Is Test Optional Actually Test Optional? The Real Answer

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Is test optional really test optional? Not exactly. Test optional means you get to decide whether to submit your scores, not that scores are irrelevant. If your score strengthens your applications, submit it.

If it doesn’t, don’t. At Highly Selective Schools, most admitted students who had scores submitted them. Test optional shifted the decision to you. It didn’t level the playing field.

For many schools, test optional is largely left over from COVID. 19 closures.

Short answer: It depends on the school and your scores.

Longer answer: Test optional means you get to decide whether to submit your scores — not that scores are irrelevant. If your score strengthens your application, submit it. If it doesn’t, don’t. Simple as that.

The catch: at highly selective schools, most admitted students who had scores submitted them. “Test optional” shifted the decision to you. It didn’t level the playing field.

Fun fact: For many schools, test optional is largely left over from Covid-19 closures.

Reference: the Common App essay prompts.

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