What does 'test optional' really mean?

Hello everyone! I've noticed that several colleges are going 'test optional' when it comes to admissions, but I'm not really sure what that means. Can anyone provide some insight on the term 'test optional' and how it impacts the college admissions process?

Hi! Test optional means that these colleges have made it optional for students to submit standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, as part of their application. This allows applicants the choice to decide whether or not they want to submit their test scores based on how well they believe it represents their academic ability.

In a test optional admissions process, the colleges will focus more on other aspects of the application, such as your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. However, it's important to note that, even when a school is test optional, strong test scores can still benefit an applicant by adding another positive element to their profile.

It's also worth mentioning that some test optional schools may still require test scores for certain programs, scholarships, or for students who attended high school outside of the U.S. So, it's a good idea to do some research on the specific requirements of the colleges you're interested in to make sure you understand their policy on test scores. Good luck with your college search!