Why has “testing optional” changed the way people view college and the process of applying for college? There are many reasons for this, but first here’s a little background information about it.
On May 25th, 2021 Governor Jared Polis signed a bill into law that made all of Colorado’s public four year universities “to require or not require national test scores in the admission process,” according to the Colorado Department of Higher Education. However, it is not just Colorado and the local public universities, there are more “than 1,900 schools will not require applicants to submit scores for fall 2024 admission,” spread out throughout the whole country, says FairTest.
However, should you still share your test scores with colleges that are test optional? This answer varies on your gpa, extracurriculars and overall classes. “If your academic record is not as strong as you’d like and you haven’t had the time or the opportunity to participate in extracurriculars, then studying, doing well, and submitting test scores might be your best bet,” says a college research site, Appily.
On the other hand, if you don’t feel confident enough in your test scores, and you are applying to a test optional school, then you don’t have to submit them, “In terms of colleges penalizing applicants for not submitting scores, no. They don’t do that. Applying test-optional doesn’t hurt your chances if you’ve got an outstanding application and are as strong or stronger than the other applicants,” says Appily.
So if you are worried about your application when applying to a test optional school, adding your test scores is definitely a great advantage. However, it is really up to you on what you feel most comfortable with.
