The Future of Test-Optional: Navigating the Changing Landscape of College Admissions.

At Blue Ivy, we stay on top of the latest trends and developments in the field, including the significant trend of test-optional admissions policies.

What is test-optional? 

Test-optional is a term that refers to the admission policies of certain colleges and universities. These institutions allow students to apply without submitting their standardized test scores, typically the SAT. The test-optional movement began in 1969 when Bowdoin College became the first institution to adopt this policy, and several other small liberal arts colleges followed suit. FairTest.org, an organization that tracks test-optional colleges, began keeping records in 1985. Prior to COVID, the organization was excited to reach a record number of 1,050 test-optional institutions in the fall of 2019.

The onset of COVID drastically increased this number. In 2020, it wasn’t just liberal arts colleges that embraced the trend. Schools outside this category, such as the University of California and Harvard University, also suspended their standardized testing requirements due to the pandemic. According to data from Common App, for the 2021 application cycle, 51% of students submitted test scores with their college applications, a considerable decrease from the 78% of students who submitted test scores in 2019. Furthermore, 57 universities adopted test blind policies in response to the pandemic. Test blind means the university won’t consider scores even if the student submits them. 

However, it is vital to note that even if a school has a test-optional policy, it does not mean that taking the SAT is unnecessary. The test remains a crucial component of the college application process. Students are encouraged to take the test and be prepared to submit their scores if they wish to enhance their chances of being admitted to a competitive institution.

Test-optional policies benefit students whose test scores do not accurately reflect their academic performance. They also encourage an increased number of applicants and reduce the emphasis on standardized testing, which can be a significant source of stress for high school students. Additionally, test-optional policies allow for a more holistic evaluation of applicants and can lead to a more diverse student body.

While test-optional policies have provided more opportunities for a diverse group of students to attend college, it's crucial to understand that most competitive universities still heavily emphasize standardized test scores. In fact, 70-90% of students accepted to these institutions have SAT scores within the average range of the university or program.

And let's not forget about scholarships. They're often correlated to both SAT scores and GPA, making it crucial for students with a high need for scholarships to submit their SAT scores with their application. There are exceptions. For example, Boise State University began awarding scholarships based solely on the applicant’s GPA during the pandemic, and they have continued to do so for admitted BSU students. On the other hand, in Florida, where every public university requires applicants to submit test scores, students interested in applying for a Bright Futures scholarship are required by law to submit their SAT scores.

Test-optional is likely here to stay. But the SAT itself is changing. 

The move to a digital format for the SAT is partly a response to the recent test-optional movement and conversations about inequality in higher education. The test-optional movement seeks to level the playing field for students from underrepresented groups, who may not have had equal access to resources like test preparation and may face test anxiety. The College Board, which administers the SAT, has acknowledged that the traditional paper-and-pencil format may pose barriers to some students and has been working to develop a more accessible digital format. By transitioning to a digital format, the SAT aims to reduce barriers to access and provide a more equitable testing experience for all students.

As the SAT goes digital, students will no longer have to fill in bubbles during the exam. Instead, they can take the test on a personal laptop or one issued by the school. This major update to the SAT will increase testing security and convenience for test-takers. Students must download a digital testing app before test day, which should save their progress even if their computer crashes or they lose their internet connection.

Starting in spring 2023, international students can take the SAT online under the provision of assigned proctors at schools or testing centers. In fall 2023, all test centers worldwide will administer the digital PSAT, and in spring 2024, US test centers will start administering the digital SAT.

The new digital format will also bring about some changes to the exam itself. The SAT will now be held for two hours instead of three and will have two sections - a reading/writing section and a math section. The reading section will have shorter passages, and students must answer one question per passage. The math questions will be less wordy, allowing students more time to attempt them.

The SAT scores will also be released days after the exam instead of weeks, allowing students to apply to colleges more quickly. Additionally, students will now be able to use a calculator for the entire math section, and a graphing calculator will be built into the digital testing app for student use. 

Furthermore, the adaptive nature of the new SAT is a game changer. Unlike the GMAT, the SAT does not adapt the difficulty level of each question based on a student's performance. Instead, it adapts the difficulty level of the entire section (Reading & Writing or Math) once, based on the student's performance. This allows for more flexibility in navigating the test and reduces the pressure of any one question, but it also means students must be more accurate on test day if they wish to reach a high score.  

With these recent shifts to an online format and updates to the content, achieving the same scores as before will require increased preparation and tutoring. That's where Blue Ivy comes in. Our expert tutors and cutting-edge curriculum will give you the tools to excel on the SAT and stand out to top universities.

About the author

Lindsay Brader studied Creative Writing at Western Washington University. She's been teaching TOEFL, SAT, English, and college essay writing for seven years. She is a College Application Coach at Blue Ivy.