What “Test Optional” Means for Applicants to Competitive Colleges

-- by Mark Greenstein & Ivy Bound’s Senior Instructors, February 2022

TEST OPTIONAL AND TEST BLIND HAVE TWO DIFFERENT MEANINGS:

• l Test Blind:  colleges wont see test scores at all

• l Test Optional:  Students who withhold scores are still included for consideration but with one less credential

WHY SHOULD I STILL STUDY FOR THE SAT/ACT?  

• l That credential still carries weight in admissions decisions and even more so in merit scholarship awards.  

• l Ivy Bound families saw on average $120,000 in 4 year merit awards  

• l Applicants withholding scores may be treated as having low scores.  They then need to show a higher GPA and appealing extracurricular activities.

WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW?

• l Study and take the test seriously.  

• l Aim for at or above the median at your desired college so that you don’t even think about withholding these scores.    

• l The highly likely reward:  more admission offers, and higher awards.  

We look forward to helping you land both!