20 Jan Test Optional vs Test Blind – Big Difference!
In recent years, an increasing number of colleges and universities have adopted “test optional” or “test blind” policies in their admissions processes. These policies refer to whether or not a college will consider SAT or ACT scores as part of the application process.
Under a test optional policy, a college will not require students to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. However, students who do choose to submit scores will have the option to do so, and the scores may be considered as part of the admissions process. This means that a student with strong test scores may be at an advantage compared to a student who doesn’t submit scores.
In contrast, a test blind policy means that a college will not consider SAT or ACT scores at all in the admissions process. This means that all students, regardless of whether they submit test scores, will be evaluated based on the same criteria, such as grades, essays, and extracurricular activities.
There are pros and cons to both test optional and test blind policies. On the one hand, test optional policies can provide students with more flexibility and control over the admissions process, allowing them to decide whether or not to submit test scores based on their individual circumstances and goals. At the same time, test optional policies may still create an advantage for students who have strong test scores.
Test blind policies, on the other hand, can level the playing field and provide all students with an equal opportunity to be admitted to a particular college or university. However, some critics argue that test blind policies may not accurately assess a student’s ability or potential, and that they could potentially lead to lower overall academic standards at the institutions that adopt them.
Overall, the decision to adopt a test optional or test blind policy will depend on the individual college or university, and on its goals and values. In many cases, it will be potentially strategic for students to submit SAT or ACT scores to any test optional schools they apply to so they are as competitive as they can be.