8 Things You Might Not Have Known About the Test Optional Movement 

The test-optional movement has been around since 1969 when Bowdoin College was the first college to go test-optional. Several other small liberal arts colleges followed this anti-testing idea. FairTest.org started tracking test-optional colleges in 1985. 

84 college campuses are “test blind.” These institutions will not consider a student’s test scores—even if the student submits them. 

As of this writing, FairTest.org reports 1,835+ accredited, 4-year colleges with test optional policies. Prior to COVID in fall of 2019, they were excited about reaching a record number with 1,050. 

An institution may declare that they are test optional and still have certain majors, merit scholarships, or honor programs that require the submitting of a test score. They may also require scores for out-of-state students, for academic placement, or when students don’t meet a certain minimum GPA or class rank.  

A majority of students still report test scores even after a college goes test optional. As an example, Emory reported that “31% of students ADMITTED to the Class of 2026 chose NOT to submit SAT or ACT scores.” Unfortunately, many colleges are not as forthcoming about how many of the students offered admissions submitted test scores. 

Initial numbers post-COVID do seem to indicate that test optional policies have led to a more diverse applicant pool. Previously, students would simply not apply to schools where they felt their scores weren’t good enough. Now, colleges are getting the chance to review more diverse candidates. 

Colleges don’t automatically assume that students are less qualified simply because they don’t submit scores. Test optional colleges recognize that a student may feel their test scores simply do not reflect their best work. 

Some institutions will ask for additional information in lieu of test scores like an additional essay, letter of recommendation, or AP/IB test scores. 

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