APPLYING TO A TEST-OPTIONAL COLLEGE FACTORS PARENTS AND STUDENTS SHOULD CONSIDER

APPLYING TO A TESTOPTIONAL COLLEGE: FACTORS PARENTS AND STUDENTS SHOULD CONSIDER

By TWM Staff

Many colleges have made standardized tests optional for college admissions due to challenges imposed by COVID-19. Parents are uncertain about how to factor this option in their teens' college application process. One of the "super heroes" featured on our cover this month happens to be a higher education expert and college prep consultant, so we decided to ask her opinion. Here is Dr. Chanta Haywood’s advice to parents who want to know how to move forward with this major decision.

As with so many other parents, I found myself considering what to do when my youngest was applying for college this year. We chose to submit her scores. Here are the factors we considered.

Competitiveness for Scholarships

Colleges may be giving students the option of submitting ACT or SAT scores, but many scholarship programs still require them. In fact, in Florida, to be eligible for the Bright Futures Scholarship, students must make meet test score criteria. On top of that, some test-optional colleges, themselves, require ACT or SAT scores for merit scholarships. My daughter applied to some test-optional schools. She scored a 31, and I am convinced that she would not have received the nearly 300K in scholarships so far (from early decision schools) had she not submitted her score. Students should give themselves an advantage.

Potential for Extra Scrutiny

Just because the scores are optional does not mean that admissions officers are not factoring them into their decisions. I would venture to say that since they do not have your score, they may scrutinize the application a little more - looking for indicators that you will be successful in college. Imagine two students having the same GPA, similar extracurricular activities, high achievements and a strong essay. One opted not to submit a test score. The other opted to submit it. A decision maker may privilege the one with the score, and while it may seem “unfair,” they technically gave us the “option.” I advise parents to ensure that the student’s academic profile is strong enough to offset a test score if you do not provide it.

Practice for Future Standardized Tests

The ACT and SAT may one day disappear, but trust me, standardized tests are not. In fact, the bachelor’s degree has now become the equivalent of what a high school diploma was decades ago. Many students are now going to graduate school to be competitive, and exams like the LSAT, MCAT and GRE are still required. Additionally, several professions require standardized tests for licensure and more. Mastering the techniques now will help prepare students later.

As a university professor, I must say this in all honesty. When students are in my classroom, I do not ask about or am concerned about their ACT or SAT scores. I look for core competencies needed to do well in my class. Key among those are critical thinking and analytical writing. The ACT and SAT assess these skills, but I also know that not doing well on these tests does not mean that students do not have these abilities. But you do not get to my or my colleagues’ classroom without being vetted in some way on the front end. My advice to parents is to give your kids the best advantage possible.

Note. Dr. Haywood prepares students for the ACT and SAT from the perspective of how the test writer thinks. For more information, email her at getsmart4college@gmail.com