Bryant University in Rhode Island just made the announcement that they will be test-optional beginning with the Fall 2012 admissions season.  So what does test-optional mean?  It means that they, along with numerous other colleges and universities (for a full listing visit www.fairtest.org) are taking a holistic approach to the admissions process.  While a student is welcome to submit standardized test scores (either ACT or SAT) they are not required.  However, some colleges, such as Bryant, are requiring other items to be submitted in lieu of test scores.  In Bryant’s case, they are asking that students who choose not to submit their standardized test scores instead write 2-3 short answer essays.  They believe that this opportunity will allow students to showcase more of their talents and abilities if standardized test taking is not their strong suit.

While not all colleges are requiring submission of these tests, it is recommended that you take them.  You probably don’t have a concrete list of all the colleges you want to apply to.  And even if you do, it could change as you learn about a college’s specific program offerings, etc.  If that college requires standardized testing as part of their application process and you have not taken them, you have made yourself ineligible for admission to that school.  Give yourself as many options as possible; take the test!

Also, many scholarship opportunities at the college level as well as for private scholarships will require standardized test scores for consideration.  Free money is good money, and if the SAT or ACT can help you receive any  of that free money, it is definitely worth your time.  And a special note for anyone thinking about playing college sports.  The NCAA mandates that all players submit standardized test scores. 

What do you think about colleges going test-optional?  Do you think students should have to submit additional information (in the form of essays, portfolios, etc.) in lieu of standardized tests?

Looking for your feedback,
Val