Curating the perfect college list in 2023 can take a lot of time and research. You want to be sure you’re picking schools that you have a reasonable chance of being admitted to. This means that your grades, extracurriculars, and personal statement are a match for the school. In light of the lasting impact of the pandemic, test scores are no longer prioritized in many college applications. As a result, students are considering whether to apply to test-optional schools or focus on other aspects of their applications. This change has shifted the emphasis away from what used to be a pivotal part of the application process. Let’s break down what we know about test-optional colleges in 2023 and how to apply.

What is a test-optional school?

A test-optional college or university is an institution that doesn’t require students to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students can send in their test scores if they think they are strong enough to influence their admission decision.

A test-blind college or university is an institution that will not consider test scores even if you submit them. Test-flexible schools allow you to submit other test scores in place of the SAT or the ACT, such as an SAT subject test.

You’re probably thinking they don’t actually mean it when they say test-optional but trust us, they mean it. According to US News, test-optional schools will treat a student’s test scores as an additive rather than the main part of their application. This means that all other aspects of the application will hold more weight. This includes grades, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, college essays like the Personal Statement, and letters of recommendation. 

It’s important to remember not submitting your scores to a test-optional college will not be held against you in the eyes of the admissions officer!

Some students will be surprised to learn which schools are test-optional. Due to COVID-19, many schools have gone test-optional for the next admissions cycle. Other schools have been test-optional and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. Some shockingly test-optional schools include:

Agnes Scott College Albertus Magnus College Allegheny College
American University Andrews University Arcadia University
Arizona State University Assumption College Augustana College
Bellarmine University Belmont University Beloit College
Bennington College Berklee College of Music Berry College
Bethel University* Birmingham-Southern College Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Bowdoin College Bradley University Brandeis University*
Bridgewater State University Bryant University Bryn Mawr College
Butler University California College of the Arts California Institute of the Arts
California Lutheran University California State University system Cazenovia College
Champlain College Chapman University Chatham University
Clark University Coastal Carolina University* Coe College*
Colby College Colby-Sawyer College College of Saint Rose
College of St. Benedict College of the Atlantic College of the Holy Cross
College of Wooster Colorado College Colorado School of Mines
Colorado State University Columbia College Chicago Concordia College-Moorhead
Concordia College-New York Connecticut College Cornell College
Creighton University Curry College Davidson College
Dean College Delaware Valley University Denison University
DePaul University DePauw University Dickinson College
Drake University Drew University Drexel University
Drury University Duquesne University Earlham College
Eastern Connecticut State University Eastern University Elmira College*
Elms College Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Emerson College Emmanuel College Endicott College
Evergreen State College* Fairfield University Fairleigh Dickinson University
Farmingdale State College-SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology Fisher College
Flagler College Fort Lewis College Framingham State University
Franklin and Marshall College Furman University George Mason University
George Washington University Gettysburg College Gonzaga University
Gordon College Goucher College Grinnell College
Grove City College Guilford College Gustavus Adolphus College
Hampshire College Hanover College Hartwick College
Hendrix College High Point University Hilbert College
Hillsdale College Hobart and William Smith Colleges Hofstra University
Hollins University Hood College Houghton College
Immaculata University Indiana State University Indiana Tech
Indiana University of Pennsylvania Indiana University-Bloomington Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
Iona College Iowa State University of Science and Technology Ithaca College
James Madison University Johnson & Wales University Juniata College
Kalamazoo College Kansas State University* Keene State College
Kent State University Keystone College King’s College
Knox College La Roche University La Salle University
Lake Forest College Lamar University Lander University
Lasell College Lawrence University Le Moyne College
Lesley University Lewis and Clark College Linfield College
Loras College Loyola University Chicago Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University New Orleans Lycoming College Lynn University
Macalester College Manhattanville College Marist College
Marlboro College Marquette University Maryland Institute College of Art
Maryville University of St. Louis Massachusetts College of Art and Design Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
McDaniel College MCPHS University Mercyhurst University
Meredith College Merrimack College Messiah College
Michigan State University Mills College Millsaps College
Minnesota State University-Moorhead Mitchell College Monroe College
Montana State University Montclair State University Moravian College
Mount Aloysius College Mount Holyoke College Mount St. Mary’s University
Muhlenberg College Nazareth College New England College
New England Institute of Technology New York Institute of Technology Niagara University
Nichols College North Dakota State University Northern Illinois University
Northern Michigan University Norwich University Notre Dame of Maryland University
Ohio University Ohio Wesleyan University Oklahoma State University
Old Dominion University Oregon State University Otis College of Art and Design
Pace University Pacific University Paul Smith’s College
Pennsylvania College of Technology Pitzer College Post University
Presbyterian College Providence College Purchase College-SUNY
Queen’s University (Canada) Queens University of Charlotte Quinnipiac University
Ramapo College of New Jersey Reed College Regis University
Rhode Island School of Design Rider University Ripon College
Roanoke College Roberts Wesleyan College Rochester Institute of Technology
Roger Williams University Rollins College Rowan University
Russell Sage College Rutgers University-Newark Sacred Heart University
Saint Anselm College Saint Joseph’s University Saint Louis University
Saint Mary’s College Saint Michael’s College Saint Vincent College
Salem College Salisbury University Salve Regina University
Sarah Lawrence College School of the Art Institute of Chicago School of Visual Arts
Scripps College Seattle University Shenandoah University
Siena College Skidmore College Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Smith College South Carolina State University Southern Connecticut State University
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Southern New Hampshire University Southwestern University
Springfield College St. Bonaventure University St. Edward’s University
St. Francis College St. John Fisher College St. John’s College
St. John’s University (MN) St. John’s University (NY) St. Joseph’s College (ME)
St. Lawrence University St. Mary’s College of California St. Mary’s College of Maryland
St. Olaf College Stetson University Stockton University
Stonehill College Suffolk University SUNY Brockport
SUNY College of Technology-Delhi SUNY College-Potsdam SUNY-Geneseo
Susquehanna University Sweet Briar College Temple University
The Catholic University of America The New School The University of the South
Thomas College Thomas Jefferson University Transylvania University
Trinity College Union College (KY) Union College (NY)
United States Coast Guard Academy Unity College University of Arizona
University of Chicago University of Colorado-Boulder University of Colorado-Colorado Springs
University of Colorado-Denver University of Dayton University of Delaware
University of Denver University of Dubuque University of Hartford
University of Illinois-Chicago University of Iowa University of Kansas
University of La Verne University of Maine-Augusta University of Maine-Farmington
University of Maine-Fort Kent University of Maine-Presque Isle University of Mary Washington
University of Massachusetts-Boston University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth University of Massachusetts-Lowell
University of Minnesota-Duluth University of Missouri-Kansas City University of Montana
University of Nebraska-Lincoln University of Nevada-Las Vegas University of Nevada-Reno
University of New England University of New Hampshire University of New Haven
University of New Mexico University of Oregon University of Puget Sound
University of Redlands University of Rochester University of San Francisco
University of Scranton University of St. Joseph University of St. Thomas
University of the Pacific University of Washington University of Waterloo
Ursinus College Vermont Technical College Virginia Commonwealth University
Wagner College Wake Forest University Warren Wilson College
Washington and Jefferson College Washington College Washington State University
Wells College Wentworth Institute of Technology Wesleyan University
Western Connecticut State University Western Michigan University Western New England University
Westfield State University Westminster College (PA) Westminster College (UT)
Wheaton College (MA) Whitman College Whittier College
Willamette University William and Mary Wofford College
Worcester State University Xavier University Yeshiva University

Why apply to a test-optional school?

You always want to present your best self in your applications. Your application should be a positive representation of you as a student and a person. Many students feel that standardized tests don’t accurately reflect them, and universities are starting to take notice. Recent studies by Stanford University have shown that standardized tests do not accurately measure a student’s intellectual ability.  Another study by Georgetown University found that if test scores were the only factor in the college admissions process, only 53% of the students currently admitted would still be. Test-optional schools allow you the opportunity to apply without the added pressures of possibly low test scores. 

Let’s be honest.  It’s possible you didn’t study or didn’t sleep well the night before. Maybe you’re not a good test taker. Or maybe, you just don’t perform well on the test, and that’s okay. This shouldn’t be a blockade to you getting into a good school. 

Applying to a test-optional college or university gives you a chance to focus on your strengths. You can really emphasize your love for volunteering or your passion for the arts. Test-optional schools allow you to show your best attributes and display only the most positive pieces of information. This means that if you’re choosing to leave pieces out, the remaining parts need to be in their best condition.

Why apply to a test-optional school?

You always want to present your best self in your applications. Your application should be a positive representation of you as a student and a person. Many students feel that standardized tests don’t accurately reflect them, and universities are starting to take notice. Recent studies by Stanford University have shown that standardized tests do not accurately measure a student’s intellectual ability.  Another study by Georgetown University found that if test scores were the only factor in the college admissions process, only 53% of the students currently admitted would still be. Test-optional schools allow you the opportunity to apply without the added pressures of possibly low test scores. 

Let’s be honest.  It’s possible you didn’t study or didn’t sleep well the night before. Maybe you’re not a good test taker. Or maybe, you just don’t perform well on the test, and that’s okay. This shouldn’t be a blockade to you getting into a good school. 

Applying to a test-optional college or university gives you a chance to focus on your strengths. You can really emphasize your love for volunteering or your passion for the arts. Test-optional schools allow you to show your best attributes and display only the most positive pieces of information. This means that if you’re choosing to leave pieces out, the remaining parts need to be in their best condition.

What are the benefits of applying to a test-optional school?

Test-optional colleges offer several benefits to students who feel that their standardized test scores do not accurately represent their full academic potential or personal qualities. By allowing students to choose whether to submit their test scores, these schools enable them to focus on showcasing their strengths rather than being solely defined by their test scores. For students who excel in areas such as leadership, creativity, or community involvement, test-optional schools offer an opportunity to highlight these attributes and demonstrate their unique value to the campus community.

For students who may struggle with standardized tests or have limited access to test preparation resources, test-optional policies provide an opportunity to present a more comprehensive and authentic view of their capabilities. This empowers students to concentrate on enhancing their extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation, allowing them to tell their own stories and showcase their true character and potential. Furthermore, the test-optional approach can help alleviate the stress and financial burden associated with standardized testing, enabling students to invest more time and resources in their overall personal and academic development. Ultimately, these benefits can lead to a more diverse and well-rounded student body, enriching the learning experience for all students and better preparing them for success in today’s dynamic and interconnected world.

How to apply to a test-optional school?

Applying to a test-optional school is the same as applying to any other school, except you get to choose if you want to share your test scores. If you scored a 1530 on your SAT and want to apply to Yale for the 2020-2021 school year, you should submit your scores. But if you scored a 1230, you should probably just leave it out and focus on other parts of your application to shine. This doesn’t mean a 1230 won’t get you admitted, but that score falls below the average admitted student, and you will need additional pieces of your application to display the kind of student and applicant you are. This is why test-optional schools can be beneficial to some students. It gives you the opportunity to choose.

If you choose to leave out test scores, here are some things you should be focusing on instead to ensure your application stands out:

  • Grades and transcripts: Even if a school is test-optional, you still want to curate a list of schools where your average GPA matches their average admitted student GPA. Of course, we recommend making a list of safety, reach, and match schools, but you still want to have an idea of where you’ll fall in this lineup. Admissions officers will be looking at this to determine if you are prepared for the rigor of college.
  • Letters of recommendation: Your letters of recommendation will hold a lot of weight in the test-optional application process. It will serve as an indicator of the kind of student and person you are from another person’s perspective. Anyone can study for a test and get a good score, but the way someone perceives you and your relationship with them is unique.
  • Extracurricular activities: Your level of involvement in high school is extremely important in the college admissions process. It’s likely they will look at your extracurricular activities and make assumptions about your personality. If you’re president of multiple societies, they can assume you have excellent leadership skills. If you have been part of the drama club all four years, they will assume you are able to commit to something long-term. 
  • Personal statement: This might be one of the most important parts of your application when your test scores aren’t used. The personal statement will bring personality and humanize your entire application. The story you decide to tell admissions officers can help bring your application to life and might be the determining factor between an acceptance and a rejection.
  • Supplemental essays: How you respond to the school’s specific questions will show how committed you are to that specific institution. If you display interest and can speak in specific terms, it will be a huge factor in determining the fate of your application. 
  • Additional information section: The college application includes an “additional information” section that allows you the opportunity to provide further information to the admissions officers that wouldn’t otherwise come up in your application. Use this section to explain things like a bad grade, to talk more in-depth about an extracurricular activity, or to describe a class you enjoyed. This provides more context to your entire application, so use it wisely.

So, should I apply to a test-optional college?

If you’re still wondering if test-optional schools are for you, the answer is probably yes. You should have a healthy list of 7-12 colleges you’re applying to anyway, and including a test-optional school won’t hurt. Even if you are a strong test taker, a test-optional college allows you to submit them.

Most competitive colleges during the 2022-2023 application cycle will be test-optional anyway. But even as a freshman, sophomore, or junior, you should still be diversifying your college list. In addition, you should be viewing yourself as a whole applicant and not just through the standardized test lens. 

If you need help applying to colleges or want to learn more about test-optional schools, Prepory’s college admissions coaching program can help you through it.

College is a huge commitment. It is also a key time in your child’s personal development. For many students, applying to and attending college is one of the first steps in gaining independence and greater levels of responsibility and self-confidence. 

As a parent, it’s important to understand your role regarding college preparation. Oftentimes this includes creating a college savings plan and knowing how to motivate your teen as they apply to college. It may also include familiarizing yourself with how to study for the SAT, understanding financial aid award letters, and more. 

In this article, we will review 5 things to consider when helping your child plan for college. Not only will this help you organize your own efforts, but it may also help clarify which responsibilities should fall on your child. After all, applying to college is a great opportunity for teenagers to strengthen their organizational skills and gain greater levels of maturity. 

In addition to the following 5 tips, you may want to review our article on how to help your child with college applications, as well as our ultimate college planning guide for parents.

01

Encourage good grades and extracurricular involvement

When your child applies to college, the two most important factors will be their GPA and their level of course rigor. This is why it’s important to be involved in your child’s high school education and effectively develop an college savings plan. Schedule meetings with their high school guidance counselor to learn answers to questions such as: How many AP classes should your child be taking? How many colleges should they apply to? Should they apply through an Early Action and Early Decision program? And what are the advantages of attending pre-college summer programs? 

Students who plan to apply to highly-selective colleges may also want to know how many AP classes should I take for Ivy League college applications? And is 9 AP classes enough? Your child’s high school guidance counselor will be your best ally, so make sure to meet with them consistently throughout the years to learn more about how to best support your child. You may even want to consider hiring a college counselor during your child’s junior or senior year, depending on their college goals and your financial means. 

Overall, high school is full of challenges. That’s why it’s essential to familiarize yourself with things such as how to prep for the SAT and ACT and how to understand financial aid once your child does apply to college. The more insight you have as a parent, the better you will be able to guide your child through the college application process. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of sending your child to college, rest assured, you’re not alone. Depending on your situation, you may want to consider the following articles: 8 things first-generation parents should know about college and challenges for international students.

02

Talk to your child about their college and career goals

It’s okay if your child hasn’t decided on a college major by the time they apply to school. That said, it’s important for your child to have a general idea of what interests them and what types of programs they might want to pursue. In fact, identifying academic interests is often key to knowing how to find the right college for you. One of the best ways to help your child reflect on their college and career goals is to encourage them to seek out internship opportunities, take challenging classes, and engage in meaningful extracurricular activities. 

Knowing how to apply to multiple colleges at once can feel overwhelming at times. This is why it’s important for your child to actively reflect on their goals for the future. Not only will this forethought help them decide on their college list, but it will also help them write engaging college essays. If your child needs more time to decide on their goals, you may want to explore gap year programs together.

03

Visit college campuses and meet with college counselors

Visiting colleges over the summer is a great step to take with your child. Not only will your child be able to see if they feel comfortable on campus, but you’ll be able to meet with admissions counselors, financial aid staff, and current students. Overall, visiting college campuses is a great way to prepare for college with your child, helping to contribute to your college savings plan. 

You’ll also want to continue meeting with your student’s high school guidance counselor. This is because, during your child’s junior and senior year of high school, you’ll likely start having more specific questions such as: How many colleges can you apply to on the Common App? How many colleges should I visit with my child? And is applying to 4 colleges enough? 

You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with important college admissions dates and encourage your child to review our college planning checklist for seniors. Again, do your best to meet with college admissions officers, your child’s high school guidance counselor, and a college counselor to review your specific questions. That said, you’ll want to encourage your student to apply to 5-8 colleges.

04

Teach your child about budgeting and personal finances

One of the first things you should do for college prep is to talk to your child about money and their college list. Do your best to have an honest and thorough conversation about the financial realities of attending college. Realistically, what can you contribute to your child’s education? You may also want to explore how much the average financial aid package is for each of the schools on your child’s college list. This will help you both better anticipate potential costs and further contribute to your college savings plan. 

Overall, the sooner you and your child are able to talk about financial planning and expectations, the sooner your child will be able to grasp the importance of budgeting and saving for college. High schoolers are not always the most financially aware, so it’s important to teach them about budgeting and personal finances. One of the best ways to do this is by encouraging your child to get a part-time or summer job. After all, the best way to learn about the worth of money is to have a job!

05

Learn everything you can about the FAFSA and CSS profile

Understanding financial aid is crucial to the college application process. Likely, you have questions such as: Where does financial aid money come from? What is need-based financial aid? And how much does financial aid usually cover? 

To start, you’ll need to apply for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Every year, the FAFSA opens on October 1st. The FAFSA application deadline is June 30th. That said, each school has different priority deadlines, so it’s important to fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible; this will ensure that you receive the most financial aid that is available to you. You may also need to fill out the CSS Profile. These two applications will help colleges determine your financial aid package. Overall, financial aid packages are comprised of federal, state, and institutional aid. Check out our comprehensive guide to learn everything you need to know about FAFSA.

Key takeaways and moving forward

From AP classes to FAFSA eligibility, there is a lot to keep track of as a parent of a college applicant! Some of the best ways to help your child prepare for college include connecting with your child’s high school guidance counselor, visiting college campuses, learning all you can about financial aid, and encouraging your child to take challenging classes. Moving forward, whether you need help knowing how to help your child through a college rejection letter or have questions about how to get into an Ivy League, remember, here at Prepory, we have the resources to help your child achieve all of the college goals: Reach out to learn more about our services.