Selectivity of Test Optional Colleges?

Hey, pals! I'm just wondering, are test optional colleges generally more selective? I've decided not to submit my SAT scores with my applications, so knowing more about the most selective test optional colleges could help me strategize appropriately. Thanks in advance!

Hello! The selectivity of a college is not directly tied to whether or not they are test-optional. College selectivity typically refers to the percentage of applicants that the school admits and may be influenced by a number of factors including academic performance, extracurricular activities, and strength of essays and recommendation letters, among others.

Being test-optional simply means the school does not absolutely require the submission of standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT. It doesn't speak to the competitiveness of the college. That can vary widely. For instance, University of Chicago is highly competitive, with a low acceptance rate, and is test-optional. On the other hand, there are various less selective schools that are test-optional as well.

When applying test-optional, instead of SAT or ACT scores, admissions offices tend to place more emphasis on other parts of your application, like your GPA, involvement in extracurriculars, essays, and recommendation letters. Remember, quality typically weighs heavier than quantity when it comes to your activities list. Focusing your energy on a few activities to develop a "spike" or highly developed specialty can be very beneficial.

Also, it's important to ensure your essays are well-written and personal, and help admissions officers understand who you are beyond your academic accomplishments. Avoid cliché college essay topics—be specific, personal, and tell a story that only you could tell.

Thus, while considering test-optional colleges, it's crucial for you to focus on not just the selectivity, but also the overall fit of the university including the offered majors, campus culture, location, and financial viability among other factors. Good luck with your college applications!