test-optional

Test-optional refers to college admissions policies where submitting standardized test scores, like the SAT or ACT, is not required.

These policies gained traction in the early 2000s but expanded significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when testing access was disrupted.

Test-optional schools often emphasize holistic review, focusing on GPA, essays, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters.

Some schools still consider test scores if submitted, while others are test-blind, meaning scores are ignored entirely.

Superscoring, where the highest section scores across multiple test attempts are combined, may still apply at test-optional institutions.

Many colleges adopted test-optional policies to reduce barriers for applicants.