Skip the SAT? Understanding Test-Optional Policies: Common App and UC

The landscape of college admissions has evolved significantly in recent years, with many institutions adopting test-optional policies during COVID-19.

But, some of those same institutions are beginning to reinstate the requirement. 

These test-optional policies allow students to decide whether to submit standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, as part of their application. This article will help you understand what test-optional policies mean, how they impact your application, and specific considerations for the Common Application and University of California (UC) system.

Table of Contents

What Are Test-Optional Policies?

Test-optional policies give students the choice to submit or withhold their standardized test scores when applying to colleges and universities. These policies recognize that standardized tests may not fully reflect a student's academic potential and achievements. Instead, they allow admissions officers to evaluate applicants based on other factors, such as high school GPA, coursework rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

Reasons for Adopting Test-Optional Policies

1. Equity and Access: Standardized tests can disadvantage students from underrepresented backgrounds, including those with limited access to test preparation resources. Test-optional policies aim to level the playing field and promote greater diversity in college admissions.

2. Holistic Review: Many colleges believe that a student's academic performance, personal qualities, and contributions to their community provide a more comprehensive picture of their potential than test scores alone.

   Although, some colleges such as Yale’s internal studies show that test scores are the single greatest predictor of academic success at their college.

3. Pandemic Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted testing schedules and accessibility, prompting many institutions to adopt or expand test-optional policies to accommodate affected students.

The Common Application and Test-Optional Policies

Many colleges and universities that use the Common Application have adopted test-optional policies. Here's what you need to know when applying through the Common App:

1. Check Each College's Policy: Not all Common App schools are test-optional. Research each institution's policy to understand whether they require, recommend, or are test-optional regarding standardized test scores.

2. Indicate Your Choice: On the Common App, you'll be asked whether you want to submit your test scores. If you choose not to submit them, colleges will evaluate your application based on other components.

3. Strong Academic Record: Without test scores, your high school GPA, course rigor, and grades become even more critical. Focus on maintaining strong academic performance and taking challenging courses.

4. Holistic Review: Emphasize your extracurricular activities, leadership roles, personal essays, and letters of recommendation to provide a comprehensive picture of your achievements and potential. Colleges look at your application holistically which means grades and test scores are not the only determining factors of admission.

The UC System and Test-Optional Policies

The University of California (UC) system has specific policies regarding standardized tests that differ from the Common App. Here's what you need to know:

1. Test-Blind: This means that UC schools will not consider SAT or ACT scores for admissions decisions. Test scores can still be submitted in order to possibly fulfill minimum requirements for eligibility or course credit, but UC does not consider SAT or ACT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships.

2. Focus on Holistic Review: With the test-blind policy, UC schools place greater emphasis on other components of the application, such as high school GPA, coursework, personal insight questions, and extracurricular involvement.

3. Personal Insight Questions: UC applicants must respond to four out of eight personal insight questions. These essays are a critical part of the application and provide an opportunity to showcase your experiences, goals, and personal qualities.

Tips for Navigating Test-Optional Policies

1. Research Thoroughly: Understand the specific test-optional policies of each college or university you are applying to. Policies can vary widely, so it's essential to know the requirements and recommendations for each school.

2. Stay organized: We recommend creating a spreadsheet of all the colleges you’re applying to and creating a column that notes whether or not you will need to submit a test score.

3. Evaluate Your Strengths: Consider your overall application profile. If your test scores accurately reflect your academic abilities and are strong compared to the school's average, submitting them could enhance your application. If your scores do not reflect your true potential, you might choose to withhold them.

4. Strengthen Other Components: Without test scores, other aspects of your application become more significant. Focus on maintaining strong grades, taking rigorous courses, engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities, and writing compelling essays.

5. Seek Guidance: Talk to your school counselor, teachers, or mentors about your decision to submit or withhold test scores. They can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed choice.

Test-optional policies provide flexibility and acknowledge the diverse talents and experiences students bring to their college applications. Whether applying through the Common Application or to the UC system, understanding these policies can help you make strategic decisions that highlight your strengths. By focusing on a holistic approach and presenting a well-rounded application, you can increase your chances of success in the college admissions process.

Our Recommendation

When it comes to the SAT or ACT, we recommend that your student do it. If they do well, then great! This can add another dimension to your application in terms of academics. If they don’t, then they don’t have to submit it. 

With test-optional policies constantly changing, it’s safer to start preparing for it and assume you’re going to take it than to not. This is more relevant if your student is 1) not currently a rising senior and 2) if they will want to apply to highly selective colleges. 

The policies that are in place for the next admissions cycle may not be the same down the road.