In the ever-evolving landscape of university admissions, the concept of test-optional policies has garnered both praise and skepticism. In 2013, Janet Rapelye, the former Dean of Admissions for Princeton University, told the New York Times this:
And for us, more information is always better. If students choose [to submit either a SAT or ACT score], that’s fine, because both tests have value. But if they submit both, that generally gives us a little more information.[1]
And yet, 10 years later, most colleges no longer even require either a SAT or ACT score for admission consideration. The exams still test students on the same fundamental knowledge and skills, so what changed?
The Shift Towards Test-Optional Policies
Consider a recent statement from Sam Prouty, the Executive Director of Admissions at Middlebury College, which emphasizes the contextual nature of standardized test scores:
If the average [ACT score] at your school is a 17, then a 31 is still kickin it in your context… The [student’s test score] is never just a raw number. It exists in these very important contexts.
According to Middlebury College’s Common Data Set, the middle 50% of students in their freshman cohort achieved ACT scores ranging from 33 to 35.[2] Conventional guidance provided by college experts advises that applicants should only share their SAT/ACT scores if these scores fall within or surpass the middle 50% range of scores for a particular institution.[3]
Applying this principle to Middlebury implies that submitting a score of 32 or lower would not be recommended. Consequently, this policy could result in the omission of a 31 ACT score from an outstanding student. Those with scores lower than Middlebury’s average yet unique qualities that could make them stand out in their respective contexts might be advised not to submit their scores. This approach could potentially put them at a disadvantage during the admissions evaluation.
The Hidden Impact of Test-Optional Admissions
And therein lies the lie in university admissions. According to Middlebury’s admissions website, we read the following:
Your decision to submit scores, or not, will in no way impact your candidacy for admission.[4]
This is demonstrably false.
The vast majority of students attending four-year colleges and universities had A+, A, or A- averages in high school.[5] So, the student with perfect grades from a disadvantaged high school will not automatically shine brightly with perfect grades alone. That student’s admission chances could absolutely be impacted by their decision to submit or not submit their 31.
However, my intention isn’t to single out Middlebury. (I hold Mr. Prouty in high regard, recognizing him as a genuinely kind, well-meaning, and forthright individual I genuinely respect.) The reality is that all institutions with test-optional policies seem to stretch the truth when they assure that the decision to submit or withhold test scores won’t influence an applicant’s admission prospects.
Clearly, it has the potential to do so. The contradiction is evident—if this weren’t the case, institutions would adopt a test-blind approach, disregarding test scores entirely. Given that submitting a strong score can indeed enhance an applicant’s chances of acceptance, it logically follows that abstaining from sharing a strong score disadvantages students relative to those who do present impressive scores.
This is common sense.
The Benefits of Standardized Testing In Admissions
MIT, to its credit, is one of the few colleges that has stopped gaslighting students and parents. It has stood by its holistic admissions of comprehensively evaluating each applicant with their contexts by a return to requiring test scores stating the following:
Our research shows standardized tests help us better assess the academic preparedness of all applicants, and also help us identify socioeconomically disadvantaged students who lack access to advanced coursework or other enrichment opportunities that would otherwise demonstrate their readiness for MIT.[6]
Admissions need to walk the talk and assess the complete student. Doing so is more critical now than ever before. This is especially true given that, as a recent study definitively showed, subjective admissions criteria (application essays, teacher recommendations, extracurricular activities) favor the wealthy far more than standardized test scores do.[7]
Why Standardized Testing is Good for Students
Standardized tests, which require students to demonstrate knowledge of foundational grammar, math, reading, and data analysis, are a barrier that all students, rich and poor, must overcome. Colleges that rely on these measures give less preference to the wealthy, who must demonstrate that knowledge to colleges.
Economically disadvantaged students can take the tests for free,[8] and free test prep[9] is available online. Even though not perfect, SAT/ACT scores are a crucial part of holistic admissions and are the only admissions criteria that are authenticated, standardized, and available to all students.
MIT put it well:
We believe [an SAT/ACT] requirement is more equitable and transparent than a test-optional policy.[10]
My hope is that other colleges will follow suit and return to genuine holistic admissions.
About the Authors: David Blobaum
BIO: David Blobaum is a nationally recognized expert in the entrance exam and college admissions industry and is the Director of Outreach for the National Test Prep Association, which works to support the appropriate use of testing in admissions. He has devoted himself to helping students reach their potential through education and, more broadly, to help empower them to succeed in life. To do so, he co-founded the education company Summit Prep in 2013 with a classmate from college, Eva Addae.
Editor: Marc Gray
Marc Gray, owner of Odyssey College Prep and CEO of Powerful Prep, streamlines college admissions with advanced aptitude testing. An active blogger, he writes on college admissions, test prep, and aptitude testing. As Chair of the NTPA’s Blog Committee, he updates members on the latest in college admissions and community news.
References
[1] Lewin, T. (2013, August 2). More Students Are Taking Both the ACT and SAT. The New York Times. Retrieved November 6, 2024, from https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/04/education/edlife/more-students-are-taking-both-the-act-and-sat.html
[2] Common Data Set Initiative. (n.d.). A. General Information. Middlebury College. Retrieved November 6, 2024, from https://www.middlebury.edu/sites/www.middlebury.edu/files/2023-03/CDS_2022-2023_3.pdf
[3] Epps, T. (2023, March 23). Sending SAT/ACT Scores to Test-Optional Schools. BestColleges.com. Retrieved November 6, 2024, from https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/send-scores-test-optional-colleges/
[4] Middlebury College. (n.d.). Standardized Tests. Middlebury College. Retrieved November 6, 2024, from https://www.middlebury.edu/college/admissions/apply/standardized-tests
[6] Schmill, S. (2022, March 28). We are reinstating our SAT/ACT requirement for future admissions cycles. MIT Admissions. Retrieved November 6, 2024, from https://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/we-are-reinstating-our-sat-act-requirement-for-future-admissions-cycles/
[7] Opportunity Insights. (n.d.). Diversifying Society’s Leaders? The Determinants and Causal Effects of Admission to Highly Selective Private Colleges. Opportunity Insights. Retrieved November 6, 2024, from https://opportunityinsights.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/CollegeAdmissions_Paper.pdf
[8] ACT. (n.d.). What is Included in the ACT Fee Waiver Program? ACT. Retrieved November 6, 2024, from https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/fees/fee-waivers.html
[9] Sandoval, W. (2023, March 21). Top 10 Resources for Free ACT Prep. BestColleges.com. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/free-act-prep-resources/
[10] Esaki-Smith, Anna. “How The Digital SAT Could Change Standardized Testing In College Admissions.” Forbes, 18 January 2024, https://www.forbes.com/sites/annaesakismith/2024/01/18/how-the-digital-sat-could-change-standardized-testing-in-college-admissions/. Accessed 6 November 2024.
Last Updated on February 13, 2025 by David Blobaum