With so many colleges adopting test-optional or test-blind policies, many students are getting lost within all the different requirements (and non-requirements). That’s why, we’ve created a list of the 20 most popular colleges that our MEK students have applied to over the past three years. The list shows their updated testing policies for the 2020-2021 application cycle.
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Almost all of the above schools are test-optional. This means they will accept and consider test scores if you submit them, but they do not require it. If a school is test-optional, we highly recommend you take and submit test scores if possible. It will be a distinct advantage to your application. (Find out why here.)
Even if a college is test-optional, make sure to double check the school’s detailed testing policies. For selective programs, such as honors programs and accelerated medical/law programs, many schools are still requiring testing.
Test-flexible colleges are basically test-optional schools that highly recommend submitting test scores. While you have the option to not submit test scores, they would prefer you do.
Schools that historically place high emphasis on testing have maintained their testing requirement, which simply means you must submit test scores.
Test-blind is when a school “does not consider” your test scores. They will NOT review scores or factor it into their admission decision. So there is no reason to submit them.
Notice, a couple of the above schools do not consider SAT Subject tests. However, all 20 colleges do consider your SAT/ACT scores.
If any of the above colleges are on your college list, you should plan on taking the SAT or ACT.
However, because of COVID-19, this may not be possible for some students. If that’s the case, we suggest applying to colleges that have a “test-optional” policy and looking for ways to make other parts of your application shine.
Want help? Call 855-346-1410 or contact us here to set up a consultation with an expert college admissions counselor!
Jaehee Ahn is MEK Review's Director of Academic Counseling Services and a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley. She is also an alumnus of MEK Review's SAT Prep program. If you have any questions about our College Counseling programs or wish to set up a consultation, you can email Jaehee at acs@mekreview.com.
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