The majority of colleges have changed their testing requirements recently, which seems like it’s only caused more confusion! Below is a handy cheat sheet I’ve created that summarizes the different testing policies.

Policies 52

Policies Testing Admissions Letters of Recommendation 52

Ivy Central

MAY 19, 2023

The institution offers a vibrant array of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations that cater to diverse interests. The Student Center of the campus offers numerous dining options, social spaces, and event venues for students to connect, unwind, and engage in extracurricular activities.

University 130

University University GPA Government 130

Peterson's Blog

JANUARY 7, 2025

Standardized test scores, like the SAT and ACT, determine academic readiness and skills for entering university. While it may be beneficial to take both tests, this blog will answer the question, “Do you need both ACT and SAT for college? While both are standardized tests, there are a few key differences between them.

ACT 59

ACT SAT Test Prep Standardized Testing 59

Ivy College Essay

AUGUST 1, 2024

Standardized Tests: Although some Ivy League schools have adopted test-optional policies, high scores on the SAT or ACT can still strengthen your application. Additionally, consider taking SAT Subject Tests in areas where you excel to further showcase your strengths. Aim for scores in the 95th percentile or higher.

Ivy League 91

Ivy League Financial Aid Letters of Recommendation Placement 91

ACM College Consulting

MAY 3, 2024

In 2024, we have already seen several selective universities, including MIT, Cornell, Yale and Brown announce that they will once again require test scores of some sort (each policy is frustratingly different or vague) for the next application year. Students should research the admissions policies and data of the schools on their list.

SAT 75

SAT ACT Testing Standardized Testing 75

Ivy Central

MAY 17, 2023

The university takes a holistic approach to admissions, evaluating an applicant's academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, personal essays, and recommendations. Additionally, BU provides a Test-Optional Policy, allowing students to decide whether or not to submit standardized test scores during the admissions process.

Early Decision 130

Early Decision University University Study Abroad 130

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

won’t require standardized test scores. The rise of the best test optional colleges is changing the game, giving students new ways to stand out in the admissions process. If you have test anxiety, decided to skip the SAT or ACT, or didn’t quite hit the scores you hoped for, you’re not out of luck.

Testing 52

Testing Standardized Testing SAT Policies 52

Top Tier Admissions

MAY 24, 2024

Caltech is one of the most selective “test blind” schools in the nation, meaning they do not consider SAT or ACT scores. C ollege Private Counseling Develop an organized and effective application strategy that leverages your academic and extracurricular experience to stand out. Want To Read More About These Selective Schools?

Acceptance 93

Acceptance Ivy League Standardized Testing Policies 93

Admissions Village

JUNE 19, 2024

Extracurricular Activities (EC’s): How a student spends their time outside of the classroom. High School Profile: A document supplied by high schools to colleges that summarizes the school’s grading system, course offerings, standardized test score ranges, and other important data.

Admissions 98

Admissions Financial Aid Waitlist Standardized Testing 98

Shemmassian Academic Consulting

FEBRUARY 10, 2023

In addition to being two of their toughest academic years, your child will be tasked with maximizing their standardized test scores, continuing to pursue high-impact extracurricular activities, securing recommendation letters, and working on their college applications by writing essay upon essay. Finalize college visit details.

Applications 98

Applications Ivy League Early Decision Waitlist 98

Ivy Central

MAY 5, 2023

The university is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum and excellent graduate programs in business, law, education, and public policy. Standardized Test Scores: The test scores are completely optional. 34% of the class of 2026 applied test-optional. degree in English.

Early Decision 130

Early Decision Letters of Recommendation Out-of-State Transcripts 130

Solomon Admissions

JUNE 29, 2023

In addition to the usual application materials, like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays, students are often asked to submit standardized test scores from either the SAT or ACT exam when applying to college. Top schools do not recommend one test over the other; students are allowed to submit whichever one they prefer.

ACT 65

ACT SAT Ivy League Standardized Testing 65

Top Tier Admissions

MAY 30, 2023

In addition to working on every stage of your college strategy and applications, the best private college admissions counselors help students set goals, explore options, and assess their academic and extracurricular profiles. Is it worth risking a B in an Honors class, or better to get an A in a standard level?

Admissions 91

Admissions PSAT SAT Internship 91

Top Tier Admissions

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

Transfer students may still take advantage of a test-optional policy. 3 words) What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? 50 words) Required for transfer students: What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it?

Ivy League 75

Ivy League University University Transfer 75

Shemmassian Academic Consulting

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

Many programs also provide students with special opportunities for volunteering, clinical exposure, research, and other extracurriculars. Some rue missing out on campus social life and extracurriculars—i.e. Your child will want to check on the policies for “applying out” at each program they’re interested in.

Programs 98

Programs Extracurricular SAT ACT 98

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JUNE 14, 2024

Notre Dame will maintain a test-optional policy for the 2024 and 2025 application cycles, allowing applicants to decide whether to submit standardized test scores. SAT scores were submitted by 36% of admitted students, while 33% chose to omit standardized test scores altogether. Should I go test-optional?

ACT 52

ACT Standardized Testing SAT Extracurricular 52

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JUNE 10, 2024

The University of Michigan has implemented a test-optional policy for undergraduate admissions. This policy starts with students applying for matriculation in the academic term of winter 2025. In summary, it allows applicants to choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.

SAT 52

SAT Standardized Testing University University 52

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JUNE 14, 2024

Additionally, while the top 25% of Math scores may approach perfection, Notre Dame considers a holistic view of applicants, recognizing that excellence extends beyond standardized test scores. Approximately 33% of applicants chose to omit standardized test scores from their applications. Should I go test-optional?

SAT 52

SAT Standardized Testing ACT Extracurricular 52

Ivy Central

MAY 13, 2023

Application Components: All required parts of the Common Application or Coalition, powered by Scoir, Official high school transcript Counselor letter of recommendation Two academic teacher letters of recommendation Standardized Test Scores: The test scores are optional for students applying for fall 2023 and Fall 2024.

University 130

University University Early Decision Minor 130

Admissions.Blog

SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

Common criteria for merit-based aid include academic performance, standardized test scores, leadership, extracurricular involvement, talent, and special skills. It is administered by the College Board, the same organization responsible for standardized tests like the SAT.

Financial Aid 105

Financial Aid Loans Grants Tuition 105

The Koppelman Group

MARCH 1, 2024

In the last few weeks, both Dartmouth and Yale have decided to end the test-optional policies they adopted during the height of COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020. Since adopting test-optional, a lot of schools started extending their policies out by years or even indefinitely (like Michigan). And schools love this.

Testing 52

Testing Ivy League Standardized Testing Policies 52

HelloCollege

JANUARY 16, 2025

In this article, well explore what direct admissions is, how it works, and which colleges are embracing this policy. No Standardized Tests Required Many colleges using direct admissions forgo standardized test requirements, making it easier for students to qualify based on academic performance alone.

Admissions 52

Admissions Standardized Testing Ivy League GPA 52

AdmissionSight

JANUARY 1, 2025

At the same time, the admissions office has worked hard to keep standards sky-high. To have a real shot, your application needs to stand out in every waygrades, essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars. That means your essays need to be sharp, your recommendations glowing, and your extracurriculars meaningful. Dont panic.

Acceptance 75

Acceptance Admissions Ivy League Waitlist 75

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JULY 8, 2024

Purdue University does not currently maintain a test-optional policy. In such cases, applications can be submitted without test scores via the Common App. Moreover, roughly 4% did not submit any standardized test scores. Should I go test-optional? What are Purdue’s SAT requirements?

SAT 52

SAT Standardized Testing ACT Policies 52

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JUNE 20, 2024

Emory University has extended its test-optional policy for prospective students applying in the 2024-25 admission cycle. This means that submitting standardized test scores is completely optional, and students will not be disadvantaged if they choose not to submit them. Should I go test-optional?

ACT 52

ACT Standardized Testing SAT Policies 52

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

MARCH 17, 2024

For the 2023-2024 admission cycle, Brown University will maintain a test-optional policy for all first-year, transfer, and Resumed Undergraduate Education applicants. If students choose to submit test scores, they may self-report them or send them officially to Brown. Should I go test-optional?

SAT 52

SAT Standardized Testing Transfer ACT 52

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JULY 8, 2024

Purdue University does not currently maintain a test-optional policy. In such cases, applications can be submitted without test scores via the Common App. Moreover, roughly 4% did not submit any standardized test scores. Should I go test-optional? What are Purdue’s ACT requirements?

ACT 52

ACT Standardized Testing SAT Policies 52

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JUNE 20, 2024

Emory University has extended its test-optional policy for prospective students applying in the 2024-25 admission cycle. This means that submitting standardized test scores is completely optional, and students will not be disadvantaged if they choose not to submit them. Should I go test-optional?

SAT 52

SAT Standardized Testing Policies Early Decision 52

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 17, 2024

Part of this gap comes from the changing role of standardized tests, but it highlights a bigger issuethe growing divide between students who are actively preparing for college and those who are not. Outside of academics, your freshman year is the perfect time to explore extracurricular activities that match your interests.

High School 52

High School PSAT Financial Aid Standardized Testing 52

Next Admit College Admissions Blog

JULY 9, 2024

In addition, Lehigh’s admissions team maintains high expectations for their applicants, including with regard to standardized testing scores. For the academic years 2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024, Lehigh will maintain their test-optional policy. Read more about Lehigh’s college credit policies here.

SAT 52

SAT Standardized Testing Early Decision ACT 52