How Can We Better Understand the Use of Test Scores in the Application Review Process?

One of the most significant byproducts of the Covid era in higher education was the  test-optional movement. Forced to adapt during the pandemic, colleges shifted from a test-required to a test-optional or even test-blind (scores are not considered at all) application system. Now that we are a few years removed from the pandemic’s apex, more schools are reverting back to requiring tests. Still, numerous schools remain test-optional or test-blind. This more permanent test-optional model has been hailed by some and decried by others, and confusion on how to navigate this quantitative metric abounds.  

Here are a few test-related issues to consider when applying to colleges:

• Study a college/university’s middle 50% score range closely

The middle 50% range essentially means that half of the admitted students submitted scores within this range (25% submitted scores above and 25% submitted scores below the range ). If you are applying to a large university that contains several smaller colleges (i.e., Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Business), these ranges can vary. 

Additionally, a school’s Common Data Set can assist families with understanding how a college/university  emphasized testing historically. These files span several years and document a bunch of useful data, from the percentage of students submitting SAT or ACT scores and the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles of each test’s section to the degree of importance placed within the application’s review of the test.  

• Be mindful of testing dates in relation to application deadlines

The SAT and ACT are offered several times each year and students typically receive their scores within a couple weeks of taking the test. This becomes tricky when deciding on which type of application to submit (Early Action, Early Decision, or Regular Decision), so proactive planning is crucial, especially if you plan to take the test more than once. 

• If looking at highly selective schools that are test-blind, ensure that the rest of your application is strong and fits in with their admitted students’ profile

Understanding test-blind admissions can be tough, especially if the school that uses it is highly selective. Standardized tests have been around for a while, so when schools decide to remove them from consideration, this may make families  nervous. This means that the student’s transcript (grades and rigor) as well as qualitative components of the application like the essay and letters of recommendation matter even more. 

As the role of testing in the application review process evolves, applicants and their families need to realize the importance of creating a balanced school list (reach, target, and likely options). Also, do not be afraid of asking the school’s admission representatives test-specific questions (i.e., Do you superscore SAT and/or ACT?, How much emphasis do you place on AP scores if SAT/ACT are not submitted?). This shows not only your interest in the school(s) you are applying to but also that you know not every school evaluates applicants in the same way.