Test Optional

What Role do Standardized Tests Play in the Admissions Process Today?

Historically, competitive colleges and universities almost universally required that students applying for full-time undergraduate admission submit official SAT or ACT scores as a key component of the application process. Today, questions raised about the ability of these tests to predict freshman year performance as well as the possible presence of racial, cultural, and socioeconomic biases inherent within these exams have shifted many colleges’ and universities’ approaches to the role of standardized tests within the college admissions process.

Although many institutions still require that all applicants submit SAT/ACT scores as well as in some cases SAT subject and other tests, several institutions have elected to adopt test-optional admissions policies, while others have abolished testing as part of the admissions process altogether.

It is important for students and families to not only clarify whether SAT/ACT (and other) standardized test scores are required for admission to the institution, but also how scholarships and other recognitions such as Honors Program admission are determined at test-optional institutions as well as institutions who do not accept standardized test scores from any applicants.

What does “Test-Optional” Admission Mean?

With some variation across institutions, a “test-optional” admissions policy typically means that the applicant has the autonomy to decide whether to submit his/her standardized test (SAT/ACT) scores as part of his/her admissions application to that institution. If the student submits his/her test scores, these scores will be evaluated by the admissions committee as a component of the admissions decision. If the student determines that his/her standardized test scores are not indicative of the his/her ability to succeed academically at a particular institution, then the student would likely elect not to submit his/her test scores for evaluation by the admissions committee.

In evaluating whether to submit standardized scores to test-optional institutions, students may wish to compare their highest test scores with the mean, median, and quartile scores (25th & 75th percentile) of the previous year’s admitted and enrolled class.  Students will then want to consider this information within their entire body of work (i.e. the caliber of students’ additional credentials) such as high school grade point average, class rank, strength of the college preparatory curriculum, leadership activities, and more.

It is important to note that institutions with test-optional policies may require additional information from candidates who do not submit SAT/ACT scores, which could include items such as additional essays, letters of recommendation, and scores from other standardized tests such as SAT subject tests. Thoroughly researching each institution’s testing policy will ensure that students and families maintain a proactive stance throughout the admissions process and make the best decision with respect to each individual institution’s profile and policy.

What is Sacred Heart University’s Standardized Test Policy?

Beginning with the Class of 2014 who entered the University in Fall 2010, Sacred Heart University adopted a test-optional admissions policy that allows for a more personalized, holistic admissions process that is consistent with the University’s mission. Students may decide whether to submit SAT/ACT scores for evaluation by the admissions committee as part of the student’s overall body of work, and will not be rewarded nor penalized for either choice. A detailed description of Sacred Heart’s test-optional admissions policy including frequently asked questions may be found online.